There are more than a few things to do around Arequipa. Probably the most popular is trips into the Colca Canyon. The Canyon was regarded until recently as the deepest in the world (a more remote neighbouring one has that honour now)at over 2500m from the shoulder down to the valley floor and the Colca river. Its quite remote itself so it retains a more traditional way of life. But its also an excellent spot to see Condors and Vicuna.

The road in over a high pass (more than 4000m) goes through a Vicuna reserve. The Vicuna is a relative of the llama and alpaca but cannot be domesticated. Its wool is the finest in the world. This group of females are being led by their male herd leader.

At a lunch stop on the way we got to see an adolescent llama. This one was not as shy as the vicuna and was happy to pose for photos.

I was making the trip in a mini bus with Bryan and Edith here. And there was a mix of Peruvians from Lima and Arequipa, and a German with his Peruvian wife and children.

Hanna in the middle here was on the bus with her boyfriend Fernando. We got quite friendly with them and they brought us out on the town in Arequipa when we were back in the city.

Out first stop in the Colca valley was the town of Chivay. Which Edith is pointing out! There are about 14 villages in the valley, each with its own distinctive church.