UJ #9 - Adventure in Peru

PATHS OF ADVENTURE
Above: Lakes at Lares, a paradise for
sports fishermen.
Below: Impressive waterfalls and lakes in
Nor Yauyos Cochas Reserve. This natural
reserve is perfect for water sports such
as kayaking, sports fishing and paddle
boarding.
WHILE SOME
EAT WHAT THEY
CATCH, THERE
ARE AGENCIES
THAT PROMOTE
CATCH AND
RELEASE TO NOT
AFFECT THE LOCAL
ENVIRONMENT
Gabriel Gygax
SPORT FISHING
Sport fishing is expanding in this country. Not only on the north coast, where it has been
practiced for a long time, but in Cusco (the highlands), where fly fishing is popular on certain
lakes. Packages are available that include activities on Lake Ausangate, in the province of
Lares and even on the River Vilcanota, where you can fish for golden trout, rainbow trout,
brown trout and even sardines. Closer to Lima, in Huancaya — province of Yauyos — some
interesting programmes are available that include lakes Huallhua, Las Rosas, Ashincuy and
Quillcay. What should you take on these excursions? Well, light cotton t-shirts, both longsleeved
and short-sleeved, lightweight trousers, shorts and a cap; sun block and insect
repellent, trainers, camera (video or still), pocket torch and personal medicines. In addition
to everything else necessary for the journey, some agencies also include fishing gear for
beginners; ask beforehand. An important point: while some eat what they catch, other
agencies promote catch and release, so as not to affect the local environment. If you want
this option then ask before you go. Either way, it is important to respect the minimum size
regulations: they are obligatory.
Rafael Cornejo
THE SECRET TRAIL AND SLEEPING IN THE AIR
This is hard work - it’s tiring. But it’s worth it. We know from our own experience: it is an
assisted climb, with steel staples hammered into a 400 metre rock wall. A steel wire rope
secures climbers for the whole of the climb. It takes about four hours any anyone who is
reasonably fit can do it. We only recommend that you don’t eat much before the climb. The
descent is by zipline. The total length of two thousand metres is divided into six sections,
each more exciting than the last. The final section is covered by rappelling. There is no age
limit for this activity. More important is enthusiasm and comfortable clothing that does not
affect your agility. Ah, and the same guys who run the via ferrata (www.naturavive.com) have
implemented a sky lodge up on the mountain: transparent suspended capsules for up to
eight people, with rooms where you can pass the night looking at the stars. Not suitable for
those with a fear of heights.