# @rhiannonhikes on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DadXrZOCO-S
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/67434473-rhiannonhikes-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/8f46dbb4dd.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-06T16:55:49.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** rhiannonhikes (@rhiannonhikes) — https://gondola.cc/rhiannonhikes

## Caption

| Day 8/8 | The last big push…😮‍💨

The final instalment of my 8 day unguided trek in the Cordillera Blanca was yet another brutal ascent and descent over a pass.

I saw snow. I saw a stunning lake. And I had yet another mental breakdown 😭

This time, it was because we had to descend from our campsite to the valley and as we begun to walk down, the land became narrower and steeper.

So much so that we were staring straight down a waterfall surrounded by cliffs. I really thought this was the final straw for me. Panic began to set in as the plants surrounding us stabbed us like daggers.

We decided to turn back. Which only lead to a solo up the cliffs we had come down.

But luckily (after exiting this death trap) we were able to find a safe-ish way down to the valley. And boy was I kissing the floor and thanking the universe for my life.

Following this we treated ourselves to lunch and a swim in this incredible lake - well deserved I thought and begun our final ascent over the last pass.

Generally uneventful, but absolutely beautiful as always, we reached the pass and experienced our first bit of weather on the whole trek…snow!

And then begun a slow and steady descent down a scree field (my first ever proper one!) and I made it!!

By the time we had reached the second valley, I was pooped, and the torrential downpour hit us JUST after we set up the tent ⛺️ 

But the final night felt so special to me, knowing I’d almost completed what had been the most challenging hiking experience of my life. Those instant noodles hit harder than ever. 🍜

Our final day was a walk out the valley, followed by a fat meal and a good rest.

Thank you for following along on this adventure. I was so excited to share this incredible landscape (and my trials and tribulations) with you…🤪

I hope this inspires you to trek in Peru, perhaps with a guide so you don’t have as many mental breakdowns as me 😂

#hiker #femalehiker #trekking #peru #cordillerablanca

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## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| rhiannonhikes | @rhiannonhikes | https://gondola.cc/rhiannonhikes | Influencer |

## Tags

trekking, peru, hiker, cordillerablanca, femalehiker

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