In my recent research for the trails and expeditions to go on I have heard of a canyon embedded with magic, ancient legends and rewards so great that only a few every year enjoy it. The place is old, and I mean very old. It is called Fish River Canyon in Namibia. The route, the trail, and the rocks that you will walk on are at least as old as 1.8 billion years. Thus, researching and finding key information is difficult. 

The ancient tomes are few that survived, mostly there are stories told by the locals that have been passed on from generation to generation. Some of it reaching even the corners of the new world.   

The best way to explore this canyon is on the Fish River Canyon hiking trail. This incredible hike is 85km long and is one of the most beautiful in the world. I have prepared this itinerarius (itinerary) for me and potential future adventurers who would like to explore this mystical place.

Throughout this scroll, you shall find a budget estimation for the exploration of Fish River Canyon in 2021, possible contacts to arrange safe camping spots and lodgings, possible caravans for transportation, what to take and the route map that you will be able to easily copy. And hopefully, at the end of the trip, you will find that legendary tooth of the snake. 

Fish River Canyon Legend

According to the indigenous Nama people, the story on how the valley was created goes like this. Once upon a time, a giant snake delved in southern Namibia. Every so often it devoured the people’s sheep and goats and so finally they decided to kill the snake. Armed with spears and accompanied by their dogs the men set out for the hunt. They encircled the snake, keeping it at bay with fiery torches, shooting arrows at it and thrusting spears into its body. Even though it was a giant snake it stood no chance against their superior numbers. In its death throes, the snake tossed and turned, tearing deep furrows into the ground creating the Legendary Namibian Fish River Canyon. 

About the Fish River Canyon hike

The canyon is 800 kilometers long and the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon. The canyon is closed to hikers during the hot summer months and is only open during May to September. 

The total distance of the Fish River Canyon hike is 85 km and it usually takes between 5-6 days to complete. Only people with a hiking permit are allowed to enter the canyon and you must book this well in advance. The hike must be booked through Namibia Wildlife Resort (NWR) – https://www.nwr.com.na/, at least a month before.

Only a limited amount of people are allowed on the trail at any given time, with a group minimum of three. There are no facilities along the route so you must be fully sufficient and carry all of your required gear with you.

Fish River Canyon hike prices

There are some costs involved in the Fish River Canyon hike outside getting to the location. These are some of the essential costs required to appease the locals. 

• To hike the canyon: NAD 330 per person or US$25
• Park entrance fee: NAD 80 per person or US$6 for foreigners 
• Shuttle Ai Ais – Hobas: NAD 270 per person or US$20

Getting to the Fish River Canyon hiking trail

The easiest way and the best way of reaching the canyon if you arrive to Cape Town or coming from any point from Namibia is by renting a local carriage and driving yourself to the point. I have added a Fish River Canyon map here to show where it is. Just to ensure you do not get lost searching for this hidden canyon.  

You can stay the night before and the night after your hike at Hobas or Ai-Ais, both places offer camping and parking for your vehicle. The Hobas campsite and accommodation at Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa must be booked in advance through Namibia Wildlife Resort.

There is a shuttle bus from Ai-Ais to Hobas in the morning, and you don’t need to book this in advance with space for up to 11 people. 

Hiking essentials for Fish River Canyon

From what I gather it is at least 5 days of hiking, with no villages on the way throughout the whole Fish River Canyon trail. Meaning that the lighter you pack the easier it will be for you to finish this endeavor. Of course, you can try and hire a caravan but in my opinion, it is not needed.

The key point here is to carry just enough food with as little residual waste left. Meaning – try not to take any tin food since you will have to carry it all the way. 

You won’t need more than 2 sets of shirts and pants. Since you will have an option to wash it in the river every day.

