Arequipa and the Condors of Colca Canyon

Hello family and friends,

We are currently on a 30 hour bus from Lima, Peru to Guayaquil, Ecuador. We spent the last few nights in Arequipa and the Colca Canyon. We were quite excited about this portion of our trip because it had come highly recommended by other travelers we had spoken with. After much thought, we opted for the three day, two night trek into the canyon and back out. The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest in the world and also one of the greatest spots to watch condors sore majestically overhead. We got incredibly lucky and were able to watch 10 to 15 condors circling effortlessly above us. We have seen condors before in Patagonia, but not like this. It was a great way to begin our trek.

First some pictures from Arequipa where we spent one full day







Arequipa is surrounded by volcanos around 6000 meters in elevation which can be seen throughout the city. During the time of the Incas, children were used as human sacrifices to the Gods and several have been discovered on these mountains. The most famous mummy was given the name Juanita after the American explorer who found her. We were able to see her in a museum which was pretty amazing. No pictures were allowed, but you can find her photos online. She is well preserved (teeth and hair still in tact) as her body must have frozen very soon after death







We began our trip from Arequipa at 3:00 AM. It is a bit of a ride to the canyon and the condors like to fly at specific times so you must leave early for the best show

At the canyon anxiously awaiting the birds with a 9 foot wingspan







Here they come










One of the young condors preferred to stay on his/ her perch overlooking the canyon







Incredible animals




After just 45 minutes of joyous viewing, we were forced to begin our trek. We could have watched the birds all day. We started the hike from the top and walked for a couple hours to the bottom of the canyon

Before the descent. Our first residence would be in the small village in the distance




On the way down the steep mountain










At the bottom, 15 minutes away from our first home




When we arrived at the village, our guide asked us if we wanted to take a quick walk to a mirador to see a great view of the canyon. Being the nature lovers that we are, we happily agreed. He didn't tell us that by a quick walk, he meant a 2 hour uphill climb to a mirador and he wasn't quite sure where it was located. We played along, got lost several times and ended up exhausted with no better view than we had earlier. We walked through all kinds of different flora. He later told us that one of the most common plants was extremely poisonous after we had been rubbing against it for the past hour. He was a funny guide

On the way to the "mirador"




We gained another adventure and ate a new fruit called Tuna that grows on the end of a cactus





We also got to see a cactus in the shape of our favorite Disney character




On the second day, we walked along a ridge until we reached the next village







A group photo of our crew (Denmark X 2, Poland, United States, Wales, and Belgium)




Mila paying respect to the mountain




The trail in the background that we would use the following day to get out of the canyon




Crossing back over the river to reach our home for the second night




Our village for night two was beautiful. The rooms were basic but the surrounding area was spectacular

Our rooms




The views







Hammocks to enjoy a rest and a good book







We even met a kitten who became our best friend for the night




On the final day, we started our hike out of the canyon at 5:00 AM with no food and more importantly, no coffee. The hike was very challenging. We walked uphill for two hours straight without a break on an empty stomach. The top could not have come soon enough. It was exhausting but rewarding

At the top







Caballos







After our hike, we grabbed some breakfast and our crew played catch with this future baseball star




But our day was not complete. We had several more stops before arriving back in Arequipa

Terraces that date back 2000 years







We made a touristic stop in a town where they sold traditional products. You could also take pictures with unique animals. The animals are beautiful, but we had to witness something horrible while we were there. Shortly after this picture was taken, this bird tried to fly away. As soon as it took off, the lady snapped the bird to the ground using the rope attached to its foot. It was terrible. People need to stop giving money for things like this. We have learned this lesson more and more throughout our travels. Could you imagine being a bird with the ability to fly, but having a rope attached to you preventing you from going anywhere?







Next, we went to some hot springs to take a quick dip before our lunch




Then we drove up to 4900 meters where we had a panoramic view of many mountains and volcanos in the area










And finally we stopped at a spot to view Llamas, Alpacas and Vicunas




We are down to our last 7 days of traveling before returning to the United States. It seems like we have been traveling forever, but in another way, like we just left. We are going to try our best to enjoy every moment of our final days as this incredible year comes to an end. We can't wait to see you all in a week! And congratulations to Sarah and Brian on your engagement! We are very happy for both of you

-Mila and Scott


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Location:Guayaquil,Ecuador