Following Cusco we headed to Arequipa, known as the White City of Peru due to the colonial style buildings spread throughout the city. We spent the first few days wandering the city, taking a free walking tour, trying the local craft beer and food and going white water rafting. The white water rafting was just 15 minutes from the city in the Chili River. We both really enjoyed it and will be looking for a longer and rougher ride next time!
The Colca Canyon, "the world's first/second deepest canyon", is a 7-ish hour bus ride from Arequipa city in the Arequipa region. We traveled to the canyon to do a 3-day, 2-night trek down into the canyon and back up.
Prior to starting the trek, we viewed the flight of the condors at the top of the canyon, an amazing spot to watch the huge condors sweeping back and forth along the cliff edge.
We then started our long decent down 1200m into the canyon. It took about 3 hours to make it down the winding gravel path that was cut into the canyon face, not for the faint hearted! We stayed in a beautiful little village beside the river, San Juan. The warm, tree filled village was a stark contrast to the dry desert-like conditions at the top of the canyon.
The second day of the trek we spent wandering through four other little villages within the canyon. While we were told it was near impossible to get lost (as there was only one path) we managed to take the "alternative alternative route" through cactus fields, stone ruins, up waterways and presumably through a few private farms... But we made it unscathed (apart from a few cactus scratches). We stayed our second night in "the Oasis" of Sangalle. Another beautiful tropical village further down the river. We found a great spot complete with a pool, a waterfall and a very rude host.
The last day we set off early to carry out what seemed like the impossible part of the trek - 1200m back up the unsheltered canyon face. 3 to 4 hours later we made it to the top a bit hot and dehydrated but alive!
Following the trek we spent a few more days in Arequipa just chilling out. I needed to get over a little tummy bug and Paul needed to head to the doctor to get his very sore shoulder checked out. After a thorough check, tickle and x-ray by the neurosurgeon the prognosis was nothing serious but would require some rest. Navigating through a Peruvian hospital system in Spanish was quite the adventure.
Paul enjoying cuy (guinea pig).
White water rafting.
The Colca Canyon, "the world's first/second deepest canyon", is a 7-ish hour bus ride from Arequipa city in the Arequipa region. We traveled to the canyon to do a 3-day, 2-night trek down into the canyon and back up.
Prior to starting the trek, we viewed the flight of the condors at the top of the canyon, an amazing spot to watch the huge condors sweeping back and forth along the cliff edge.
Flight of the condors.
A condor.
We then started our long decent down 1200m into the canyon. It took about 3 hours to make it down the winding gravel path that was cut into the canyon face, not for the faint hearted! We stayed in a beautiful little village beside the river, San Juan. The warm, tree filled village was a stark contrast to the dry desert-like conditions at the top of the canyon.
At the top on day one.
The canyon behind Paul on our way down.
A flat section of path on the way down.
Our first night of accommodation in San Juan.
A runaway donkey we caught for a local lady.
The "alternative alternative" route.
Not sure where we are.
We made it out.
A church in a little village on the way.
Behind me is what we had to climb back up the next day.
An abandoned farm area / football field.
The river.
Our accommodation on night two.
The last day we set off early to carry out what seemed like the impossible part of the trek - 1200m back up the unsheltered canyon face. 3 to 4 hours later we made it to the top a bit hot and dehydrated but alive!
Powering it up the hill. I was going snail's pace at the end...
Still smiling.
Following the trek we spent a few more days in Arequipa just chilling out. I needed to get over a little tummy bug and Paul needed to head to the doctor to get his very sore shoulder checked out. After a thorough check, tickle and x-ray by the neurosurgeon the prognosis was nothing serious but would require some rest. Navigating through a Peruvian hospital system in Spanish was quite the adventure.
Plaza de Armas.
Some of the volcanoes surrounding the city.
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