Lagunillas to Agua Blanca (Curva to Pelechuco) Trek 

This stunning 4 to 5 day trek (115km) through spectacular Andean scenery can be done in either direction and at the pace of the individual or group. The route is for the majority of the time above 4,000m, includes five high passes, archeological sites and plenty of flora and fauna along the way. 

As featured in the book 'The Road Less Travelled'.
Read a review here (page 2 of the article)http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article6811050.ece
                                                                                                                                  

The Route 

The following is a description of the trek assuming the starting point is Lagunillas (also known as Tilinhuaya)

Lagunillas. A small lakeside village near to Curva with a tourist hostel providing basic services, a park guards’ post and a few basic stores. The trek starts here. (It can also start from Agua Blanca if preferred).

Curva. The Kallawaya centre of Apolobamba is situated at the top of a hill at an altitude of 3,780m. The majority of the buildings in the village are constructed from stone. There are no formal lodgings nor restaurants here, but there are a few basic stores.

Valle “Llujlla”. A small valley 4 hours walk from Lagunillas before the ascent to Valley “Jatumpampa”. 

Valle “Jatumpampa”.  Before crossing the Jatumpampa valley you’ll see various stone houses and corrals where alpaca and sheep are reared. Passing through this area, an hour later you’ll climb a hill onto a small plain where there’s a large rock. The spot is known as “Antas Khakayuj” (Large Rock) and is an ideal camping site.

1st Pass. Crossing the plain you then climb to the 1st pass with a rock overhang that divides two paths. Following the left path to the 2nd pass there is a 500m steep climb. 

2nd Pass. From this point (4,700m) there are wonderful views of Akhamani (5,700m). Following the path to the right, the trail descends for 3km to Incacancha where it’s possible to camp at 4,100m. The path to the left that leads towards Akamani goes to the mining community of Yana Orko or Flor de Mayo (May Flower). 

“Incacancha”. In this beautiful valley you can camp between the two rivers. Here you’ll find waterfalls, grazing horses and viscachas.  Please note: The water in the northern river is not suitable to drink. 

Mil Curvas. Crossing the river to the north, below the waterfall, it’s best to follow the path that drops down into the valley a little and to then zigzag back up again to the next pass. 

3rd Pass.  From this pass at 4,800m follow the path that climbs to the left and then drops to a small lake. From here you can see the peaks of Ancohuma and Illampu in the distance. 

Lagunas. From this small lake the path descends, and after half an hour arrives at a much larger lake on the banks of which you can camp.

Viscachani. Leaving the lake and climbing a small hill, the path then descends to the left to the abandoned gold mine of Viscachani. From here, the path to the right climbs to a pass at 4,900m providing further superb views. From the pass the route continues along the main road for about 50m until it meets a smaller path. This path leads to the community of Sunchulli. 

Sunchulli. This mining community has basic stores and restaurants. Passing through Sunchulli following the valley, the path arrives at the flanks of Chuhillo (5,666m) where it’s possible to camp. 

Sunchulli Pass. After climbing along the road you reach the highest point in the trek at 5,100m. 

Piedra Grande. Dropping down into the valley from Sunchulli pass, you arrive at the picturesque village of Piedra Grande with thatched roofed stone houses. 

Hilo Hilo . An hour after leaving Piedra Grande the path crosses a bridge before arriving in Hilo Hilo another hour later. Here it’s possible to purchase basic provisions. Leaving the village by the path above the school and over a bridge, the route continues for about 3 hours before reaching a valley with a large number of fallen rocks. It’s possible to camp here.

4th Pass. The path continues up the valley for an hour or so before reaching a bridge across a stream. From here it climbs to the final pass of the trek at 4,900m and then on to the village of Pelechuco .

Agua Blanca. This community was founded on 3rd May 1975, originally as an agriculture centre. However, in reality the population works extracting minerals found in the area. Here there is a tourist hostel offering basic services, and interpretation and handicraft centres. The trek concludes here.