Key points being mentioned here is a list of all Fish River Canyon hike essentials:

• A warm sleeping bag: the nights tend to get cold.
• Strong, reliable footwear: that you have hiked in before and are well broken in.
• A satellite phone: there is no cellular signal and exits from the hike are at the start or at the end. 
• A Slingsby Fish River Canyon Map
• A camping stove: for cooking your own meals.
• Matches/Lighter
• A medium-sized camping pot
• A trekking pole
• A First Aid Kit 
• A warm jacket/fleece top
• Two water bottles (750 ml each, at a minimum) or a hydration bladder
• Water purification filter or drops or tablets
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Quick-dry towel
• Tent if you don’t want scorpions and spiders crawling on you.
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• GPS handheld device/watch (for at least one member of the party)
• Digital camera/phone for photos
• Power Bank (for charging phones/watches)

The Fish River Canyon hiking route

The trail is packed with challenges and plenty of cosmic beauty as I am told. If you’re wondering whether you should do a Fish River Canyon guided hike, the trail is not that hard to follow which means you can easily do it independently. If you at any of the points, feel lost you can just follow the river, as far as I understand. It will be longer but this way you won’t stray from the water and at some point, you will find the village. 

It took me a while to compile the stories of many gossips and old texts in this itinerary. The fang should be somewhere along the way, as I am told if you are meant to find it, you will.

Camp 1 The descent 

The starting point of the trail is just south from the Hobas campsite. It takes around one or two hours to descend down into the canyon and is the toughest part of the whole trek for many people. It is best to start the trail either early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid going during the hottest period of the day. At the bottom, you’ll reach the river which is more or less what you will be following for the next few days. 

You can continue walking for as long as you have energy or camp anywhere on the nice sandy bank of the river. 

Camp 2 Hot Springs

It is suggested to hike 13km here and enjoy the startlingly dramatic scenery the upper canyon provides. Along the way, you will see giant boulders, shaded rock pools that are great for a lunch break or a swim. The best place to sleep is near the Palm Springs sulfur pools, for a potential hot bath in the evening. 

Camp 3 Three Sisters

This is a fairly easy day. Possible to walk over 16km if you feel like crisscrossing the gravel riverbed (for which trekking sandals are essential) and wading through reed-fringed pools. If you’re lucky you might even see some wildlife near these pools such as tiny klipspringer antelope, hyrax and even the rare Hartmann’s mountain zebra. 

Along the route look for strange rock sculptures such as mini ‘Table Mountain’ and the Three Sister rock towers, which turn a lurid orange in the setting sun and act as a good spot for making camp. 

Camp 4 Von Trotha’s grave

It is a day for strange geological formations. Backtrack slightly from the Three Sisters and take the well-worn track uphill on the left-hand side of the river while hiking back up the canyon. 

From here, the hike will take around 20km through interesting and strange flora and fauna. You’ll spot the spiky desert-adapted quiver tree, Namibia’s national tree, and if you’re lucky, glimpses of Namibia’s wild horses believed to be left by the German colonists. One such colonist was Second Lieutenant Thilo von Trotha, who was killed in 1905 during a confrontation between German soldiers and the local Nama people, and whose burial is near the campsite. 

Camp 5 & 6 The Straight To Ai-Ais

This is the last stretch of 30km. In my opinion, it is best to separate this hike into two days or otherwise it’s one long day. The route, along the alluvial river plain of Fish River is flat and easy going all the way to Ai-Ais where you will find hot-springs awaiting you.

Additional Fish River Canyon hike tips and key information

• To hike the Fish River Canyon, a medical certificate of fitness from a doctor is required valid within 40 days, and you also need to complete NWR’s indemnity form before commencing the trail.
• A minimum of 3 people are required to book the hike per group.
• The trail is open from May 1 to September 15 each year and closed for the hot summer months.
• The Fish River Canyon hike includes up to 8 hours of walking per day, so you must be capable of undertaking such a trek.
• Poisonous snakes and scorpions are a possibility on the trail and mosquitoes and midges are definite.
• You should treat all water before drinking and have clean water with you all the time.
• You can purchase a map at Ai-Ais or Hobas before you begin the hike.
• You must carry all rubbish out with you. When you poo, either burn the paper or carry it with you.

