Trekking in the Colca Canyon

Driving anywhere from Puno provides pastoral views and experiences with herds of alpacas, sheep, cattle, and an occasional vicuna, which is the smallest and most delicate of the llama/alpaca family. We saw many on our way west to the Colca Canyon. The shepherds are always close by, while the guard dogs seem to hang by the road. We thought they were posted there to keep the herd from wandering onto the roads. Turns out they are not that well-trained, they are simply waiting for motorists to throw them food.

Precious faces!

The Colca Canyon is said to be the deepest canyon in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. After hiking down (way down), along, then back up.....I believe them!

It is also known for its soaring condors; poor guys have no muscles to fly. They have to hang out until they can catch a ride on an updraft.

No.....these are just local chickens where we stayed at Roy's place. How Quechua or Spanish is that? The condors were too far away for my camera.

In the town of Chivay they were having their annual dance festival. Outstanding costumes! While sick Bev hung out in the bathroom, Scott met the locals.

A couple of canyon views. We had a great guide for 4 days. He was born in the canyon, but left at the age of 11 for more education. When he pointed out his village high on a ledge down in the canyon, we knew why he was in such good shape. The remote villages were fascinating-tough people! The only mode of travel is by foot or mule. To climb out of the canyon they usually travel during the night to avoid the heat. We could watch their single lights climbing the canyon walls.

View down to the Colca River