Arequipa and Colca canyon

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Spent short time in Arequipa Peru´s 2nd city, exploring cathedrals along the cobble stone streets.
Enjoyed my fix of the exellent vegitarian food the city has to offer. A good nightlife and modern cinema
I was not able to enjoy, many fellow travellers been stuck in Arequipa for those two reasons. Many alpaca
fashion stores dotted the plaza de armas and the city center. The better bargains on apparel was from the
native inka ladies selling their handcrafted scarfs hats and socks.
Quickly off to Chivay a small gateway town to the Colca Canyon and its surrounding villages and hiking.
Travelling with a scotish lad, we set off on moutain bikes exploring the start of the canyon, the inka
communities and most famous the terraces the people built. They grow Quino (misspelled) a leaf rice plant
very high in protein to sustain the harsh weather high altitude, along with coco and corn. Passed many burros
sheep cattle and occasianal alpaca on the 5 hour cycle. In the evening went to the local hot springs and pools,
very nice just what doctor ordered after nice day biking. The area is scattered with geothermal activity. I enjoyed
seeing llama and alpaca grazing freely along the chivay center plaza. Last note is interesting ride back to Arequipa
on local bus which included many sitting in aisle and two alpaca and german sheapard below the bus with the luggage.
Different standards then the states.
For now I made it to Cusco the cultural city and gateway to machu pichu. Gotta find a trek if still available or some means of
seeing MP.

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Comments

[Georgiana Cave]

MP
Are you thinking of doing the Inca Trail? Leave enough time/days in case you hit a rainy or cloudy day! Having any trouble with altitude? That tea works great.

[robin]

QUINOA!
hey there buddy! so excited to hear about the quinoa! it is my most FAVORITE seed/protien. It is a whole protien...more calcium in 1 cup of quinoa than in a whole gallon of milk, and lots of other fun facts! oh man gotta go, dr su just showed up and we got some things to attend to:) cheers and ciao

[Helene]

Hi
Hi Jeff, I'm enjoying your stories and I'm living vicariously through your blogs. I'm glad you are enjoying yourself and experiencing some amazing places. I'm proud of you for living the dream! I'm doing well, I bought my way out of swap, woohoo! I'll be moving back to San Diego soon to get back on track. Hopefully I'll be back out in the global scene seeing some awesome new places... Well, be safe, have fun and keep it coming with the updates. Much love always... Helene