Download Trail GPX Map

www.plotaroute.com/route/980718

Best Time To Visit Mount Roraima

The best time to visit is during the dry season which starts at the end of November and finishes in April. However, it doesn’t mean it won’t rain during your hike. It’s a tropical place. 

If you decide to hike outside the dry season, you will be risking heavy rains and perilous river crossings. 

USA government travel advisory for Venezuela is set to Level 4: Do Not Travel. Do not travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.

Getting In Getting Out

The only way to climb Mount Roraima (apart from a few technical rock climbing options) is from the Venezuelan side near Paraitepui village which is based in Canaima National Park. 

To get here, there are a few options:

• If you fly into Venezuela there are direct busses (you can check bus schedules here) from cities in Ven Caracas, Ciudad Bolivar, or Ciudad Guyana to Santa Elena de Uairen and ask to stop at Kumarakapay village (do it before you buy the ticket). From there walk to Paraitepui village
• Fly to Santa Elena in Venezuela and take a bus to Guayana city (you can check bus schedules here) and ask to stop at Kumarakapay (do it before you buy the ticket). From there walk to Paraitepui village
• Hire a tour company such as Roraima Adventures, Wild Frontiers or any other that can arrange safe transportation from Brazil for you. Currently the safest option with the current situation in Venezuela 

Note: keep in mind that online bus schedules may not be up to date (not all of the buses or times will be listed). You will get most accurate information at the location.

Things To Consider

1. The current tense economic and political situation in Venezuela and the insecurity it brings
2. Going solo – if you decide to go solo, you have to understand that it’s illegal to do it. Thus I strongly advise going either with a tour company or hire local guides and porters at Paraitepui village. 
3. Going with a local indigenous guide – if you decide to go with the local indigenous guide you will have to source him yourself at the Paraitepui village. You need a guide for three main reasons. One hiking without it is illegal, two the top of the mountain is like a maze without a guide it’s very easy to get lost. And to climb without exploring the top of the mountain is just a waste of time. Three you would need a porter to carry a portable toilet. Since to do number 2 you either need to carry a toilet with you or take all the poop with you in a bag. You can’t leave it there.  As a final note if you decide to go trekking with a local indigenous guide you have to consider that you will have to carry food for at least 5 – 8 days and all the gear by yourself.
4. Going with a tour agency – If you decide to go with a tour agency that offers Roraima trek it solves for you all the above problems. Plus ensures the transportation in and out of the mountain and can help with any other issues you might have. If you will be using the agency that is based in Brazil, they might have connections to ensure safe passage in Venezuela. 

What To Bring

There are quite a few things to bring. Either fly it in or buy it in Brazil. You won’t be able to find anything in 2020 in Venezuela. 

• Backpack
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Hiking Shoes
• Shorts and Pants
• Tshirt 
• Shirt 
• Poncho 
• Underwear 
• Toothbrush
• Hat
• Head protection from flies
• Suncream
• Pullover
• Wind Cover
• Sunglasses

Trail Map

To get to the top of the mountain there is only one route. You won’t need a map for it if you will be going with a tour company or a guide, but it’s always good to be prepared. I have created a trail map leading to the top of Mount Roraima. Check it and analyze it. 

Hiking Key Information

• Length: 5-6 days
• Difficulty: moderate/strenuous – steep, humid, and rainy
• Best months: November to April
• Bring: water filter – the main water source will be wild streams
• Independent climbs are not permitted. A guide is mandatory
• Travel insurance

Mount Roraima Hiking Stages

Stage 1 – Paraitepyu To Tek River Camp (13,5KM) 

The trail starts at the Paraitepui village. It’s an easy hike on a dry flat Savannah. For most of the hike, it will be sunny with no shade to hide under. It will take no longer than 4 hours to walk to the campsite. 

There are two campsites, I would suggest staying at the second one, near the river. It’s more enjoyable and better for cooling down.

