Arequipa to Chivay

We had the morning kind of free today. Our guide went with the ones that wanted to some good places for buying Alpaca.

So first I had a bit of a lay in. I didn't sleep very late, but I didn't have to get up either. Which was kind of nice. Breakfast was served on the terrace and it was a beautiful morning. This morning was also the one when I had my first coca tea. It wasn't very nice, but not too bad either.

I joined the Alpaca group and I did some small shopping.

Then I joined a few others and we went around town a bit more and had lunch before it was time to return to the hotel for departure.

Today was climbing day. We were going around the vulcanos in to a small valley village called Chivay at the one end of the Colca Canyon. This trip ment a four hour bus ride up and down mountain roads. Going from approx 2500 to 3650 m, via a spot of 4900!! The highest point you can reach by car.

Our first stop was at about 4000m where we had a cup of Coca tea, this time with mint and a dash of sugar. Not too bad actually. 

On the way we saw wild Vicuña and domestic Llamas and Alpacas. Beautiful animals.

After a quick stop at the highest point we started our trip back down to the village that will be our home for the next two nights.

We had our first power failure of the trip. The electricity went for about 10 seconds. :)

You can really tell we are higher now, not only is it a little bit pressure on head and breathing, but it is also pretty cold. Days will be fine, but mornings and evenings from now on will be chilly, even cold.

Dinner tonight was accompanied with traditional music and dancers. A very touristic set up, but nice to watch and especially listen to.

It will be an early night tonight, tomorrow morning the alarm goes of at 05.00!