Colca Canyons

This entry covers 6 - 7 November

6 November

The team woke up to its 1st full breakfast on toer which required no 2nd invitation in anticipation of the 4 hour bus ride to Colca. The Aquaflorida was dished out by the tour guide at around 4000m above sea level. This fumes from this local remedy is inhaled and rubbed onto the forehead. We stopped for pictures of Vicuna (one of the local camels of the Andes) and a mixed tea drink called mune (coca leaves, chachacama). It was here that I found the ultimate daypack…handmade and super steamy...officially in the vibe!

We stopped for a herd of Llamas at around 4300m and agrred with myself that I was feeling very chilled and spaced out on this alien landscape. Surprisingly, a shirt and shorts provided more than enough protection from the elements. Logical thought processes deserted me at 4500m and by the time we reached Patapampa (the pinnacle of our bus ride at 4900m) making a trip to the loo had become a seriously arduous task! We arrived in Chivay (3570m) and enjoyed a typical (local) brunch followed buy a walk around the Plaza de Armas (all Peruvian towns have these). Local women and children paraded the square with Llamas on leads in the hope of picking up a photo for a couple Soles to which Peter (the eccentric Swedish ballie) obliged.

The 2 hour walk through the myriad of highland terraces, stone walls and aqueducts made truly spectacular photographing. Even novices like me managed to capture some awesome shots. From cows mowing the pastures to tiny cacti protecting the brilliant green pastures from hungry beasts, we were rewarded with a diamond in the rough of a hotel…Mama Yachi. Feeling a little svitzy I jumped into the shower and the musty smelling water brought flooding memories of Carrach Lake in Underberg.

7 November

A 2 hour bus ride to the popular Cruz del Condor included sights of cavernous glacial fissures and a photo session of the 121 terraces that climbs the impressive mountain side. While the condor viewing point was littered with stacks of tourists, the Andean Condors didn’t disappoint, taking to the thermals as we arrived (90cm tall, 3m wingspan, 70km/h). Digi had his work cut out alongside hundreds of telescopic lenses that fired away at 3 shots a second! Our tour group decided to get away from all the action with another 1½ hike into the wilderness. The scenery and complete silence was quite breathtaking (aside from the altitude!). The day was rounded off with Cuscena beers in the hot springs, live bands and local dancing over dinner.

Thought for the day: these are the happiest poor people I have ever come across...