Is it real? From trekking over mountains to hiking through canyons in Peru. Our trek with double depth of the famous Grand Canyon was crazy. We spent night in Oasis located down within the canyon and hiking back up next day.
My Colca Canyon trek was the first thing I did in my 3 weeks in Peru and it was my absolute favourite. Yes, better than Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is Peru´s number one attraction and trekking the Inca Trail is so popluar that permits sell out months and months and months in advance (in main season). But If you are active (like me), independent (like me) and would rather not sleep on the ground in cold forest (but rather on the ground in lagoon village), trekking in Peru´s Colca Canyon is the best choice.
Trek started in the town of Cabanacone, home to the region´s famous Andean Condors. I visited the Cruz del Condor viewpoint before trek and I was watching the largest flying birds in the world with an average wingspan of 3 metres. I was amazed by these magnificent birds.
Andean condors have a deep conection with Incas. Condors represent the upper world (hanan pacha) connected with the sky.
Colca Canyon, this Peruvian wonder is the second deepest canyon in the world. Furthermore, Colca Canyon is more than twice as deep as the famed Grand Canyon. And I didn´t know it .. Haha.. We started at 8 am in the morning ( woke up at 3 am) from our base to the oasis town of Sangalle on the canyon floor. It was looong, looong day full of pain. First hours of our trip were so nice (because I had an energy), I took so many pictures, selfies and I was playing with my camera, talking to other people from group.. :D but than … Mix of jet lag, lack of sleep and altitude sickness was´t nice combination for this trek. 1 step = 3 long breaths .. And again …
After a whole day we came to the oasis and we realized we have to climb right back up again after this very long, very hard day. I was exhausted, not amazed but I did it without any help of donkey. :)
I was glad there was no need to carry a tent or food since there are villages with at least basic facilities. We spent hours on trails without seeing any other trekkers. Everywhere is this rule > Pack right and pack light. Whichever route you take, you’ll be hiking up and down steep canyon walls which is challenging enough without an over-stuffed pack on your back. Some people told me that I look like a Dumbledore with hat and bamboo (my third leg helped me so much!). I didn´t care.. :D
Do you ever look back on your adventures and wonder how you´re still alive? Tell me guys!
Do you ever look back on your adventures and wonder how you´re still alive? What about your experience?
