The Epicurious Wanderers!

Chivay and the condors

We’re on the road back to Arequipa after our trip to Chivay. Last night after our dip in the hot springs we headed out for dinner to a local restaurant that features traditional dancing as well. Not sure if Raul or Sandra set me up but needless to say i ended up joining in with a local dance. It’s hard to say no when the restaurant is fairly quiet and the girl is reaching for your hand. It was actually quite fun although i probably was doing it all wrong. Later everyone had a turn.received_1215365018508474

Our upstairs neighbors weren’t quiet after all, sounded like a party going on at times. The electric blanket proved to be fairly useless  as well, but hey its just one night.

Breakfast was early, 6am, so we could head out to see the Condors.  The trip up the Colca Valley to the actual canyon was amazing, words just don’t describe the scenery properly.  The terraced farmland from pre-Inca times is still in use in many places. I can’t imagine the backbreaking efforts needed to complete the task.  We don’t stop as we head out, there are several lookouts on the road as well as a few small towns, instead we head straight to Cruze de la Condor. This proves to be the best option.Image (40)-800x530

When we get to the condor viewpoint there is already quite a few people around. As soon as we get out if the bus Sandra motions to look down into the canyon.  There below us are several condors riding the thermal up draughts they use to soar the canyon. They are magnificent to watch, it’s like they are putting on a short for us.   As we move around to get better views its suddenly like every condor in Peru has come to say high,  there are so many you don’t know where to look. They’re now not deep in the Colca Canyon but flying and soaring over our heads. We can hear people around us asking there guides if this is normal, apparently it’s not. This is an excessive number of condors for one time.  Maybe Helen dancing with the condor during dinner last might has brought us good luck.Image (44)-800x530

Image (41)-800x530As we head on we stop in the town of Maca for a look at the town square, the church is simple but very beautiful.  Here there are the usual market stalls selling local handicrafts.  Sadly though we also see the negative effects of tourism. Several people have eagles or falcons tethered to poles,  they are wanting you to have a picture with the birds in return for a few coins. After seeing the majestic condors in the wild this is just wrong. Helen overheard a man telling his son that it is wrong as well, other people could be seen hurrying past. It’s sad that people see a need to do this.Image (48)-800x530Image (47)-800x530

Then it’s back into Chivay for a wander around the markets followed by lunch in another local restaurant. Again the food is so full of flavour.  After lunch it’s back on the bus and we begin the drive back to Arequipa. There’s only one road in and out so barring anything amazing thats the end of my blogging for today.Image (46)-800x530