Monday we left Arequipa and headed up...... and up and up! We drove clear up to 16,000 feet above sea level! However we did not stop for photos there, because it is better to do that two days later when we go back over that pass, as the group will be a little more acclimated to the high elevations of the Andes - so more on that in the next post!
It's mostly high, dry desert, but snowy peaks as high as 20,000 feet towered above us.
The Colca Canyon area is dramatic! It is one of the deepest canyons in the world, but one of the most exciting aspects was seeing the condors soar up from the canyon bottom on the early morning thermal currents. The condors are huge, with wing spans of 8 or 9 feet!
A delightful walk along the canyon rim (at 12,000 feet!) took us into an incredible world of wildflowers and precipitous vistas.
Beautiful volcanic peaks soar above the high, dry desert.
A herd of llamas
Vaughn buys a hat from a happy vendor.
Wild vicunas in the national reserve
In the midst of the high desert there is suddenly water everywhere (at 13,000 feet!)
Fresh snow and water falling from the moss.
Coming down the mountain we stop for a view stop of the town of Chivay.
Denny (the vet) takes a look at an alpaca.
This alpaca takes a liking to Ruth!
Chivay Town Plaza
Our magnificent lodge for 2 nights - the Colca Lodge and Spa
at the head of Colca Canyon, on Colca River.
Our lovely rooms at Colca Lodge
Early morning view of Sabancaya Volcano - the smoke is rising!!
The beginning of the canyon
Roger holds a buzzard eagle
Fantastic terraces dating back to pre-Incan times!
Donkeys have the right of way.
Local Color
:)
A condor soars on the thermals above Colca Canyon
This Condor takes a breather on the rock
This year there was a lot of rain and the canyon was green and full of flowers.
Wow Carolyn!
Corps of Discovery in Peru!?
Kent high above the canyon
Lush vegetation and cactus blossoms
Ruth decided to back into a cactus so Lora helps remove them from her backside!
Hiking in the Andes
Lupines grow big here
Chona Cactus (a lot like Organ Pipe Cactus)
Lora enjoys the tranquility
Roger, Look out!
It's a good thing Dave was there to help him back up!
Our guide Lizzie with Kent
Santa Catalina Church in Maca
Interior of Santa Catalina Church
The Locals pass the time in the Main Plaza of Chivay
The doughnut maker (and they were yummy!)
Grains and produce of all kinds in the market
The school girls are fascinated with Ruth, Carolyn, and Liz.
What a beautiful outfit!
Just sitting on the curb knitting
These ladies were selling cactus and were all smiles for the camera.
Quinoa growing on the grounds of our Colca Lodge
Dave and Carolyn enjoy the best part of Colca Lodge - the Hot Springs Pools!
