Peruvian Pathways

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Colca Canyon


We took a 2 day trip into the Colca Canyon, some 3 1/2 hours from Arequipa by tourist van. On our trip we were joined by a couple from Curacao, 3 young Chinese girls, 2 young men from Holland, 2 young male teens from England and a couple from England. The group really clicked and we had lots of laughs. En route to the Colca Canyon we reached an elevation of 16,000 feet. Along the way, we also saw wild vicunas (a member of the llama family), alpacas and llamas. The countryside is like a moonscape with very little vegatation. However, having said this, there are some irrigated plots of land which really stand out. Quite a contrast. Stopped briefly in the town of Chivay, which is the jump off point to visit the Canyon.

We then continued on a rough country road to our hotel, which is owned by the same hotel we are staying in at Arequipa. Beautifully located in the countryside with views of the Colca Valley and the terraced farms. To greet us at the hotel was a pet llama!! We then went for a short hike through the terraces with our guide, Leo. Then before dinner, we went to the local hot springs...unlike the ones in Canada, you can enjoy a beer while in the pool.....how civilized!

The next morning we were up at 5 a.m. to get started for the trip to Condor viewpoint. When we got to the viewpoint there were already scores of other tourists, but we managed to still get a good spot for viewing these magnificent, ugly birds!! About 10 minutes after arriving we spotted our first condor....spectacular. These birds are so big they cannot fly; but depend on the thermals to give them loft on which to soar. We were even lucky enough to spot one condor simply perched on a nearby tree. Their wing span is about 12 feet. The younger condors are black with white markings around their neck and on their wing tips. The older ones are brown in colour. What a sight!
We then took a walk along the canyon rim. This canyon is the second deepest in the world, the first one also near Arequipa. Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon at approximately 10,000 feet deep. It is possible to hike down to the canyon floor and back up. There are camp sites below where you need to stay overnight. Not on our agenda....bad knees for Robin. Not withstanding, we really enjoyed the views and short hike we took.

Another feature of the canyon are the extensive terraces which were built over 1,500 years ago and are still being used today employing the ancient irrigation and farming methods.


We are now spending our last day in Arequipa before flying to Mancora via Lima, in the north of Peru. Mancora is a beach town, where we will spend 5 days before heading to Ecuador.

Once again thank you to those of you (thanks Brenda, Lisa,etc.) who have kept in touch. Just FYI, if you read our previous blog on Lake Titicaca, we have added some pictures in the blog.

Pictures:
1) Colca Canyon
2) Claire in hammock at hotel in Colca Canyon
3 & 4) Condors
5) Pre Inca Terraces in Colca Canyon


2 Comments:

  • Great pictures. I was unaware that Condors were so large! 12-foot wingspan is amazing. Imagine one of those swooping down to steal a french fry!? haha. The colours of the clothing are so vibrant and happy...and the homes/huts they've built on the reed islands look so well put together. Today is sunday and it's rainy here, but warm. We'll check back soon! Miss ya's..Love Lisa and Rich

    By Blogger Leece, at 6:34 AM  

  • Hi Clare and Robin,

    I've been following your blog and am amazed and impressed with your adventure. You ought to go into travel writing. Great pictures! Got Rich and Lisa's news! We're very happy for them!

    Billie and Terry

    By Blogger Billie, at 10:32 AM  

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