Arequipa & the Colca Canyon

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We crossed from Chile to Peru via a very small train and made our way to the city of Arequipa. Arequipa has a fascinating museum that holds the frozen body of 'Juanita, the ice princess' who was sacrificed to the Inca mountain gods 500 years ago. After the museum we spent the rest of the day exploring a old convent, Monasterio de Sant Catalina, founded in 1580. The huge area of twisting streets, hidden courtyards and cosy nun cells allowed Tracy to get arty with her camera.

The next day we headed out into the Peruvian countryside to the 100km long Colca Canyon. We hiked along quite country lanes and visited villages with their busy plazas. By chance we came upon a festival with hundreds of school children in local custom dancing in the streets.

On our last day in the Colca Canyon we awoke early and drove out to a view point to watch a family of condors sore along the cliff face, taking advantage of the thermals.

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