snakes up to rewarding views of the
surrounding mountains. Be aware
that this old pass road can be covered
in deep snow and large rocks may be
blocking the road, making it a real
challenge on bigger bikes.
In the Cordillera Negra lies Lagu-
na Wilcacocha, a little known small
lake in a simple setting of grasslands
and local houses. Camping is allowed
around the lake and with incredible
views of the Callejón de Huaylas val-
ley and Cordillera Blanca it is a fan-
tastic place to be. The road to reach
the lake is a narrow, rough dirt track
that is challenging in sections. You
access the road from the main high-
way at the town of Santa Cruz, across
the Santa River. The lake is home to
wild ducks, while local donkeys are
scattered around the perimeter.
Take a visit before time runs out on
Pastoruri Glacier, a rare site to see this
far north in South America. The walk
TRAVERSE 25