Summiting Peru 2016

18 March 2016Gina B, Mackenzie ‘17

After spending the majority of the week at Casa Mosqoy doing some large renovations and work to fix up the home, Brentwood students, joined by Mosqoy students, travelled to Huaran, an isolated farm in the Sacred Valley, to learn about the Q’ente textiles program. 

There at Huaran House a weaving expo was put on with artists coming from communities all over the Sacred Valley to share their ancient craft. The work was spectacular, and we experienced how to spin thread out of wool, how they dye the wool with different natural products, and how they weave using traditional tools and methods. One scarf can take 26 days to make in these weaving communities: this artwork is priceless. After the weaving expo, Brentwood was available to purchase some of this artwork, and we did – therefore directly funding and supporting these dwindling weaving communities. 

That afternoon and evening was spent simply hanging out in Huaran, taking in the organic & natural farm to reflect on the experiences and memories made in the past few days. That night, camp was set up on an empty field in the farm, our first night camping in preparation for our Lares Trek that would begin the next day. With most students nervous but excited for the gruelling hike ahead, we went to bed early that night in anticipation for the next morning. 

Saturday morning was slow: pack up of gear and eat to get on the bus and leave for the trail head. We made our way there eventually, and at the beginning of the trail, with the sun blazing high overhead, we were ready to get going. 

Brentwood and Mosqoy students, accompanied by hiking guides, walked and trekked along for hours on end, stopping to see ancient ruins, take in the scenery, or take a much needed break. This portion of the trail was entirely uphill, gaining elevation with every step taken, and it became harder and harder to breathe with every step. However, legs burning, chests heaving, and finishing off in a rainstorm, we arrived at where we would be sleeping that night at elevation of just under 15,000 feet. 

That evening was Everest-esque, We ate in multicoloured tents illuminated only by our headlamps accompanied with the background noise of shivering and teeth chattering. Even in the many layers of down jackets and Merino, after getting practically soaked in the rainstorm, everyone was chilled to the bone. Spirits were held high, however, and students went to sleep ready to hit the one thousand more metres of elevation we would climb early the next morning before we summited the pass and continued down.

The next morning was some of the most gruelling hiking I’m sure any of the students had even done. Each step burned, and with oxygen levels low, headache, raging aches and pains and shortness of breath was affecting practically everyone. But almost everyone managed to summit whether on horseback or by foot and it was a spectacular moment with the party of guides, Brentwood students, Mosqoy students, teachers, and Mosqoy volunteers all rejoicing at the amazing accomplishment. We then headed down into Lares hot springs where we would camp out in the thermal baths area and enjoy some much-needed hot tubbing.

With the Lares Trek at a close, and the trip almost finished, it was time for Brentwood and Mosqoy students to part ways on this incredible journey of learning and cultural experiences. The bond that was created between Brentwood and Mosqoy I’m sure will live on for a long time, and heartfelt thank yous and goodbyes were shared between all parties. With many hugs exchanged and some tears shed, it was time to leave Lares and head back to Cusco.

The next few days in Cusco were spent doing more tourism around Cusco and in the Sacred Valley, including lots of shopping! The incredibly mystical Moray Inca ruins were visited, as well as the breathtaking Maras salt mines where much was purchased. On Tuesday night a lovely farewell dinner was shared, and on Wednesday afternoon it was time for the 30 hour journey home back to the West Coast of Canada. 

The Peru trip was an incredibly eye-opening experience for students and chaperones alike, with amazing culturally rich exposure to the local way of life as well as a way to give back with a NGO that really changes people’s lives for the better. All of these memories made on the Brentwood Peru service trip in 2016 will be cherished for a lifetime. 

Gina B, Mackenzie ‘17