Our days are limited here in Cusco so as a final hoorah we set out in a small group of 8 to tackle a 300m / 1000ft climb in the Sacred Valley near Pachar following a route known as a “via ferrata.”
The origins of the via ferrata date back to the nineteenth century, but they are often associated with the First World War, when several were built in the Dolomite Mountain region of Italy to aid the movement of troops. Nowadays they’re usually used for tourism as they allow otherwise dangerous routes to be undertaken without the risks associated with unprotected scrambling and climbing or the need for climbing equipment such as ropes. They offer the relatively inexperienced a means of enjoying dramatic positions and accessing difficult peaks.
When we arrived to Pachar, we dove right into a safety meeting and an overview of the climb we’d be tackling over the next several hours. Tension and nerves started to build but everyone in the group seemed ready for one of the greatest adventures of the trip. We quickly assembled our gear and followed up behind our guides to the start of the route.
In a via ferrata you follow up a steel cable that your harness is clipped into at two different points. This is to allow for quick transfers from one cable to another without ever being fully unattached from the protection (in case of a fall). Our group made quick progress up the steel ladders attached to the rock and before we knew it we were already halfway up the vertical face.
We bonded over the shared struggle and the cold, misty weather but proceeded upward, for with every step an even more incredible view of the valley emerged. It was a magical experience to see this now familiar valley from a new position and for each of us to experience this reward with each passing ledge.
We took a break on a large ledge and ate our box lunches near these hanging “pods” that many adventurous honeymooners stay at overnight, fixed to the rock high above The Valley. After a quick break we proceeded to probably the most fun part of the journey, which was the zipline back down to base camp. With seven zip lines total, several of which lasted a long time, we felt the rush of adrenaline as we flew on down the valley admiring all the climbing we had just accomplished.
Tomorrow is our last day in Cusco. Some of us will be horseback riding and the rest spending the day in this historic city, the center of the Incan Empire. We all will miss this beautiful country and each other’s company, but will take home memories (and alpaca hats!) that will last us all a lifetime.
— Adam & Joanna
