August 21, 2006

August 21, 2006

We are up very early so we can see the Condors that inhabit the Colca Valley. From the town of Chivay we drive on a dirt road downstream along the canyon rim. The valley outside Chivay is heavily terraced far up the canyon walls. The canyon walls soon change from agricultural terraces to steep cliffs.

 

After an hour or two, we stop and hike to the canyon edge. On the way we see that the condors are already up and soaring over the canyon. Condors have one of the largest wingspans of any birds in the world in the range of 9 to 11 feet. Like eagles, they soar effortlessly on the air thermals looking for food. Aimee and I end up going in different directions along the rim. Aimee picked the better direction as she had one condor soar so close overhead she could hear the rush of the wind. I see many condors but almost all at a distance.

After an hour and half of condor watching, we all get back in the van for the long drive back to Arequipa. We stop again in Chivay for a buffet lunch. Guinea Pig (Cuy) is a Peruvian delicacy. I try some. It is good but there is precious little meat on the bones. My nephew John looks on in horror as he can only think of his childhood pet, Alfie.