Day 2 was an early start to join a tour to the Colca Canyon with an overnight stay
The road out of Arequipa passes through high snow-capped peaks to extremely dry – moonscape-like landscape.
Really hard to describe these scenes. The tour leader pointed out different community areas on the outskirts of this large city of over 1 million people, with 15% percent unemployment, large populations moving to the cities in the hope of better life ... and growing slums.
Out of Arequipa, we passed the antiplano, where we stopped several times to see vicuna, alpaca... and even something like a rabbit. Higest point on the journey was 4900m .... cold, but even at this vista point, several traders were out to sell their wares.
After going up for most of the morning we then descended into the fertile Colca Valley - where, after travelling on some rough roads we arrived as a small village of 750 people, and stopped at a magnificent hotel - what a treat in what is otherwise very poor areas with most dwellings made of rock or mud brick. Not only was the place spectacular, the buffet lunch - barbequed chicken and alpaca steaks along with a huge range of other dishes, followed by passionfruit mousse and cactus fruit mousse ... was soooo delicious. Evening buffet was just as stunning - we are definitely NOT going hungry. BTW - full 3 course buffet cost 22 soles ... less than $10.
1 comment:
Under $10 for a full buffet - reminds me of those Friday night feeds at the Commercial - hoe nobody was flicking mashed potato at you!! Your adventures are awe inspiring and was elated to hear of the success of the wedding - though taking your parents on your honeymoon is not my idea of fun!!! What marvellous places you are seeing and fantastic experiences you encounter.Now that's living! Keep it up.
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