TO AREQUIPA

BEFORE AND AFTER!

When we arrived in this high plateau area, viewing volcano after volcano, I took a photo of Sabancaya…within minutes Gaudy said, “look it’s going up!” So I guess Larkin keeps being lucky with volcanoes! Eventually I will post our Galapagos trip and the Wolf Volcano which started its eruptions the night we passed by! Maybe when we visit Iceland one will erupt!

These are the wild illusive Vicuna which ran as soon as our van approached.

The road from Colca Canyon to Arequipa that we were on travels through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. We went back past the area near the Sumbay Caves which we had seen two days before and headed up the mountain pass until we started back down into Arequipa. This area is underrated yet spectacular destination providing vistas of volcanoes, lagoons, and unique flora and fauna that thrive in this extremely high elevation.

The beauty of Arequipa was the “white” city and the snow capped mountains in the distance!

We stayed at Cirqa in what I believe was the Apostento room. We were only a few blocks off the main square. Walking was somewhat easier at this elevation of 7,550′ which seemed much more like walking around Aspen at their Food and Wine festival!

Circa like many buildings in the area were homes for the very wealthy. The hot tub was enjoyable after the four noisy Europeans left (they were with us on the train and in Colca). From pre sunset to dusk lighting the hot tub was magical. Our room was unbelievable and hard to express – like the domed ceiling. Dinner was delightful – a short walk across a seating area. We were ready to head back to Cusco. Not sure why, as in why not fly to Lima but another day seeing the Sacred Valley and walking around Cusco with Sergio awaited us.

Cusco …again!