Since leaving Lima last week, we have been on a real high … on several occasions over 5000m (16,400 ft). First up, we flew to Peru’s second city, Arequipa, which was the base for a 2-day tour of the Colca valley.
The Colca valley is famed for many things, not least its sheer scale (being twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and its breath taking beauty. It was also one of the key agricultural areas for the Incas, who created the tiered fields throughout the valley. The second day involved getting up at the crack-of-dawn, which we were told would be worth it due to the dozens of condors we would see gliding through the canyon. It seems, however, that the condors had other engagements, although after 90mins a total of three decided to grace us with their presence. Hmmph…
The Colca valley is famed for many things, not least its sheer scale (being twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and its breath taking beauty. It was also one of the key agricultural areas for the Incas, who created the tiered fields throughout the valley. The second day involved getting up at the crack-of-dawn, which we were told would be worth it due to the dozens of condors we would see gliding through the canyon. It seems, however, that the condors had other engagements, although after 90mins a total of three decided to grace us with their presence. Hmmph…
The next highlight (pun intended) on our ‘gringo trail’ was Puno, the main Peruvian city on the huge Lake Titicaca (nearly 10,000 sq Km) which is the highest navigable lake in the world at 3900m! Its shores and islands are home to some of Peru’s oldest people and we visited the people of Uros who actually live on floating islands made of reeds. The reeds are also used to build their houses and boats and even as food! Overall it was very cool - Rory managed to alight the boat onto the island without sinking the whole thing, and Amy made a couple of new friends … 
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