We left Arequipa revitalized and really clean, can´t get over how amazing that shower was. Did I say how amazing the shower in Arequipa was? We headed up and out of Arequipa, and then we headed down, and then back up again, and then down, and then back up again.
We made our way to Chivay, a small town at the head of the Colca Canyon.
Deeper than the Grand Canyon, it was rather impressive. It is more valley like than the Grand Canyon, and we would proceed to wonder what the difference between a valley and a canyon is. If anyone out there actually knows, let me know. Other than an amazingly beautiful drive, the canyon is an excellent place to view one of my favorite animals, the condor.
We were unable to arrive at the best viewing places during prime hours, however, we did get to see one. They are truly effortless when they fly, and I can see how old cultures viewed them as majestic.
One of my favorite parts were the tunnels, no lights, no supports, just a hole dug into the side of the mountain! After a lunch of leftover pizza on a ledge, we headed back to Chivay for the night.The next day we did our best impression of a condor. We headed the more direct way to Cuzco, ascending over the mountains instead of around. We pushed the limits of our beloved lady car, as this proved to be the worst roads we have driven to date. Hair pin turns and potholes the size of fruit baskets.
We reached a highpoint on the road, our trip so far (I think this will hold as the highest), at 4,700m (over 15,500 ft, oh and math at high altitudes should only be attempted in the presence of a professional).
The road would end up proving victorious in this round. While filling up with our reserve tanks, I noticed the roof rack had slid to one side a little. Upon further investigation, we have broken the roof support bars. After doing a little more math at high altitudes, we realized we were near the limit of wait, combine that with one of the worst roads imaginable, and you have a formula for breakage. I am going to have to search for a new bar once we return to civilization, but for now, I think I will remedy the situation as my grandfather would, Duct tape!
Can I get a cheer for Duct tape!
With the roof rack secure (?) we finished the day out driving to Cuzco. We found a great hostel (party hostel, room of 12, 2 toilets for around 60 people, and a fresh sink full of vomit to wake up to!). We are going to find somewhere else tomorrow. But more importantly we are going to pick up our Aunt Jeanne tomorrow morning at the airport. Laura is really excited to talk to someone other than me! Oh, we have been noticing the changing ways to say speed bump down here. It started with Lomo de Burro (back of the donkey) in the south, and now we are at Rompe Muelle (Tire breaker). We like this one, because anyone who knew my Aunt Nickie, she loved to refer to us Romcevich´s as Rompies (Breakers)
.
We reached a highpoint on the road, our trip so far (I think this will hold as the highest), at 4,700m (over 15,500 ft, oh and math at high altitudes should only be attempted in the presence of a professional).
The road would end up proving victorious in this round. While filling up with our reserve tanks, I noticed the roof rack had slid to one side a little. Upon further investigation, we have broken the roof support bars. After doing a little more math at high altitudes, we realized we were near the limit of wait, combine that with one of the worst roads imaginable, and you have a formula for breakage. I am going to have to search for a new bar once we return to civilization, but for now, I think I will remedy the situation as my grandfather would, Duct tape!
Can I get a cheer for Duct tape!
With the roof rack secure (?) we finished the day out driving to Cuzco. We found a great hostel (party hostel, room of 12, 2 toilets for around 60 people, and a fresh sink full of vomit to wake up to!). We are going to find somewhere else tomorrow. But more importantly we are going to pick up our Aunt Jeanne tomorrow morning at the airport. Laura is really excited to talk to someone other than me! Oh, we have been noticing the changing ways to say speed bump down here. It started with Lomo de Burro (back of the donkey) in the south, and now we are at Rompe Muelle (Tire breaker). We like this one, because anyone who knew my Aunt Nickie, she loved to refer to us Romcevich´s as Rompies (Breakers)
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