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Published: November 25th 2007
Departing Arequipa we set off for the Colca Valley, site of the world's second deepest canyon which at 3,182 metres (10,607ft) is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and home to the majestic Andean Condor.
Passing through the arid landscape, we reached the highest point of our trip at almost 5,000 metres above sea level. Being at that altitude rewarded us with amazing views of the surroundings including the incredibly imposing Misti Volcano - the presence that volcano has on the region is truly remarkable.
After arriving at our eco-lodge, the Mamayacchi hotel (named after a local girl who became an Incan princess) in Coporaque, and enjoying a lunch of BBQ'd Alpaca and Peruvian salad we decided to relax outside and enjoy the view of the Inca terraces and farmlands.
After a brief rest, we headed off for a hike through the village and farming community surrounding the hotel. From the look of the locals, it seems like their way of life has not changed much for a couple of hundred years - and they appear happy and content.
Hiking up about 3/4s of the way to the summit, we were presented with amazing views of
the Inca terraces as the sun set over the valley. The hike, though beautiful, was quite strenuous and a good way to acclimatize to the high altitude and stretch our legs after the long bus trip.
The next day we headed off to the Colca Canyon to see the magnificent Andean Condor - with a wingspan of up to 3 metres, these giant birds feed on nothing but the intestines of other animals (and the occasional unlucky tourist) and leverage the winds and thermal currents present at Cruz de la Condor to soar from the depths of the canyon in search of food.
The condors - the males recognizable by their white collars and wing backs; the females typically more drab and grey in colour - put on a great show for us by flying directly over the viewing platform for almost 40 minutes.
After the condor performance, we headed back to Chivay to go to the sulfur fed hot springs. At first I was a bit reluctant to enter the "human soup", but after a beer we got in and let the warm waters relax our aching bodies.
That was it for our time in
the Colca Valley (aside from ANOTHER upset stomach); tomorrow we're off to Puno and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.
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Aunty Carrie
non-member comment
Wow!
Wow! You two are sure having a wonderful, amazing time. You are becoming very poetical and lyrical in your writing. Perhaps you need never go back to the old grind. Maybe your future lies in travel journalism. All you need is a video camera to become a new breed of international 'Leyland brothers'. You're probably both too young to remember the Leyland Brothers. Anyway keep on sending your stories; I for one, am really enjoying them. Love, Aunty Carrie