Consummate Colca

Wish I had more time to post, but I am too busy enjoying Peru! (Sorry I'm not sorry) Here is a little update from last weekend but much more to come!

Saturday night/Sunday morning we had a VERY early 2:30AM departure time from The Country Club Hotel in Lima for our early flight to Arequipa and on to the breathtaking Colca Valley.  We would spend the next two nights at Las Casitas del Colca, an outstanding Orient Express property on prime real estate overlooking the Colca Valley.  Wow!  The Colca Valley is really one of Peru's hidden gems - it was really only recently "discovered" by visitors and tourists.  It is a perfect destination for the adventure traveler, offering options from soft to high adventure, birders and both families and couples. Las Casitas del Colca is the place to stay here, a luxurious oasis to relax and enjoy the stunning landscape.

Vicuñas en route to the Colca Valley

The drive from Arequipa to the Colca Valley is a long one, but it is a trip in itself.  It is about 3.5 hours directly or 5 with stops (which are a must!) to view vicuñas (prized cousin of the alpaca), take in the stunning views of the Arequipan volcanos (Misti is the most stunning) and of course a photo stop at the highest elevation point - 18,600 feet!

Condor over the Colca Valley

The two days spent in the Colca Valley have been full of superlatives... Colca Canyon is the world's deepest canyon and the most magnificent sight - literally a "pinch me" experience. We got up early one morning to see the world's largest flying birds, condors. According to our adorable Abercrombie&Kent guide, Julie, condors come around for hopeful viewers about 60% of mornings.  The condors must have known we were coming because they all came out to play!  We saw at least 30 of these massive birds right above our heads and in front of our eyes. Condors do not flap their wings often but float on thermal currents so their flight is more of a graceful glide - a magnificent sight.  Julie said in her 5 years taking travelers to the Colca Valley, this was the best condor experience she had seen.

Cesar, Executive Chef & 

Cliffside Connoisseur

We thought the highlight of our day had already come by 9AM, but we were in for a fantastic surprise.  On our way back to Las Casitas, we thought we were making a photo stop, but who did we find waiting for us at a stunning look-out point over the canyon, but our gracious host and GM of Las Casitas, Stephan, and the talented executive chef, Cesar.  They had prepared a gorgeous champagne breakfast for us, just on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking Colca Valley.  We are so spoiled.

More on Colca later and our incredible next stop, Paracas! I'll catch you up on my way to Cusco tomorrow!