Stage 2 – Tek River Camp To Base Camp Under Mount Roraima (10 KM)

The trail will be slightly steeper compared to the first stage. If you are lucky and the season will be dry, you will have quite an easy crossing of two rivers. 

After the two river crossing, you will reach a basecamp right under the cliffs of Mount Roraima. With the possibility to enjoy a natural shower under the nearby waterfall. 

Stage 3 – Basecamp To Roraima Summit (5.5KM)

The most difficult stage. With a total ascent of around 1000m and a steep climb up Mount Roraima.  The trail follows a natural ramp along the Roraima’s cliffside from right to left through the lush and humid jungle. 

Once you reach the top of the mountain the campsite will be in one of the caves named “hotel”.

Stage 4 – Exploring The Roraima Summit

It is a day of relaxation and eye-popping views. If you have time and would like to enjoy the magical views that only Roraima can offer, you can spend at least 3 days exploring the top.

Some of the highlights are the valley of crystals,  angel falls, rock formations and flora that only grows here.

Stage 5 – Summit To Tek River Camp (16km)

It is a long day. A total of 16km will be walked. The most difficult part will be getting down from the mountain to the basecamp. The rest is an easy walk, with a river waiting to swim in. 

Stage 6 – Tek River Camp to Paraitepuy (13.5km) 

A light hike through the savannah leaving Mount Roraima in the back. The only nuance is the sun, otherwise a pleasant hike. 

Conclusion

Mount Roraima hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in South America. Few people ever do it but the reward it gives the climber is simply spectacular. If you are ever in the region to skip this trek would be simply sacrilegious.

Key Data

• • Duration – 14 days.
  • Difficulty – Hard/Moderate. It depends on the month you are hiking in. With summer being the most difficult because of the heat and scarcity of water.
  • Distance – 270 Km.
  • Weather – Hot.
  • Gear – Tent + food for 7 days is needed. Summer gear.
  • Camping – Yes and no. It is possible to book accommodation beforehand. Otherwise for the frugal traveler camping is required.
  • Attention – No open fires are allowed in the region. It is to dry and raging fires are easy to start.
  • Trail Map – Download here.

Safety

The Peloponnese trail is safe in my opinion. Nor have I heard or read any bad stories. Furthermore, most of the time you will have cell coverage and you are never too far away from a village. Once in a while, you might meet an aggressive shepherd dog. Thus it is advisable to walk a large roundabout or wait for a shepherd to appear.

Getting to the start of the hike

The easiest way is to take a bus from Athens to Diakofto. You will have to change it a few times but it is not hard especially when the drivers are friendly and are more than willing to explain to you where to wait for the next bus.

There is also a good option before you start your E4 trail if you need to shop for food and gas is to travel by train. From Athens airport to Corinth and then change to a bus. However, keep in mind the bus station is a long-distance walk across the city from the train station.

Leaving from the end of the hike

Officially the E4 Peloponnese trail ends in Kardamyli. There is a bus leaving 3 times a day. Once you get there, ask at any hotel from where and what time the bus leaves to Kalamata. From there you can take another bus to Athens.

Important Notice

In this entree, you will find the first 100 km marked with our camping spots, drinking water spots and also places were you can acquire supplies. In the next 170 km, you shall find potential camping spots and potential water sources. However, those are untested locations. Assumptions made based on detail research involving topographic maps, guidebooks. You can download the map right here.

One other thing. This is not an original E4 Peloponnese trail it is slightly modified by Tim Salmon and Michael Cullen. It involves a bit more elevation and a more spectacular trail compared to the original one.

The Route Part 1

Here is a link to the map of the E4 Peloponnese trail route which I suggest downloading. In addition to it, I would suggest getting a guide book The Peloponnese and Pindos Way, which explains how to get from one stage to another in case your electronics are lost or run out of juice.

