Mules can't climb

This is right above base camp for Huascarán, which is as far as mules can go on this trail. A short section of easy scrambling is necessary to get up this part, and last time I checked, mules can't do that. The two alternatives are to carry all your stuff yourself, or hire porters for the job. In fact, there is a viable third alternative: there is a more southerly trail to the Huascarán refugio. Mules can go all the way up there. However, the locals have agreed among themselves not to offer mule services on that route, so there is more work for porters. 5 August 2011.