Pelechuco

Pelechuco is set in the steep valley of the river of the same name on the eastern side of the Cordillera Apolobamba, bordered to the north by the snow-capped peaks of the Katantica and Matchu Suchi Cuchu mountain groups. The village's name comes from the Quechua puyu kuchu which means 'cloudy corner'. Founded in 1560, Pelechuco is old enough to have a fine stone church and a few other colonial buildings. The main economic activity of the surrounding area is gold mining.

The village is basic, but there is a public phone on the plaza (well hidden, ask around), electricity and a medical post which is often staffed. Shops and cafés selling and serving the basics are also found around the plaza. The single-table Pelechuco pool hall is a few balls short of a rack.

The biggest fiesta is held on the week around 25 July to celebrate the founding of the village, but there are fiestas every month. The locals are proud of this and support each one with enthusiasm and a lot of drinking.

Buses to and from Pelechuco pass through the Area Protegida Apolobamba. The journey through the Río Pelechuco valley is spectacular and well worth doing in daylight. Those who must travel by night should note that overnight journeys across the Altiplano in unheated buses can be bitterly cold, so dress as warmly as possible and also take your sleeping bag onto the bus with you. If you are returning from Pelechuco by private transport, then a visit to the Putina thermal baths, two hours by jeep from Pelechuco near Antaquillais a must, followed by a daylight trip through the vicuña reserve of the Area Protegida Apolobamba.