Stage 1 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

From Diakofto railway station, follow the tracks heading South. Pass the highway and continue going forward. For about 1km you will be walking on a road until it turns right and you continue your trail on the train tracks. Walk from the train station for around 3km before you reach a meadow. A perfect spot to camp at.

Key point. Take a picture of the train graphic. So you would know when the train will come from behind and when from the front so you wouldn’t be in a tunnel when it arrives. Also, the water in the river is not drinkable. Ensure that you filter it before boiling it.

Total Distance – 2.8km

Water Points – Diakofto

Stage 2 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

It is a fairly easy day for the hike. Most of the day will be following the rails until you reach the station of Zakhlorou. You will notice it because it will be the only one along the way that will have cafes. Once you reach it once you pass the second cafe turn left and soon you will see a sign for Mega Spilio Monastery. To reach it will be steep 1h climb. At the top of it, you will find a restaurant and a monastery. In front of the monastery turn right and walk until you find a cemetery pass it and look for a blue on white and yellow on white way-marks. A few steps later you will see a road splitting. I would suggest taking the right route it is a much easier climb at the end of the day. Until you reach the top of the pass with lots of interlinked water troughs.

From there keep on climbing up (it is the tricky part) so scout a bit until you will find a waymark and also route down. Once you get down here you will find a small stream look here for clearing and a place to camp.

Total Distance – 18KM

Water Points – Zakhlorou station, Mega Spilio Monastery, Camping Spot.

Stage 3 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

From your camp continue on on the trail following the stream and the old cement conduit and the pipes you see along the way. Most of the hike will be on the left side until you reach the rocky part that starts climbing up. From here follow poorly marked way-points and cross to the right and continue accent. And hike until you reach a dirt road which will lead to a large meadow. Here you can stop to rest near the hunter’s lodge. From the lodge do not take the right road but go back 5 steps and take a left one going for a while straight and later turns right up the mountain. Continue on it until you reach the asphalt road.

Hike 30 m on an asphalt road before you reach a sign on the right going down to Arronia Village II. Once you reach it is slightly tricky route. You will have to hike for a while on a highway before you reach a Shrine Ayios Nikolaos on your right. From it take the first left (a dirt road) leading to Ano Lousi. Here you will find a place to refresh and further down the road a tavern to get some paid refreshments. Now with your back to the doors of the tavern go straight and ignore the main road and find a route leading to the cemetery on the hill that you can see clearly from the tavern. This will be a faster way to reach Kato Lousi.

At the square with springs and plain trees turn sharp left along a concrete lane which curves right and climbs into the southern part of the village. Leave the village by a chapel and big bushy oak tree, descending gravely jeep track in the direction of the half fir clad summits.

As you will see upfront of you awaits a semi-flat ground of bushes. In a perfect world, you would need to go straight through it keeping the mountains on your left and the asphalt road on your right. There are also very scarce markings of the trail and it is easy to get lost.

It is best that you would have a GPS turned and follow its route through the bushes to the shepherds’ house. The house has dogs running wild thus walk around them. And look for an arrow directing you to a path to the river. At the end, you will reach a river and a perfect spot for a camp.

Key Info – 500M up the river there is a waterfall if you feel like having a nice shower.

Total Distance – 19KM

Water sources – Ano Lousi, Kato Lousoi, Camping Spot

Stage 4 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

A tedious day. Tho fairly easy to follow. Cross the river and keep on climbing the hill until you reach a temple Ayia Varvara. From the temple keep right for 50m and look for jeep tracks on the left to follow that will lead you straight to Planitero. You will know that you have reached Planitero when you enter a large square with the health center, spring and old kids slides. From here you can turn right going down faster and fairly easier road but much less beautiful or keep left and go through the center.

Both ways will lead you to Aroanios springs. From there cross a river on a wooden bridge and keep left crossing the park. The markings are spares here. Once you see a dirt road bear right. Now here keep your eyes open on the left for a small poorly marked trail. Otherwise, you will go up the mountain that leads nowhere. From here follow the trail that is not very clear leading to an Arbounas village. Where you will have 2 places to refill the water.

