Alpacas and the Andes

Chivay was our city for today. We left early from Arequipa and drove into the Andes. We went higher and higher until reaching 5000 meters above sea level, our highest altitude. Altitude sickness was a real concern but we were all incredibly lucky and the most we suffered was tiredness and headaches. On the way we saw vicuñas (similar to llamas, but with mush more finer and expensive wool) and alpacas. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular, it was this kind of place where no matter where you looked it was breath taking. I really struggled with not using a shot of the landscape for todays blip, but have plans to use one in a couple of days time, and thought this shot very much summed up Peru, so ended up using it. If only blip allowed you two photos a day!

After arriving in Chivay we had a great buffet lunch, checked in then visited some natural hot springs. It was fantastic. We got to sit in 28 degree water looking out at the mountains all around us, beer in hand. Later we got to go for a walk through the town, and as it was in the country and surrounded by mountains, unlike the other cities we had been to, it felt more like the Peru we were expecting. A lot of the older women were wearing the traditional garb and children and dogs were running around wild, happy and safe. It was magical, and not at all touristy. They had a bit of a festival on in the town square and we were able to just sit and watch these people celebrate and get a real feel for their lives.

Dinner that night included traditional music and dances, with Caitie, Willy and Josh getting pulled up from the crowd to be included. Josh and Willy were forced into some traditional dresses and Caitie got whipped! Lightly...I think.

- Damian