28-Oct-2023 --

The Confluence Near Olmos

The adventure takes place in a hidden corner of the Lambayeque region, where the geography turns into sandy terrain with thorny trees and scarce water. This spot, near the town of Olmos, where the sun, goats, and peacocks meet like old friends, marked the beginning of our journey towards the desired confluence. The days leading up to it were a whirlwind of preparations, adjusting compasses, and calibrating our spirits for the encounter.

On the morning of departure, the sun rose with a clarity that could only be compared to the determination in the hearts of the five travelers. Each step on the dusty ground resonated with the history of those who had walked before without knowing it was a confluence point that would be visited on the magical day of October 28, 2023. Along the way, the plants and animals presented themselves as silent guardians, whispering ancient secrets to the wind, hidden among thorny trees.

Before embarking on the journey, we spoke in person with the local residents. With overwhelming hospitality, they decided to accompany us on our journey and even provided lodging as close as possible to the confluence. Their stories and knowledge of the area enriched the experience, making the trip a shared and profoundly human adventure.

The site is located an hour by truck from the nearest house, traversing a dirt road. Then, you have to walk two hours from the nearest point where the road being opened for a large-scale agricultural project leaves you. The trek required bringing water, wearing hiking shoes, and proceeding with caution due to the presence of wildlife. These preparations added a layer of excitement and respect for the natural environment.

Upon reaching the last hundred meters, the landscape unfolded before me in a symphony of colors, undulations, sandy textures, green plants, branches, and thorns on the ground, where the only sound breaking the silence was the voice of the wind. The coordinates marked on my GPS were more than numbers; they were the promise of a moment suspended in time. The four cardinal points aligned in a perfect dance, each direction offering a unique view of the essence we had dreamed of visiting for over a year.

The camera's click captured not only images but also the emotion and reverence of the place. Each photograph, from the panoramic views to the detail of the GPS, narrated a story of exploration and discovery. And at that precise moment, the confluence ceased to be a point on the map to become a lived experience, a deep connection with the earth, its mysteries, and friendship.

As the sun descended on the horizon, I stayed a moment longer, breathing in the stillness and letting the landscape permeate my senses. On the return, the path seemed shorter, perhaps because I carried with me not only the satisfaction of a completed objective but also the certainty of having touched a space made better with friends and in a temporal coincidence for which only gratitude to destiny remained.

Recommendations for Future Travelers:

Plan ahead and ensure you have the right equipment. It’s like a semi-desert.

Talk to the local residents and respect their instructions; their knowledge can be invaluable. The nearest town is Olmos.

Bring water, wear hiking shoes, and be cautious of the wildlife in the area.

Document your experience carefully, following the project's photo and narrative requirements.

Enjoy the journey and let each step bring you closer not only to the confluence but also to a deeper understanding of our world.

My dear friends, our adventure is now a contribution to the degree confluence project. Tony Chupica, Sheyla More, Zulema Cajahuanca, Ademir Yuri, Jessica Garcia, Kevin Quispe. Thank you for the incredible experience