Lampa

May 11, 2025

Based on the elevation profile generated by Komoot I had thought much of today's ride would be rather flat with just one big climb but we had many insidious little dips and climbs that caught us off guard. The road was quite busy until we reached the 20 kilometer mark where we turnoff the 3S onto the 123. Most of this was oncoming traffic and we guessed this might be city dwellers in Juliaca or Puno heading back to the countryside to spend Mothers' Day with mama.

Once on the the 123 it was cycling heaven. A good surface with hardly any traffic. We rode through a quiet valley for nine kilometers and then had a tough 220 meter climb over 5 kilometers. That's barely four percent on average but the altitude meant it was hard work. We ended up at 4080 masl.

A beautiful quiet valley once we turned onto the 123.

Leigh was struggling to get her arm high enough to match the angle of the incline.

After the climb we had an enjoyable 150 meter descent before undulating for the last few kilometers into Lampa. It was now one thirty so we made sure to find food before all the restaurants closed shop. After another excellent value menu del dia of soup, mains, desert and a drink for seven soles we headed off to the hospedaje suggested by iOverlander. It took a while to work out where it used to be but it no longer exists.

We eventually ended up at a reasonably good place on the southern outskirts of town but were now too knackered to consider a visit to the town's famous church that has a crypt full of human skulls. The altitude really knows how to beat us up on the hills after seducing us with easy riding on the flats.

Tomorrow we head for Mañazo where our accommodation options are also uncertain.

Today's ride: 44 km (27 miles)
Total: 361 km (224 miles)

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