Wednesday 20th June

Our next destination was Arequipa, the White City, due to the buildings contructed in white volcanic rock. There was evidence of a protest-riot over fuel prices - rocks, burning tyres and fires in the street - earlier in the day.

Thursday 21st June

Spent the day sightseeing in the sunshine. The Monasterio de Santa Cataline where we learnt about the life of the nuns and admired the architecture. The Museo Santuarios Andinos was particularly interesting as we learnt about and saw "Juanita", the Ice Maiden. A 500 yr old perfectly preserved mummy of a 12 yr old girl who was sacrificed to the Inca gods.

Friday 22nd June

Took a six hour journey by public bus to Cabanaconde, high in the Andes (3,287 m). The last 2 hours of the trip were unbelievable - a 52 seater coach was loaded with over 100 people, mostly locals with their bundles of .......?! Phew!! Cabanaconde is the starting point for our trek into Colca Canyon - reputedly the deepest canyon in the world. Susan struggled with the altitude but made 1,000 metre descent into the canyon in 3 hours. We then had to walk up along to the canyon edge in the dark to the lodges (mud brick huts) where we spent the night.

Saturday 23rd June

In the morning we climbed again to two local villages (only accessible on foot) before descending again to the "Oasis" where we enjoyed a dip in the spring water pool and had lunch. We then commenced the 1,100 metre ascent which was supposed to take 3 hours. It took us 4 hours due to Susan struggling to put one foot in front of the other! Despite drinking copious amounts of water and coca tea, the altitude took its toll!

Sunday 24th June

We rejoined our overland truck to see the magnificent sight of the condors rising from the canyon with the warmth of the sun. Later we had a well deserved soak in the natural thermal baths in Chivay, including an ice shower when a thunder storm struck!! The temperature falls dramatically when the sun is not shining and night falls. The truck froze overnight tonight. Brrrrrrrrrr!