Chivay is the main town in Colca canyon. Getting there isn’t as easy as from Arica to Arequipa, so we took an organised tour. On the bus on the way, our first stop was at a shop to get final supplies. I got some Coca leaves to help with the altitude sickness. Locals use it on a daily basis, mostly as a tea. Just as well, because we went over a pass at 4910m! Funny story: on our way to the summit you see all these rock piles with two small structures (possibly huts). The rock piles apparently have meaning for some people, so Carolina asked what was special about the two structures (she had taken photos, thinking they were sacred). Our guide then told here these were the toilets :)
Chivay is a small-ish town, but after our buffet lunch I was knackered. But we still have the hot springs to go to. Short nap and off we went. The springs were somewhat what I expected. Basic with the hot water running straight into the swimming pools. This was very relaxing, but I noticed that the altitude was getting to me. As we were waiting for people, we saw Lisa. She did the “own tour” option and just arrived at the spring. We would bump into her the next day too. Part of the tour we went to a restaurant where a traditional show was put on for us, band and traditional dance. Carolina got up and was decked out in traditional dress and took part. My arm got turned too, but no costume.
We’d seen these tuck-tucks outside our hostel and wanted to go for a ride. We found a guy to take us of a “grand tour” of town. This took a whole of 10min :) Next day was the highlight, drive down the canyon to where the Condors hang out.
The Canyon is not approached like the Fish River Canyon, Namibia, from the top. Rather you drive along the canyon and you get to see it change as you go. There is quite a bit of farming close to Chivay, which is evident from all the terraces. Impressive if you take into account the rough terrain around. The canyon keeps on deepening as you go, to such an extent you really search to find the river at the bottom.
The Condors were truly impressive! This is a bird (vulture) that stands 1m high and has a 3m wingspan. They were spotted many years ago in the canyon, but they go where meat is. Since tourism is quite a big industry, the park rangers started dumping carcasses close to the lookout point to keep the Condors in one place. At least this meant that we got some up close views. I finally know what the local people’s fascination with the Condor is. It is truly majestic.
So now we had to get back. One or two stops on the way back to Arequipa, which meant that everyone was bushed on arrival. A nice trip though. I was hoping to meet up with Laura & Anna (from Ushuaia) in Cusco. They were getting back to Cusco on the 3rd. Since I had no reason to stay longer in Arequipa, we booked our bus tickets for Cusco.
Choices: These pills (funny add) vs. Coca leaves – On the road – Roadside market
The “sacred” rock piles…and the toilets :) – Proof of the altitude – I’m pregnant after the buffet
The tuck-tuck taxi’s – Hot water springs
Our band at the restaurant – and the dancers – Carolina part of the show - Pisco sours is a Peruvian drink. This is Colca sour
Start of the Canyon drive – Later the canyon gets deeper – Tourists posing with animals – Everyone making a living off tourism
People at the Condor view point – Condor pics
See the rock piles? This is a slope, requiring climbing gear. Important people were buried here…How? – Our tour guide
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