February 28, 2005
Portezuelo Tres Cruces
Leaving Serón we came across this derelict iglesia. The road winds higher into the hills to reach Hurtado, a quiet and scenic mountain pueblo. From there we turned north to cross the Portezuelo Tres Cruces. The altimetres read around 2000 metres at the top, but we discovered atop the Paso Agua Negra several days later that the altimetres were at least 250-300 metres undershooting, since we had an elevation marker there.
Ascending our first 'real' pass in 40 degree heat.
Brice on the switchbacks of Tres Cruces.
Looking south from the top.
We scrambled to the top of the hill next to the pass. Brice is shooting down the northern slope of the pass. Note the bikes on the far left down on the road.
On the northern slope of Tres Cruces.
The approach to Vicuña, lined with grape trelises.