We were so fortunate to have our friend Fernando to advise and guide us through the beautiful city of Arequipa. Wonderful jewel of a city - so sophisticated and charming. We visited a number of high points of the city including the square (picture, above left), the Monestary (picture, above center), grain mill (pictures, above right), to name only a few - ending with a delicious dinner and return to our charming hotel, Posada del Castilla.
We boarded another 5+ hour tour bus ride for an overnight adventure to Colca Canyon, twice as deep as Grand Canyon (pictures, 3 rows down) where we experienced more than 15,000 feet elevation. For the most part, we did ok with the altitude but must admit we weren´t walking too fast! We were lucky Fernando ensured we were well rewarded for all our efforts with wonderful accommodations at the amazing Colca Lodge (12,000+ ft) tucked in the hollow of this beautiful canyon area (pictures 3 rows down, left). We shared a fun soak in their nature hot springs and then dinner with our new friends, 2 couples from America - Oregon (Cindy and Ted) and New Jersey (Vicki and Alan). Next day, back on the bus for return to Arequipa with new friends Maureen and Sean from Ireland who helped make the long trip enjoyable.
Next day, back on the tour bus for our very comfortable 6 hour ride to Puno (12,600 ft) and Lake Titicaca (8,560 sq km, biggest lake in South America). Upon arrival in Puno our driver and guide Victor took us to see the pre and Inca funerary towers of the Colla people at Sillustani. On the way back we enjoyed an informal visit to one of the village compounds where we tasted native foods and viewed various living quarters. (pictures, 1st row center, right).
Next morning, we met our driver at 6.45 am for boat trip to the infamous floating islands where we enjoyed a walk around on the squishy reeds and a relaxing ride in their canoe. Then back on the boat for 2.5 hour trip to Isla Taquile where we hiked up another 500 feet to the center of town and enjoyed a delicious native lunch including potato-vegatable soup and grilled trout. Along the way, Alexander our tour guide, informed us about the unique cultures, food, and plants of the island people. (picture, first row left)
We returned back to hotel to prepare for our tour bus trip to Cusco.
5 comments:
...our dinner in the "Trattoria del Monasterio" was delicious and the conversation very good !!! We had really a nice time together, I am looking forward to see you in Lima again.
Happy New Year! Thank you for the wonderful descriptions & fantastic pictures of your fabulous trip. I'm missing you but so glad that you have this chance to see the world.
Muck Love, Be Well!
Barb & Family
Okay. It looks like you guys are hsving way too much fun. Wish we could join you. Oh well, maybe next time. Larri and Dan
Hi, Richard and Susan!
Love your title of "Celebrate Life" Trip with Richard and Susan! Love the blog. Lynn, Garry, Hillsy, and I are so happy for you both. The pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. Can't imagine it in person. Enjoy all the moments!
What great pictures! You can have a new career as a photographer when you return.
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