Nothing in more American than the 4^th of July. It’s a fun, festive, and of course, free time for Americans all over the world. In Perú, though, the 4^th doesn’t mean much in my small town of Tomas, Yauyos. Therefore, I took advantage of this weekend to see a new part of the Reserva Paisajística Nor Yauyos Cochas, and visited the town of Vilca. Although Vilca isn’t any more patriotic than Tomas, but it is one of the most incredibly gorgeous places I’ve seen up close and personal.

Sarah and I (my fellow PC friend who also stayed in Yauyos for the 4^th) went on a 3 day/2 night backpacking adventure to visit Vilca, a lake called Papacocha, and a forest of queñuales (a native Andean tree). What we found were breathtaking views and up close experiences with birds, waterfalls, trees, and even a local dog.

I don’t have much to write about Vilca, because the pictures and videos speak for themselves. Enjoy!

Trying to look tough on the road between Huancaya and Vilca

Dead, down and dry! Firewood in Vilca.

Sarah at a pool in Vilca

Some Quenales and the dry waterfalls in the background.

Some beautiful mossy waterfalls in Vilca

Who's excited to play in the waterfalls? This guy!

Looking pensive above the lake and quenal forest.

The tiny little town of Vilca...look at that river.

Cooking by the fire.

The evening colors, camping in a pasture on the side of a mountain.

Lake Papacocha and the beginning of the quenal forest.

A little video taken at the waterfalls of Vilca.