Over the Ipsay Pass from Huacahuasi to Patacancha

Sunrise in Huacahuasi

It isn’t hard to wake up with the sun when you have such stunning scenery surrounding you. We stayed at the Huacahuasi Lodge and as soon as I caught the first glimpse of light I sprang from bed to see what the valley looked like in the morning light.

Over Ipsay Pass from Huacahuasi to Patacancha

Our informative, funny and entertaining guide from Mountain Lodges of Peru led us on a stunning adventure over the mountains from the the previous nights accommodations back down to the sacred Valley. Here he is pointing out our route.

Inspiration In All Forms

It is impossible to take for granted the effort, skill and stunning color that go into the native Quechua attire. Something about such vibrance against the bright blue sky that wakes up the senses and fills one with happiness. I found myself stuffing as many Peruvian textiles into my bag as I could to bring color into my friends lives upon returning home.

Photographs and Text © Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith Photographer Bio Growing up in North Carolina in an active family, he spent most of his developmental days outside exploring the family farm, woods, streams and lakes of this bio-diversifed Southern landscape. Stephen received a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Colorado while finding time to ride mountain bikes, camp, fish and snowboard. Five months on a solo motorcycle adventure through South America piqued his interest in farming, grape growing and winemaking leading him to Napa, Ca where he got his hands dirty working for boutique wineries and vineyards. In 2012, he moved back to Colorado to work as the Director of Business Development for the first Organic distillery in the US and only Biodynamic vineyard in Colorado. Half a year on a 90,000 acre cattle ranch opened Stephen’s eyes to large scale land management, animal husbandry as well as agricultural and economic diversification