Descent from Punta Olimpica to base camp
Start of Olimpica trek is in the pass Punta Olimpica (4 920 m asl), which is easily accessible by bus from Carhuaz. It is one of the few treks in the world where you begin the walk with a descent. The destination of this stage of the trek are the meadows above the river Cancahua, about 4 215 meters asl, which is not only a great place for a tent, but also the perfect starting point for the walk to pass Punta Yanayacu, which is the main attraction of this trek.
View of meadows at BC Olimpica
Once you walk a little down from the pass Punta Olimpica, a nice view into the depth of valley Quebrada Cancahu opens. In the meadows a short walk from the lake is an ideal place for a tent.
Massif of Huascaran
Almost the entire descent you will have a beautiful view of the massif of Huascaran. You just have to hope for good weather to be shown in all its glory.
Descent to the Chacllacocha lake
The basis for success is to find a path descending to the lake Chacllacocha /from the pass is this lake not visible/. Now it is perhaps partially disrupted by the tunnel built here. Faster, but more dangerous option is to descend to the lake directly over the slope from the twist of the road lying most to the north. Meadows are ideal for setting a BC are almost the height of your look.
Lake Chacllacocha with cows
Lake Chacllacocha (4 200 m asl), which is 720 vertical meters below the pass, is a popular place to drink for local stray cows. From the lake still await you nearly 100 meters of descent to the stream, and from there the first ascent to the meadow.
The picturesque highland meadow
You finally are at the upland meadow with beautiful view of the pointed mountain Nevado Ulta.
Olimpica BC
The campground itself is not specifically marked, just choose a place at a large meadow. But be aware that you will probably not meet here many people, although there will be plenty of curious cows.
View of Nevado Ruricocha
Directly above the campsite is icy ridge of Nevado Ruricocha, so the views from the tent are also worth it.
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Article: Olimpica trek
Olimpica trek belongs among the shortest in the mountain range Cordillera Blanca. But this does not change much about the fact… continue reading