So we left Arequipa at 3am on Tuesday morning. We all bundled onto the bus and wrapped up in our sleeping bags and tried to sleep. Some were more successful than others. I couldn't sleep so stared out the window. It got light around 4.45am and that is when the road got bumpy too. We started seeing snow covered mountains ahead and then all of a sudden we were surrounded by snowy ground. It was beautiful.

We kept on our way, finally reaching our destination of Colca Canyon where the Condor lookout is, around 8am. We were given an hour to wait and watch for one of these magnificent creatures. About 30mins later, we were lucky enough to see one rise up on the thermal currents and glide past us. He was beautiful. Apparently this is nesting season for them so it is more difficult to see them. In peak season, you can be lucky enough to see 15 or so flying around.

So that was it for us. Our guide took us on a small walk, starting to prep for our treks beginning this Saturday, getting used to walking at elevation. We were at about 3300m. Back in the truck we made our way to Chivay, our town for the night. We stopped to look at the magnificent terracing that is in the valleys. The upper terracing which tends to be straight is pre-Inca and the terracing lower down in circles is Inca. We also stopped and saw some Inca tombs high up in the hills on rock sides.

In Chivay, there was some type of dance festival going on. Bands and dancers would wander around the block and then finish off in the plaza, dancing all afternoon and all night. The costumes were beautiful. We went to some hot springs and had a soak for an hour which was lovely. It's a little chilly.

Yesterday we left at 6am and headed to Cuzco. On the way we stopped at a pass at 4900m which was surrounded by snow. Got out and of course some snowballs were thrown. I didn't think I was affected by the altitude but I took a video and spoke on it and listening back to it, I realized I was quite breathless.

So it was a long days drive yesterday and really felt it. Arrived in Cuzco about 6pm and never so glad to get off the truck. We went out for a group dinner last night. Today is a free day here, to buy any last minute things needed for our treks beginning on Saturday, but more about that later.