San Agustin is blessed with a ready supply of fresh water, which is captured from a mountain stream and channeled into the city in an aqueduct. We will hike along the aqueduct going 3.0 miles uphill, gradually rising into one of the valleys nearby to the ruins of a hydroelectric plant built near the turn of the last century. While the hike has a very moderate gradient of just 1%, it is 6.0 miles round trip and there is no option to step off the trail and hail a cab if you tire. Still, this is one of our favorite outings. At the end of the hike, the Cultural Center in the old textile mill is well worth a visit, and it is free. There will be a 25 pesos fee imposed to hike this trail, which includes a guide. You will want to pack a sack lunch to enjoy when we reach the ruins of the hydroelectric plant, which is our turnaround point.
Time frame: 9 am to 3:30 pm / Distance: 9.65 Km (6.0 Mi) / Elevation change: 61 M (200 Ft) gain & loss / Highest elevation: 1938 M (6361 Ft) / Type: out & back / Trail: footpath with some tricky crossings on narrow ridges / Exposure: mostly full sun / Rating: moderate
PANDEMIC PROTOCOL: For everyone's safety, hike participants must show proof of vaccination when boarding the van the morning of the hike, and must wear face masks when traveling in the van. Masks may be removed when out on the trail. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!