After crossing the Chunga Mayu River, using a narrow wooden bridge, the road starts to climb again on the opposite side of the valley and soon leaves the river far below. The road here is in a very little use and it is more a track then a road. It climbs up to 2100 m (6890 f), hugging the steep slopes of the valley. Several kilometres further on, the Chunga Mayu River meets the La Paz river, which far below us, at the bottom of the valley. We had completed the trip around the Illimani massif and we are again following the La Paz river. Road follows the contour of the valley, vegetation is dry, but there are pockets of more tropical vegetation in the gullies which traverse the main valley. Eventually we will start to descent to Pasto Grande which lies at the altitude of warm 1450 m (4757 f).
Pasto Grande is major pre-Colombian archaeological complex, towering over the wide La Paz river riverbed, consisting of terraced fields, sophisticated irrigation system, roads and dwellings. This complex dates back to Tiwanaku culture and has been also used by the Incas. Unfortunately very little of the 250 hectares of this complex is uncovered and restored. The relative remoteness of the site, keeps away the tours and thus the funds for any additional excavations and restorations. We will have our lunch here and we can make short excursion to the accessible parts of the complex.
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