Colca Canyon and Chivay

Then the time had come, the booked two-day trekking tour through the Colca Canyon was imminent. Well equipped for a long day's hike to Chivay, it turned out differently than expected. Pick-up was right at the hostel. On the bus, I quickly had the feeling that it would probably be more of a sightseeing trip. However, this changed somewhat during the day. From about 2300m altitude (Arequipa), we passed through the outskirts of the Atacama Desert, with a small stop at a grazing herd of alpacas,

up to a lush 4950m altitude. The air became quite thin there. The feeling when you get off the bus can probably best be described as follows: a little dizzy + slightly tipsy. The view of the mountains and volcanoes was indescribable. And you feel so close to the sky.

The experience of trekking there would have been interesting. However, I have to admit that I was completely exhausted from the extreme increase in altitude within three hours. And the mom is not exactly the least athletic.
Shortly afterwards, the breathtaking view of the Colca Valley opened up.

The lunch was served in a restaurant specially built for groups traveling to Chivay, it was okay.
The hunger that arises after this altitude marathon drives you there.

Mom's tip: Definitely take Ibuprofen with you. Mild headaches are inevitable.

But it's worth the trip to the hot springs. The volcanoes bubble hot water from every corner there. Bathing in the 38 degree warm water is relaxing.
Even if the photos here may not look so nice, it was beautiful and the view of the mountains while bathing was an additional treat for the eyes.

But then the tightly scheduled tourist program came to an end. I skipped the dinner with folk dances. At the Plaza de Armas (seems to be a popular name for squares here), I had a delicious piece of alpaca in a restaurant. Fresh from the pasture and certainly not from factory farming.

After the delicious and peaceful dinner, it quickly went to bed. Departure to Cruz del Condor in the Colca Canyon was at 6:30 a.m. the next day.

The next day was also a bit more relaxed. There were several opportunities to take photos and one hour at Cruz del Condor to watch the flight of the condors. 

Nevertheless, I was glad to be back in Arequipa in the evening. The next day, it was time to continue to Cusco by plane.

Here's the rule: Make the best out of it and always book locally or online (only if the offer and price are right), if the credit card works. This way, you can avoid a Peruvian sightseeing trip with stops at various junk shops!

Hasta pronto y

Have Fun & Be Proud!

Your Jan/Mom