Peru – 3 days in Arequipa
On the fun-packed Peru hop bus
We took the overnight bus to Arequipa, arriving at 4.30 am on the 3rd of October. We were staying at Casa de Avilla, who let us check-in early (for a fee).
This hotel has a breakfast room that opens out onto a lovely secluded garden. An oasis in the middle of the city.
After breakfast most of the group did a city walking tour.
The outstanding feature being the ice-capped volcano in the background.
Such an awesome sight, it was difficult to stop looking at it.
A quick visit to an alpaca museum documenting the use of llama, alpaca and vicuna wool locally. Followed by waffles for Paul.
We all went to La Fuego de San Antonio for dinner. Paul had alpaca steak, I had stuffed spicy pimento.
There was cuy on the menu – guinea pig – which is a traditional delicacy in Peru, but we chose not to taste it when offered by some of the lads in the group.
White water rafting the next day was great fun!
Going down blind and over a grade 3 stretch, added excitement 😁
Paul jumped in half way round – but I was too chicken 🐔
Great fun!! – spot the ice-capped volcano in the background again
Early start next day, Sunday 5th October at 3am!!!!
We did a tour to the Colca Canyon, ascending to 4910 meters above sea level over 3 hours.
Getting out the bus I took 2 photos before feeling very light-headed and having to lie down. I had altitude sickness, with a bad stomach and headache.
However, after chewing coca leaves my stomach was better. I had a migraine for the rest of the day though 🙃
Next stop Maca, a little village selling tourist souvenirs.
A way for locals to make money with their animals – a Golden Eagle and a baby alpaca.
Cactus fruit – Sancayo – only grows on the peruvian Andes – enjoyed with pisco to make a Colca Sour.
Then on to the Colca valley,
with magnificent views. The range is so huge it’s difficult to put into perspective.
The valley leads up to the Colca Canyon, which is awesome in the true sense of the word,
and where we gathered to look for Condors.
We were so lucky to see a group of 4 condors –
they flew in for about 10 minutes, then left.
Condors are huge but the landscape is even bigger!
we spent about an hour at this site,
before having a complete change of scene – thermal baths.
Some in the group went kayaking.
Driving back past many wild herds of alpaca and vicuna. The vicuna are a protected species, and their fur commands a lot of money.
It had been a long but good day..!
