Colca Canyon, is the second deepest canyon in the world. The deepest, Cotahuasi (also in Peru), is quite nearby but pretty inaccessible (12 hours on a rough track then white water rafting to get through it). Colca is about 4 hours from Arequipa - Peru´s 2nd largest city. The journey was made more interesting through the wildlife spotting challenges set by our enthusiastic guide, Julie.
We arrived at, our hotel, the Colca Lodge with enough time for a quick lunch then a walk to a deserted village. The village was in ruins having been abandoned when the Spanish forced the occupants to relocate to a new town in the valley where they could keep an eye on them. Three dogs from the hotel joined us at the start and stayed with us all the way there and back. Tails wagging the whole way. Walkies!
When we got back we soothed our aching muscles in the, hotel, outdoor hot spring baths. Water direct from the volcano and reaching 80 degrees in one pool. I am sure that the minerals were doing us a power of good but we were happy just floating around, admiring the view and drinking Pisco Sour.
The next morning we were up at 5am to get to Condor Point for 8.30. As if clocking on at 8.30 the first one appears. A juvenile, quite low down. Then 2 adults making full use of their 10ft wingspan. As the sun warmed the air, the Condors were able to gain height and fly nearer to us. Then suddenly they were above our heads, only a few feet away. The largest flying bird in the world is an amazing creature but stunning this close up. An hour after the performance began they disappeared as suddenly as they had arrived. Their shift over.
We arrived at, our hotel, the Colca Lodge with enough time for a quick lunch then a walk to a deserted village. The village was in ruins having been abandoned when the Spanish forced the occupants to relocate to a new town in the valley where they could keep an eye on them. Three dogs from the hotel joined us at the start and stayed with us all the way there and back. Tails wagging the whole way. Walkies!
When we got back we soothed our aching muscles in the, hotel, outdoor hot spring baths. Water direct from the volcano and reaching 80 degrees in one pool. I am sure that the minerals were doing us a power of good but we were happy just floating around, admiring the view and drinking Pisco Sour.
The next morning we were up at 5am to get to Condor Point for 8.30. As if clocking on at 8.30 the first one appears. A juvenile, quite low down. Then 2 adults making full use of their 10ft wingspan. As the sun warmed the air, the Condors were able to gain height and fly nearer to us. Then suddenly they were above our heads, only a few feet away. The largest flying bird in the world is an amazing creature but stunning this close up. An hour after the performance began they disappeared as suddenly as they had arrived. Their shift over.
Fantastic, makes me want to drop everything ????and join you.
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