Day 3: Wata

We have another full day at the Explora Sacred Valley lodge before we kick it up a notch and go off the grid. The plan for today is a hike to the archaeological site of Wata — as featured on National Geographic’s Lost Cities with Albert Lin, who, if you watch the episode about the Incas, will definitely let you know how great his LiDAR drone is.

But first! We hand-delivered a few very valuable items to one of our favorite Explora guides Mati Weber. He was our lead guide on the Tierra del Fuego Expedition. When Patagonia National Park closes for the winter, he heads up to Sacred Valley until the warmer temps return to Chile.

Another beaver imported from North America

After catching up with Mati for a couple minutes, it was time for breakfast. On the menu today: the traditional (and necessary) double cappuccino, and over-easy egg sandwiches with avocado and tomato. Mmmm.

Traditional AND Necessary

We met up with the Expedition group at 8:15AM to head out for the full-day hike. Brai explained the hike and we marched to the van. The drive took about an hour and a half. And hey! Along the way we passed by Sky Lodge (see Peru Day 11 and Day 12).

Most of the drive was typical Peru craziness (speed bumps out of nowhere, dogs and cars crossing at any moment), and the last 20 minutes was driving up a narrow dirt road on tight switchbacks. No worries though, Explora drivers are the best and we made it safe and sound.

Before starting the hike, we took a few minutes to stretch and set up/put on our gear. The route today has some uphill sections in the first half (to reach Wata at the high point), but nothing insane.

Hike 2 Group Selfie

Onward!

Upward!

Everybody proceeded at a slow and steady pace to acclimate at the ~3800m elevation. We passed through tiny villages with amazing views of the surrounding areas and Andes mountains.

Local villages nestled in the valleys

And their security staff

Wata great view! (Disclaimer: Not actually a picture of Wata, just a bad pun)

One for the calendar

After about two hours of hiking, we made it to Wata, a pre-Incan structure that was at least partially used as a Kolka (storage house). It is unsure what exactly the purpose of the entire structure was, but theories include burial ground, homes, and ceremonial center.

Now this is actually Wata

Looking for the reception desk

We took time to wander around Wata for a while before enjoying lunch, including the quintessential Explora soup.

Exploring Wata

Camp chair perfect for Wata patio seating

Luis’ superpower is he can nap ANYWHERE

After we ate our sandwiches and pasta (and soup, and appetizers, and dessert), we started the descent back down to the main road to the south. It was another three-ish miles. Not the same route as the way up, but similar nature and views.

Starting the descent

At one point along the trail, we saw a giant crawling insect that looked like a big black spider, but also has orange wings. Turns out it was a Tarantula Hawk wasp that, as the name implies, kills tarantula spiders and carries them off. They also have a very painful sting. Good thing we “noped” right out of there as soon as it went airborne.

American Kestral (maybe) feather?

American Kestral Apparel

Hiking downhill goes faster, and we needed fewer breaks, so it only took about an hour and a half to get down. That said, we were in no rush and took our time, especially on the steep sections, so we didn’t fall or destroy our knees. The very last section was to cross railroad tracks, and then a river (on a bridge). Finally, we met our driver and celebratory snacks and drinks. It was a gorgeous day, so all-in-all a great hike.

Looking back toward Wata

The promised van

Tag-team knee brace removal team

Wata hike details

Since we hiked down to the main road, we did not need to take the windy dirt road again (yay!) on our route back to Explora. Arriving at 4:30pm, we had some time to relax before dinner. We checked out the gift shop, but didn’t decide on anything just yet. Matt went to take a dip in the pool (perfect temperature and no other people) while Jo went back to the room to shower and hang out at the bar until dinner.

Tonight’s dinner is a special, traditional barbecue held in the courtyard of the spa house (which used to be an Incan house). The preparation is called a Panchamanca, which is when meat, vegetables, and pretty much anything else, are slow-cooked in a ground oven (or a hole) with hot stones covered by leaves and soil. The food is layered according to how much of the heat it needs to be exposed to. Pachamarca directly translates to “Mother Pot.” (Spoiler Alert: Panchamanca will make another appearance on this trip during Day 7.)

We enjoyed the food and live music. Luis advised us to go easy on the heavier meats the night before we set off for our expedition. Fewer Pisco Sours tonight as well. Last time we were here, there were also traditional dancers to accompany the musicians, but apparently other guests thought the dances went on too long, so they scraped it.

Dinner selfie

Once we had our fill, we went back to our rooms to get some sleep. Tomorrow we leave bright and early at 6:45AM to drive the few hours necessary to start the hike and begin the camping portion of the expedition.