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At 0200 our alarms started squeaking the best they could, as a result 13 grumpy backpackers crawled out of bed and in to their backpacks ready for 3 - days of trekking. We stumbled out in the van and almost immediately fell asleep, and slept pretty much straight through the 2.5 hour buss-ride to Colca Canyon; one of the deepest canyons in the world.
One of the greatest motivations for our trip in Colca Canyon was the high chances of seeing the worlds biggest bird, with the second largest wingspan; El Condor. Luck was once again smiling down on us, and after only a couple of minutes of waiting at one of the viewpoints several condors came flying almost as in a free-flight show only meters away. Seeing this massive bird gliding in the wind was absolutely amazing. Anyone who has seen the movie Avatar would have had the same desire as the both of us to just jump down the canyon and try to ride one of them. Fortunately, we managed to hold back the urge..
Our first day of trekking was a 3-hour steep downhill ending up by the river and then onwards about an hour up to a tiny village. Descending has a nicer ring to it than ascending, but that ring is somewhat deceiving. After a three-hour walk in steep downhill your legs pretty much feel a bit like rubber. Nonetheless, we all arrived to the river and lost only two of our fellow PSF-trekkers on our way to the village. Chris and Ava somehow got lost in the back of the group and had to be recuperated by our guide. Luckily, the guide did not return empty handed. Both of them made it safely back in time for coffee and tea.
Whilst the rest of the group was stretching and practicing gymnastics on a very mediocre level, Ludde went for a second hike around the village; just wandering around in the canyon enjoying the nature. All gathered again, we rounded of our first day with a short yoga-class, taught by Robin B, and a friendly game of celebrity faces. Our deer guide warned us that scorpions was roaming in theese parts of the canyons, so everybody should check their beds before jumping in. And sure enough, we found a little b****** in one of the beds. After the scorpion-incident in Pisco, Eirik saw his chance for revenge, and took it. Eirik 1-1 Scorpion.
Day 2 did not have the same inhumane starting hour as the first. We got the privilege of sleeping till about 0730 and waking up two a small but tasty breakfast consisting of pancakes, eggs and coffee. The trek on this day was more or less on the canyon floor from our village all the way to the infamous oasis. Terrific weather and amazing nature all day, topped by condors gliding some 1200 meters above us every now and again made our day a great one. Every once and again we had a short stop, either greeting some indigenous woman passing by or shopping fruits and snickers from one of the many clever Peruvians that had set up tiny tiendas by the path, preferably right after a long incline and heavier parts of the trek.
The oasis is not as natural as we were hoping for, but it´s definitely a nice place to spend the night after wandering about the canyon a couple of days. It contains pools, volleyball-nets on green fields, river close by and good food. Part of the group, including both of us, immediately headed for the river at arrival. Skinny dipping in the rapid river might not be as cleansing as a shower, but it´s certainly a hell of a lot more fun!
Even though some of the wild - life experience is ruined by tons of gringos trekking around and the frequent occurrence of venders alongside the path, it´s without a doubt an amazing tour. The canyon really contains some of the more spectacular sights of the Andean mountain - range. In addition, just seeing the enormous condors circling around on the top floor sets a perfect dot on the whole experience.
Our last day was basically a trek strait upwards, taking us from about 2600m to 3800m starting at 0500. At times, this was off course a pain in the arse, but everybody got to go in their own pace and take on the steep hill on their own terms. The abscense of sunlight also made more durable. At 0700 we, Eirik and Ludde, reached the top and spent the rest of our soles, Peruvian currency, on energy drinks and chocolate from the brilliant little woman sitting on the top of this cliff. One of the better business - strategies I´ve witnessed. One by one the others showed up, to standing ovations by the cheering crowd; Eirik and Ludde.
On the way back our van stopped by the hot springs, wich is basically like a natural spa-center, for a nice bath and relaxing time. A tired group of 13 volunteers from Pisco ended their trip shortly after splashing around in 40 degree water, bussing back to "home sweet home" for a nice quiet evening. We were all very satisfied with the descision to spend some time and money (about 130 soles for everything: 260kr) on this trip.
Next stop: Volcano Misti(5825moh)..
- comments
Maren :) Åå der he ej vør! Kjekt å lese om Peru :)) KOS DOKKE!