A relative lie in with breakfast at 8 then off to the local Chivay hot springs at 9 am. Before donning costumes and hiring towels we saw where the hot water warmed by volcanic activity to @ 45 degrees emerged and flowed down to the pools.
We definitely picked the right time as it was not too busy, 90 minutes later when we left it was filling up. Interestingly all the lockers had 'aboriginal style' paintings of Andean animals on them which were fun. The water was lovely and the surrounding views magical - a good way to spend a morning. A couple didn't come in Jo who was still ailing and Alec who over night had joined the Imodium club!
Next was an early lunch before heading to Condor cross to see if we could see the iconic Andean condors - recently due to the high winds they have not been flying in the morning hence our afternoon soirée - 'lucky or what' we arrived and immediately saw them - probably 6-8 and one flew below us through the canyon so we got unique views from above.
All happy with our sitings of the condor we headed back to Chivay. En route we stopped at the village of Janke and took a short walk to see pre Inca storage pots built into the side of a steep canyon - it used to act as their equivalent of a refrigerator allowing them to store their food effectively.
As we were about to head back locals returned down the path - first a boy with donkeys then a lady and gentleman, carrying a wooden plough, with sheep and finally a lady and gentleman with cows.....we gave them a few sols for taking their photographs for which they seemed very happy with.
The snow topped volcanoes and hills looked stunning in the evening light which gave me an excuse to walk slowly and take photos.I was definitely ailing, the trek took it out of me, I was hot and shivery, so as soon as we got back I had a shower and went to bed.......John did the packing and was not far behind me --- we also had to dry some of our washing before packing as it was returned not fully dry, luckily the room heater was very effective and quickly did us a good job.
Our supper consisted of a the remains of some nuts and raisins but frankly we weren't very hungry so they did us very nicely.
Distressingly for John - he joined the Imodium club during the night - meaning a restless night for us both!