Keep on going on the main road to the top of Arbounas village to reach the abandoned playground. Here turn left and uphill looking for way-marks. The jeep track soon turns into a goat trail to follow for you that leads to Ayios Nikolaos.

From here it is fairly easy. Cross the village of Ayios Nikolaos and follow the dirt road leading to Tourladha. There is a nice sleeping spot near the spring along the way if you feel exhausted already. Once you reach Tourladha keep going for 1.5km on the main asphalt road until you reach a bend on the right with a house and concrete spring and a dirt road going South. Follow this dirt road until you reach an asphalt road right below Krinofita village. Follow the road to the village and up to the highest houses. If you can’t find the route ask the people around. Once you reach a second chapel turn left down a route that is not marked (check the map for a clearer explanation or the book). Here follow it until you reach the ruins and a shepherds house. Sometimes he is in and sometimes not. And the water here might be or not depending on the weather. Don’t stay there too long there are plenty of Shepard dogs around and the spring water won’t be good since the sheep herd is above it. Drink it only if you have filter tablets and can boil it.

Climb up the hill (follow the most well-trodden route) and look for the ruins. This is where we camped a good place but no water. Thus bring your own.

Water Sources – Planitero, Arbounas, Ayios Nikolaos, In between Ayios and Tourladha, Tourladha, 1.5km from Tourladha, Krinofita.

Total Distance – 20 KM

Stage 5 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

Short day but complicated. The route is not very clear and hard to explain. Just incase have a fully charged battery and use the GPS to navigate or use a map and compass and a guide book – “Trekking Greece. The Peloponnese and Pindos Way”. But I will try to explain the best I can.

Behind the southernmost of the three ruins and a blue temple, pick up a jeep track wiggling gently and then more steeply down.

After 15 min you shall pass beneath a stone hut and then where the track turns right continue straight on a tiny jeep track past an oak tree and seasonal pond. From here the trail ends. Keep on going straight and ignore the red dots. After a while, you should reach a ruined house and on your right or straight ahead depending on where you get off you will see an asphalt road.

On your right being on asphalt road should be two maybe three shepherd buildings. Now near it, if you are lucky on the left will be a small trail leading to the meadow. For us, the entrance to the meadow was hidden behind a pile of shit.

Keep going through the meadow and if there is a trail follow it. Otherwise, you will need to scout the bushes near the river. Since behind them, there is a hidden metal bridge that you need to cross. If lucky you might see some turtles.

From here it becomes difficult to explain how to find the route since there are no clear markings again. Once you cross the river follow for a 150m a dirt road until you hit a large opened place on your right. Turn sharply right and cross it. There won’t be a trail. Thus it would be best to scout the way a bit.

Until you reach a dirt road going left. Until you reach a clear sign for E4. Also here you will have to cross a small bush forest and markings are scarce again. Sometimes it is plastic hanging sometimes signs. So keep your eyes peeled looking for the trail (stop and scout for a trail up the mountain if needed).

Once you find the trail up, it is an easy climb to the Pangrati village. From there follow the main road up past the playground and the now-closed hostel. After a couple of minutes fork right. At the hairpin bend keep straight taking the uppermost of the two tracks and climb steadily South West on a good path leading to Dhara. If lucky you can get a taxi (cost 30 Eur) and get to the next stage on the same day or sleep here in an Inn. The price is around 60 Eur.

Water Sources – Right after the metal bridge (boil the river water), Pangrati, Dhara.

Total Distance – 14km

Resupply point – Small store operating from 8-10 AM and 18-21 PM. Basic goods, spaghetti, cans etc.

The Route Part 2

From here on I am not able to give you clear directions. Rather a way-points and estimations where the water sources should be, potential camping spots, distance estimates and trail map to follow. It is because we never finished the trail from here.

