The
five lakes: A heavenly place that has not been explored yet
After
two hours by bus from Huanuco city and about 30 minutes by foot
we land to Pichgacocha, beautiful place located at 3600 meters above
sea level, whose biggest attraction are five lagoons connected by
majestic waterfalls.
I had nothing planned and
it was about 9 o'clock in the evening when one of my friends came
and said that the Dirección Regional de Educacion was organizing
a visit to "Pichgacocha", a quechua word that means five
lagoons. I did not think it twice and accepted the invitation.
The next day, two mini vans
and a station wagon waited for us at Amarilis Park, the starting
point where the rest of the crew, most of them teachers and some
journalists, gathered together to join us on this adventure.
We took the road to La Libertad,
and when we were in Las Pampas we took a detour and drove for two
more hours. To reach this beautiful place the distance is measured
in hours not kilometers like in many other countries.
From the minivan we were able
to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Conchamarka and La Libertad.
Nevertheless, while we were climbing the hills, the air became fresher
and a thick fog prevente us from seeing the driver. We were very
surprised when all of a sudden the driver stopped - a mudslide had
blocked our way- but we were very close so
we decided to continue on foot.
We found a rustic hut and
also the beginning of the most complicated path of the trip. From
that moment we climbed the stones and walked through narrow and
dangerous paths. I tried not to look at the edge of the cliff and
focused more on every step and move I took.
At nine o'clok in the morning,
following a little entrance, we arrived at the five lagoons. We
were surprised by the quietness of one lagoon, which at that point
we couldn't distinguish very well because of the fog. We continue
walking on the lagoon shore till we arrived at an enormous rock
that was inviting. One of the teachers said, "Let's greet and
thank Mother Nature for such beauty given to us at this moment".
The teacher also showed and explained to us the greeting that people
who practice yoga use. In that moment we stood in front of the lagoon,
lifted our hands and breathed deep, then we laid with extended hands
and closed our eyes for a couple of minutes.
The sensations I felt are difficult to put in words. There was a
total peace, I felt in harmony with mother nature, I completely
forgot my monotonous way of life.
After, we slowly opened our
eyes and contemplated the lagoon. To our astonishment the fog slowly
began to lift. Another teacher said, "Mother Nature is welcoming
us... she's returning our greeting." The teacher next to me
wanted to cry... The view was majestic and the lagoon was like a
mirror that reflected the mountains. The trek was a
bit harder for me cause I'm not used to walking in high altitudes.
But when I saw that view I said to myself, "It's worth it"!
In that moment I began to
imagine boats sailing in the lagoon, fishermen throwing their fishing
rods in search of trout. On the shore I saw children playing in
their colorful tents. On the other side, not too far, I imagined
a group of people practicing Tai Chi.
All of these visions could
be possible one day if a businessman decided to launch a new unconventional
touristic product for those who seek adventure...
by Orlando Bravo / trad.
Ana Maria Gutierrez
La Haciendad de Shismay
 La
Hacienda Shismay, es un lugar perfecto para personas entusiastas
y aventureras, para pequeñas y grandes familias y para todos
a los que les guste relajarse o disfrutar de la aventura. Es sin
duda un lugar mágico y misterioso, debido a que esta rodeado
de una exquisita belleza natural, que incluyen hermosas lagunas. |
