The high variant of the second stage of the Viandante path starts from the hamlet of Genico in Lierna and ends in Varenna near the Castle of Vezio. At the crossroads on via Genico we turn to the right and go up towards the hamlet whose name is the same as the street. Once there, we can cross through the houses of the characteristic village and pass under the state road (SS 36), after which we have to take a left turn where the path starts to climb steeply in the woods. We pass just before the Zucco della Pecora and after crossing through a wide valley we continue the ascent on rocky terraces and winding roads, and then after finally having arrived at the Croce di Brentalone (650 m.) we can take a break for fresh air and relish in a magnificent panorama of Lierna and the lake of Lecco.
We continue to climb and after a long stretch we wind up at the Alpe di Mezzedo (870 m.), To the left of the path a well-kept clearing opens up, where there is a bench nearby with a tremendous view of Bellagio and Lake Como. After the Alpe di Mezzedo, at the first crossroads we turn left and continue climbing towards San Pietro and Ortanella. Once we’ve reached the Piano di San Pietro, the climb ends there, and we will be 990 meters high up in the sky, the highest point of the whole Sentiero del Viandante excursion. Looking towards the west, the church of San Pietro (XIII century) stands out in a splendid panoramic position, near which we also find a fountain where we can take a bit of a refresher.
We then continue along the Piano of San Pietro, and the path passes beside a beautiful field perfect for taking a small stop, and after having reached a crossroads, we turn left in the direction of Stagno del Pozzal, near which there is another area with tables, benches and games for children. At this point, we are a just a few steps away from the lodges of Ortanella. After going past Ortanella and Guillo, the paved road becomes a dirt path that wraps around Monte Fopp (1090 m), and to the east there is a splendid view of the valley and the village of Esino Lario. With a detour to the right we begin the long descent towards Varenna. The mule track descends steeply into the woods giving us views of Lake Como and the Esino valley, and after passing by the Croce del Fopp we reach the village of Vezio where the high variant of the second stage of the Sentiero del Viandante ends.
Lierna is affirming itself ever more as a tourist site, the quiet and beauty of this land makes it a very esteemed vacation spot, we'd like to point out the Riva Bianca - one the Lake Como's most beautiful beaches.
Lierna
Bellagio is Lario's central headland cape of Lario, by far one of the most beautiful tourist places, not only of Lake Como, but of the entire world. Its beauty has been praised, since the 16th century, by Italian and foreign visitors.
Bellagio
Varenna is articulated in a reticulum of alleys that steeply descend towards Lake Como, where the houses reflect on the water as they do in certain areas of Liguria. Varenna was already famous back then for its white-black marbles.
Varenna