Stage 6 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

Here you have an option. To skip the next stage and take a bus from Vytina to Tripoli. Or hike one more day and do the same the next day. If you decide to hike this stage you will have to climb to 1.6 km pass and a light hike down the mountain to Kardan. From which at 8 am the bus leaves to Tripoli the next day.

Water sources – Vytina, Kardaran. Probably won’t be any water source along the way.

Total Distance – 19 KM

Stage 7 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

Tripoli. A great place to refill your food supplies. There won’t be any other store for the next 5 days. Do not waste much time here since you will need to get a taxi to cross a city all the way to Psyli Vrysi. Since you will still have 20 km to walk before reaching the next sleeping spot in Ayoc Pertrac. The only spot with water or so it seems after Tripoli. If you find a water spot with water before the Ayoc I suggest enjoying a shorter hike.

Water Sources – Tripoli, Ayoc Pertrac

Total distance – 20 KM (not included the km walked in Tripoli)

Stage 8 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

Another day that most probably won’t have water sources along the hike. For those that would like to take a peak for the hike there would be possibility to hike Megali Tourla Peak at 1935m.

Water Sources – Ayios Petros, Malevis Covent, Ai Lias, Arnomousga refuge, Vamvakou

Total distance – 24km

Stage 9 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

An easy hike mostly trekking downhill alongside the of the river. So water should be not an issue (Don’t forget to boil it and filter it) if it is not clear color). The end of the hike is a highway. If you come early enough you might be lucky to catch a bus going to Sparta or hitchhike if lucky. If not camp nearby and try your luck next day. Otherwise a 20 km hike on a highway awaits you.

Water Source – All along the way.

Total Distance – 15km

Stage 10 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

Rest and resupply day for the next 3 days. Today you hike only as much as you like to shop and explore the city of Mystras. As for camping there are 2 spots. One nearby Sparta (http://www.campingpaleologio.com/?p=1) and one right before Mystras (http://www.castleview.gr/ ).

Water Source – Everywhere

Total Distance – Up To You

Stage 11  Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

Is a day of steady climb all the way to 1550m where you will find a Taigetos Mountain Refuge. It is 19km from Mystros to the refuge and mostly going up the mountain.  My suggestion if you are able to find a nice camping spot on the way near the water source (after the first 10km) I would suggest camp out there. Since the refuge will be expensive and needs to be pre-booked. Otherwise, you will need to trek and search for a water source along the way or carry enough water for 2 days. There should be water at Taigetos Mountain Refuges. Best to call and inquire. The phone – 2731022574 mob – 6974454079 if they are open.

Water Sources – Anavriti, Taigetos Mountain Refuge

Total Distance – 23Km

Stage 12 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

A tough day. Through the pine forests to Arna village.

Water sources – Ayios Dhimitros, Spartia, Arna, Pendavili

Total Distance – 15km

Stage 13 Of E4 Peloponnese Trail

Is a steady hike down towards the city of Agios Nikolas or Agios Dimitros. Here you should be able to find a night were to sleep quite easily in one of the hotels/ guest hoses.

Water Sources – Panayia Yiatrissa ,Milia, Kato Khora

Total distance – 19km

Advice

This is not an extensive guide. But more of a suggestion for the travelers so they could adapt it the way they want it. It was built for campers and not for the people who would like to stay in the hotels or guest houses. But if you would like to do that, every village has a guest house the key point here is to pre-order them before reaching these villages. But the cost of this trip will go exponentially higher. From 200-300 euros for 2 weeks to around 50 euros extra per night.

Cost

Like most things in Georgia for westerners, it won’t be too expensive. Unless you decide otherwise.

