Arequipa, Colca Canyon and White Water Rafting

Trip Start Aug 31, 2005
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Trip End Feb 16, 2006


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Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Arrived in Arequipa after the long night bus journey which was very strange. We were downstairs on a small section, about 12 of us. The lights were off and we got a blanket and pillow, or everyone did apart from me. So basically you have to sleep, or watch a movie in Spanish, you can imagine how much sleep i got!
Arequipa is v nice, gorgeous plaza and it is lovely and hot but again chilly at night and no central heating (not that I feel the cold at all!)!

We went to Colca Canyon for a 2 day trip, apparently it is the second biggest Canyon in the world! Not a very thrilling trip as mainly in a bus but on the 1st day everyone stayed in this village but we opted for another more traditional village where we were pretty much the only tourists, stayed in a lovely hostel but was v strange as the village was a mixture between v old and new modern things like our hostel. we then went for a walk with a Spanish guide and saw some amazing views, including Inca sights more impressive than Inca Trail! the walk ended with a visit to some hot springs, v nice!
The little old lady who ran the hostel, and wore traditional Peruvian clothes, cooked us dinner, home made chips and Alpaca steak, v nice. The night was freezing, I had 4 blankets and was still v cold!
The next day we saw loads of Condors, they were amazing.

Yesterday(Sat) Sim and I went white water rafting. it was great. i forgot how much i enjoy it. the water was freezing but luckily i didn't fall in, Simona did twice! As we went down the rivers locals came to watch, am sure they were having bets on whether we would make it! Was quite cool as we stopped for a chocolate break! Was quite strange as went to the toilet which was basically a toilet with no doors and anyone on the cliff could see you!

Then at night we went out drinking in a local bar, were some other tourists including 2 of the lads from the rafting. had a great night dancing to the local band (who did a shout out to us 3 English girls although not sure exactly what they said!) and then to English music including rage against the machine! i danced with a Peruvian guy who was about 40 and was trying to dance cool but failed miserably! even the girls were dancing with us!

Woke up today and couldnt open our door so had to phone Nina who got her boyfriend to rescue us!
Today am feeling a bit delicate (dont know why!) moving to Bolivia tomorrow, first stop Copacabana.
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