Day 1 of our 5 day hike to the lost city. We had breakfast this morning then finalised our packing for the 5 day hike. Even with the mule we are only taking one dry change of clothes plus one spare shirt. Between Stu and i we have 2 heavy backpacks (with the camelback bladders in them), one duffle and my Disneyland backpack. We met the group last night and we are Niamh, Miguel, Anastasia, Jess, Sia, Becky, Claire, Marcus, Claudia, Andrew, Anne, Rosanna, Peter, Jayenne Stu and Davin, Kanka.
The group seem really nice. Our G CEO is Miguel and indigenous guide is Kanka, he is Wiwa (where we are staying on night 2). We were picked up from the Hotel in 2 jeeps and driven to the checkpoint just over an hour from Santa Marta. After this we drove off-road for an hour to Machete. We had lunch here then it was packs on and the hike was on. The hike today was about 7km and had some pretty fun up-hill bits in it but it has been worth it as the scenery was spectacular. We reached our first camp (beds, showers and European toilets yay) about 4:30 after several rest stops including one where we were supplied with watermelon. We have been able to buy water every hour or so – which means we could have left the camelbacks home (along with 3 days of hiking gear).
Below are some photos of day 1.
Around the campfire last night we heard the story of the Wiwa and their perception that they were the first children (therefore oldest siblings) of their gods (their creation story) and when the Spaniards came their Mamus told them that their little brothers were returning. Their little brothers weren’t exactly friendly to them. The perception continues today with how they view our more materialistic society that one day their little brothers will mature. We also lernt about the poporo that all the men carry.
davstuholidays 