• Cost to the trail  – Taxi max 300 Lari from Kutaisi.  Bus with a layover in Zugdidi 30 Lari.
• Cost out of the trail – Around 36 Lari with Layover in Mestia and Zugdidi.
• Hiking Cost – We took around 500 Lari for the hike. There are no ATM outside Kutaisi.
• Accommodation in Kutaisi – A night can be anywhere from 30 Lari and up.
• Accommodation in Mestia – A night can be anywhere from 30 Lari and up.
• Accommodation in Ushguli – A night can be anywhere from 30 Lari and up.
• Accommodation along the way – A night around 10-20 Lari. Some include dinner and breakfast some not. But for breakfast and dinner, it should cost no more than 15 Lari.
• The overall budget for 10 days  –  300 Eur. Including all hotels food and souvenirs. Excluding flight!

Gear

Authors & Photographer

Simonas Radkevicius – https://www.instagram.com/sim_rad/

The Legend

In my recent visitation to the tavern, I heard a story that came from as far away as Ecuador. A story about how 3 volcanoes came to be. As all the stories so is this one starts a long long time ago, it is vague and has questionable parts. There were two mighty warriors the handsome and powerful warrior Cotopaxi and a fierce and ruthless Chimborazo. Who fought each other for the love of a beautiful maiden Tungurahua. 

They had many bloody battles over the course of the years. However, the handsome Cotopaxi lost. Eventually, Chimborazo proclaimed his victory and married Tungurahua.

Soon after, the newlyweds welcomed a son, naming him, Guagua Pichincha or in Quechua “Baby Pichincha.”

Over time because the souls these three people couldn’t be in peace they turned into volcanoes. Be it curse or divine intervention no one knows. 

Legend has it that when Guagua Pichincha cries, his mother, “Mama Tungurahua” along with the defeated Cotopaxi tremble and answer back with an eruption. In anger and sadness that it was not him that won the final fight. 

In the last three centuries, the Majestic Cotopaxi has erupted more than 50 times.

Not often you can see the batling volcanoes that are part of a very old legend. Maybe just maybe there is still something magical hidden there. Thus, this is one more entry in the map of future explorations. To explore and find the last pockets of the elder world. 

The route

The route I am told is not a difficult one. If we exclude the fact that you will be spending most of the time above 3000m. It is almost a hike in the park.

For most of the hike, you will be spending time alone with the fabled warrior Cotopaxi. Always having each other insight. Him looking down upon you with his year-round snowy white cape. While you looking up with your heavy backpack. Since all the food for 5-7 days will be carried on your shoulders. And at times when you won’t be looking upon this mighty being. You will be surrounded by the rugged paramo grassland. If lucky once in a while between the deep canyons and snowmelt creeks you might see the local habitats wild horses, llamas, foxes, and even pumas. And at times you might find Inca ruins. Letting you feel like you have traveled in time. 

The circuit is easy to follow. Just keep the Volcano insight. While it has many possible variations among the spiderweb of roads and livestock trails. Thus you can create your own trail. But if tired or lazy I have prepared one at the bottom of this post for you to download. However, it is still required that you carry both a mobile map and also a paper map just in case.

The trail has two starts. One at Mulalo. It can also finish here. But that means you will have to walk a large part of the route near the road. Thus a reasonable abbreviation would be to trek only between Mulalo and the west park entrance or Laguna Limpiopungo. This cuts out a lot of busy road walking without sacrificing much in the scenery. (hiking counter-clockwise)

Or start at Laguna Limpiopungo and hike clockwise and arriving at Mulano. 

By the way, for those who feel like fighting the Volcano, there is a possibility with a guided tour to climb to the top of it. If interested here are some articles and tour providers that can help you set it up (I am not being paid for these links) https://www.carpedm.ca/.

Key Information for the circuit

• There are no taverns along the way. Meaning own tent must be carried all the time. 
• There are no places to resupply thus all essentials should be bought in the capital (city name) for roughly 7 days. 
• Water is plenty but it is mandatory to filter it. 
• This is a demanding walk in remote mountains with uncertain weather, where altitude can cause problems. Come fully prepared including proper acclimatization.
• Distance – 79 KM 
• Time – 5-7 days
• Grade – Easy to Moderate
• Trail Type – Dirt Roads, alpine tracks

MAP

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/996879?units=km

Author

Simonas R.