25 Apr 2023
The day began with a warm greeting from Jose to meet up. The transportation arrived promptly and we began up the mountain to the trailhead.
Jose made sure we had all of the necessities before leaving, so I felt safe. The hike was challenging but so rewarding. As we approached the final destination, high above Urubamba at the feet of Apu Chicon, Jose and his crew coached me onward.
We arrived at the campsite and the real magic began. The team assembled the sauna and tents in short order, and before I knew it, I was feeling cozy in one of the most roughest places I have ever set foot.
We ate lunch beside the hot stove, and I snuck in a siesta before the sauna ceremony. We suited up and began the sweat, getting a proper of dose of the medicinal vapors which were infused with eucalyptus and rosemary. Simply divine.
I got hot so I jumped in the lake, Juchuycocha. The icy, crystalline waters were a nice refresher before another round of heat.
By dinner time I was feeling super cozy. We ate a dinner cooked at the hearth, shared some stories, and were off to bed. I slept like a baby.
All I can say is that the whole trip was surreal. I would recommend this to anyone who likes hiking, sauna, and the great outdoors.