Exploring condor country

One of the things that makes Arequipa such a gem is it's proximity to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. Surrounded by 18,000 ft. peaks, the canyon is another natural wonder in the seemingly neverending list of Andean pleasures found in Peru. Intrepidly, we set out to explore.

Crossing a 16,000 ft. pass, we arrived in Chivay mostly unscathed. Sitting at over 12,000 ft., Chivay is the regional market town, which served as our base to explore the surrounding areas.

Before heading out, we needed a quick soak in the town's hotspring resort, La Calera. While the surrounding volcanoes can cause frequent earthquakes and ocassional eruptions, they also provide ample hot sulphur springs. Given the high, dry, cold climate, 104 degree water is a real treat. Soak on.

Fully pruned up, we headed out with our tour to the Cruz de Condors, definitely a highlight of the trip. It seems the Andean Condors like soaring on the thermals high above the Colca Canyon and the Cruz offers an amazing vantage point to watch the second largest bird glide overhead. At times, these massive birds (which can have wingspans up to 10 ft.) were so close they actually pooped on the woman directly to my left. As she wiped the correspondingly massive dropping off her head, I considered our collective luck.

Moving on from Cruz de Condor, we headed into the small town of Yanque where Erin had the pleasure of perching a massive white eagle on her head. What a day of avian excitement!

Now back in Arequipa, we definitely see Colca Canyon as a Peruvian highlight. Massive peaks, deep canyons, hotsprings, huge birds and friendly locals. What else could you want?

For video of condors soaring, check out Treemo: http://www.treemo.com/users/brad/channel/item/87028