Arequipa looks much less touristy than Cusco: no 'masajes, miss', to annoying tour agents (well, almost). The city center is very pleasant with colonial type buildings. After spending a day in Arequipa in preparation, we have left for trekking in Colca canon.
Trekking in Colca
As it is high season, it is practically impossible to find bus tickets to the village where all trekking starts. So after spending an hour on bus terminal running between 4 companies, which run to Cobanaconde (village we needed), we opted out for 'dangerous' micro. It is called dangerous as drivers usually drive faster on the serpantine roads, but in reality, the micros look newer and better maintained than any bus.
We took micro to the town of Chivay, 3 hours away from Arequipa and then caught a bus to Cobanaconde (another 2 hours). We were the only gringos in micro and inevitably attracted attention of local kids whi sat next to us.
Arriving to Cobanaconde at 1pm, we started our decsent to the canon. The 'sort of the map' we had sad, it is 4 hours walk, so we had to hurry up to arrive before the dark to the village, where we could sleep.
Even with the break and photo pauses it took us only 3 hours. Accommodation found us faster than we started our search: a woman caught us half way to the vilage. So this all was sorted before 5pm.
Next morning we had a long walk to the hot springs, but by reaching them Carine, french girl I was with, was too tired and decided to take a 'bus'back to Cobanaconde. 'Bus' appeared to be a truck full of locals and it took her 2 hours to get back.
I decided to climb back, but on the way to the geiser got lost and lost 2 hours looking for the road (which was the most obvious choice!). Result: I was back to the village at 6.30pm, just after dark, I ruptured my trousers and my shirt is in plant juice that does not come off, but I saw the geiser and condors just above my head and just for myself!
Next morning we went to the Cross of Condors, where condors fly in a few meters from spectactors! They were really really close, but way to many people were watching and screaming, so was not enjoyable.
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Notice different costumes from Cusco
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Canon
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Weekend in Arequipa and rafting
After coming back to Arequipa I spent 2 days doing not much: I moved to private room (my present for myself), had breakfast in French Cafe and lunch in local posh restaurant, did rafting monday morning and finally left to Lima by night (fancy) bus.
Church in Arequipa
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Last Supper with Guinea pig
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Market
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Trekking in Colca
As it is high season, it is practically impossible to find bus tickets to the village where all trekking starts. So after spending an hour on bus terminal running between 4 companies, which run to Cobanaconde (village we needed), we opted out for 'dangerous' micro. It is called dangerous as drivers usually drive faster on the serpantine roads, but in reality, the micros look newer and better maintained than any bus.
We took micro to the town of Chivay, 3 hours away from Arequipa and then caught a bus to Cobanaconde (another 2 hours). We were the only gringos in micro and inevitably attracted attention of local kids whi sat next to us.
Arriving to Cobanaconde at 1pm, we started our decsent to the canon. The 'sort of the map' we had sad, it is 4 hours walk, so we had to hurry up to arrive before the dark to the village, where we could sleep.
Even with the break and photo pauses it took us only 3 hours. Accommodation found us faster than we started our search: a woman caught us half way to the vilage. So this all was sorted before 5pm.
Next morning we had a long walk to the hot springs, but by reaching them Carine, french girl I was with, was too tired and decided to take a 'bus'back to Cobanaconde. 'Bus' appeared to be a truck full of locals and it took her 2 hours to get back.
I decided to climb back, but on the way to the geiser got lost and lost 2 hours looking for the road (which was the most obvious choice!). Result: I was back to the village at 6.30pm, just after dark, I ruptured my trousers and my shirt is in plant juice that does not come off, but I saw the geiser and condors just above my head and just for myself!
Next morning we went to the Cross of Condors, where condors fly in a few meters from spectactors! They were really really close, but way to many people were watching and screaming, so was not enjoyable.
Notice different costumes from Cusco
Canon
Weekend in Arequipa and rafting
After coming back to Arequipa I spent 2 days doing not much: I moved to private room (my present for myself), had breakfast in French Cafe and lunch in local posh restaurant, did rafting monday morning and finally left to Lima by night (fancy) bus.
Church in Arequipa
Last Supper with Guinea pig
Market
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