|
|
|
The Colca Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and is a 6 hour bus ride from Arequipa. To explore it we joined a 3 day/ 2 night trek with 3 other rather more experienced trekkers and a very entertaining and resourceful guide, Jose Luis. Again we must thank Susan and Alan as they kindly paid for David as a birthday treat.
We walked down 1000m to the river at the bottom of the Canyon and spent the first night in a very rustic lodge sleeping in a hut made of mud and straw. On Day 2 we set off early walking from village to village down in the Canyon before arriving at the "Oasis", an idylic spot based around 3 spring water bathing pools. After chilling out and a tasty lunch prepared by the multi talented Jose Luis we embarked on a 3 hour steep climb up out of the Canyon. It was by far the toughest 3 hours of walking both of us have done, but good practise for the fast approaching challenge of the Inca Trail.
Another highlight of the trek was the chance to see Condors and we were lucky enough to see a few. In fact we spotted a nest, a first even for our guide who has been going to the Canyon every week for 3 years. They really are a spectacular sight, such graceful flyers and a huge 3 metre wingspan. Thankfully for our tired legs there was no walking on day three, just the chance to see more Condors and visit some incredibly hot springs. The water comes from out of the ground at 80 degrees so they actually have to cool it down before it can be bathed in - a cool 40 degrees. Needless to say our muscles greatly appreciated the dip.
previous travel blog entry
Jane & John says:
Hi M&D we are live at last, will email and post soon - loads oflove J&J