To the Colca

3400 metres down, the 4th deepest canyon of the world. For a while Peruvians thought it was the deepest of them all, disappointed to discover the real depth courtesy of 4 polish guys going for a trek a few years ago. 

Perfect land to produce protein rich quinoa, now so popular in the First world that it has become very expensive for locals and destined to export. Left to los peruanos only second or third quality

Llamas and alpacas live happily together in big herds above 4000 metres, condors spend their mornings crossing a canyon left and right. Instead, humans from elsewhere struggle to cope with the reduced oxygen and the increased cuteness (picture two big grownup Italian boys going crazy about the cuteness of 2 years old Aracel, 3 years old Sofia and baby alpaca Pedro).

Pictures require propina of 1 sol. Yes it is a touristy thing and no I did not resist either. After all, I woke up at 2 am to be here today, the higher moral ground is for another day. 

Befriended also a brave young chica, accountant from Talara (but future singer), born and raised on the seaside few km from the equator. First time on her own, she took a bus ride of 35 hours to get to the heights of arequipa and colca - and falling prey of sorochi. 

Ah, condors and colibris live here too