Coropuna (Peru’s 3rd highest peak) climbed! (Part 1)

The move from Arequipa to Coropuna base camp was going well up until 40 minutes into the journey when one of the 4x4 vehicles started to produce lots of steam. Luckily the driver, Carlos, was able to tinker with more spanners than most garages possess and after about 2 hours we were back on the road. The drive was through extremely barren terrain with the dusty volcanic landscape only very briefly interspersed with green where the occasional river enabled plants to grow. The 8, now 10 hour journey ended at 5000m where we established base camp in a desolate spot in the shadow of Coropuna.

Breakdown just 40 minutes into the journey! Luckily Sapper "MT" Sheldon was on hand to provide advice.

Sapper Roslyn at base camp, packing for the move up the mountain.

The desolate landscape - even the lake makes little impact on the hostile countryside.