June 2001 

Trek Day 1 (continued) -- Chiquian - Quispata - Quero:  From Chiquian, we descended even further into the canyon of the Rio Pativlica towards the tiny hamlet of Quispata (9,200'), where our trek would both begin and end.  Along the dirt road, we encountered several mudslides from the previous day's storm, two of which required us to get out and clear the roadway.  We arrived at Quispata, unloaded our gear, packed up the mules and very quickly set off.  Because of the road construction through Llamac, Val took us on a different, largely unvisited route up the Rio Quero.  Our first trek day saw us ascending several miles to about 11,400', then dropping down steeply to meet the river at the settlement of Quero (10,000'), where we set up camp for the night.

Our trusty bus navigates the narrow road down the steep canyon to Quispata

The rains of the previous day cause several landslides to cover the road.  Thankfully, we are able to clear a path through.

Natividad, Antonio and Melkie unload the food and gear at Quispata

View from Quispata of the steep trail heading from the Pativlica gorge into the valley of the Rio Quero.

Our burros cross a makeshift bridge over the Rio Quero.

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