Peru 2013

Tarapoto to Camarachi           36 miles        3,400 feet of climbing

Our good morning climb was 13 miles straight up out of Tarrapoto with 4- 8% grades.  This promises to be the last significant climb.   We rode under threatening skies and climbed into the mist hanging on the mountain.  We stopped and saw an interesting waterfall on our ride up.  The look back to Tarrapoto showed our climb and the relative isolation of our mountain.  On the way up we saw a number of plantations and well-tended estates.  This area is much more manicured than anything we’ve seen along the way.  Our stop tonight is in a humble hotel in a humble town, but I enjoyed a delicious lunch of smoked pork, potatos and rice.

We also enjoyed comparing the Chicha Morada to previous offerings.  The drink is a dark purple beverage served cold and made from corn.  Cloves, cinnamon, apples and sugar are added.  An alcoholic version is served in the Andes and dates back to Incan times. 

Our next stop is the river town of Yurimaguas. 

The group is eagerly anticipating the trip on the river and the next adventures.

Money changing on the town square - Tarapoto

Our paceline

 

 

From the climb overlooking Tarapoto

Vista

Evergreen flowers

Waterfall

Hydro-therapy