Colca Canyon

---

An restless night's sleep in Arequipa left us ill-equipped for a long drive to Colca Canyon by minibus. We were the first pick-up at 07:30 and we didn't pick up the last two until 08:30 by which time we were mildly irritated. Having made preparation for the day we were not pleased to have to stop at a shop so that our fellow-travellers could micturate and purchase a variety of candies and drinks. We finally headed out of Arequipa at 09:00 and climbed. And climbed. And climbed. After some interesting overtaking manoeuvres past road trains and other coaches and buses, passing llama and alpacas along the way through Aguada Blanca National Reserve we finally reached the highest point, some 4,900m above sea level.

Whilst all of us were chewing coca leaves to help alleviate the effects of the altitude, David was the first of a handful to have succumb to the ministrations of "Doctor" Peter our guide. Surgical alcohol inhaled sharply seemed to do the trick but there was still no possibility of walking any distance. Colca Canyon was very picturesque with its terraces and green valleys.

Lunch was undistinguished except for a hair of uncertain derivation in David's lunch and hot raw chicken served up to some of our fellow-travellers. We went after lunch to our hotel, Casa Andina in Colca, for a few hours' rest, from where Jen decided to take up the offer of a dip in the hot springs at La Calera. This seemed to be her undoing, because she quickly developed a headache of some intensity.

In bed by 20:00 we both had a most unpleasant night suffering from the effects of altitude sickness to a greater or lesser extent and with a variety of symptoms from the list we found in “Lonely Planet”!

---

Photos

Colca Canyon group
We were all smiling, but some of us had headaches due to the altitude...

Condor
Condor wheeling majestically in Colca Canyon

Comments

[Di Theobalds]

Delights of high altitude!
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is actually more common in fit young men because they are more likely to attempt a rapid ascent by racing up the mountain like some indestructible super hero!(Could this be David?!) As a general rule, it is far safer (and more enjoyable) to avoid altitude sickness by planning a sensible itinerary that allows for gradual acclimatisation to altitude as you ascend, (you can race back down as fast as you like!). (Quote from www.traveldoctor.co.uk ) Some useful tips on the sight include: Stay properly hydrated. Acclimatisation is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least four to six litres per day). Urine output should be copious and clear to pale yellow. Take it easy and don't overexert yourself when you first get up to altitude. But, light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquillisers, sleeping pills and opiates such as dihydrocodeine. These further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of symptoms. Eat a high calorie diet while at altitude. Remember: Acclimatisation is inhibited by overexertion, dehydration, and alcohol..... or am I teaching you to suck eggs! Thought the bit about 'fit young men' was particularly amusing in the circumstances! By the way -what is 'surgical' alcohol? I only know one type!!! Seriouslt though - sorry to hear about your ailments but hopefully these, the sweetie stops and dis-organised tourists are not spoiling what sounds to be a great trip. Very exciting, keep the blog going if you can. Di xx