Once the road reaches the Abra Pucuani pass, it starts to sharply decent into the valley on the other side of the Cordillera Real mountain range. There are spectacular views of Mt. Mururata and numerous green-blue lagoons from the road as it winds its way down to a small mining town of Tres Rios. Tres Rios was a busy town when the surrounding mines knew better times; unfortunately most of the mines are abandoned now. You will be able to see one of those mines, Bolsa Negra, from the road.
After leaving Tres Rios, the road becomes narrow and turns into typical Andean road, full of curves hugging cliffs and with a river far below. We will decent to about 3200 m (10499 f) and the climate changes again, there is more humidity on this side of Mt. Illimani and the vegetation is lusher, and there is more subtropical vegetation. The road continues east following the valley of the Khañuma river. There are unforgeable sceneries of the valley on one side and Mt. Illimani on the other side. Road passes by several small villages and then starts to rise again until it reaches a windy village of Chuñavi, which is the departure point for the hikers who decide to try the Yunga Cruz Inca trail. Here the road crosses a ridgeline and leaves the valley of the Khañuma river.
 |
|---|
 |