2013 Nov. Colca Canyon.

Set off for our Colca Canyon tour by van, which was even more bumpy. As we were ascending in altitude, we bought some coca leaves to chew on along the way. I am taking drugs, how naughty and exciting! (coca leaves is a common altitude sickness remedy in Peru, but banned and illegal in Singapore). Colca Canyon, one of Peru’s top tourist destinations, is an area of astounding scenic beauty and best known as one of the world’s deepest canyons at 4,160m (13,640 feet).

Along the way, we passed through a range of unique ecological zones, from desert to altiplano to dry tundra. Herds of vicuñas (a wild relative of llamas and alpacas) and a variety of birds were spotted. We stopped along the way at Pampa Canahuas, Pata Wasi and Pata Pampa to enjoy the views.

A cup of coca tea at the rest stop, to help with adjusting to the higher altitude.

Arrived at our lodging for the night La Casa de Mamayacchi in the afternoon. Took a guided hike in the nearby valleys and visited a local hot spring, before returning for dinner.

The valley featured an incredible amount of Inca and pre-Inca agricultural terraces and the irrigation systems necessary to operate them.

The next morning, we set off for Cruz de Condor, and stopped by a local church along the way.

The depth of Colca Canyon is best appreciated from the Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint where Andean Condors can be seen most days throughout the year.

Never thought altitude sickness would happen to me. 🙂 The headache and slight breathlessness, though not severe, just would not go away. Oxygen did wonders to relieve the symptoms overnight. Luckily I had travel insurance coverage.