These were taken on the way to Colca. Literally in the middle of nowhere there were these indigenous ladies selling Alpaca blankets and scarves. My initial reaction is, “wow, surprising”, but then I remember that since I’m in Peru, it’s normal by now. 

Bus ride was about 6 hours and it was a very ‘locals only’ bus. Or better put, I was the only foreigner. I love it though, it’s great seeing all the locals from different areas around Peru and how alive the indigenous culture really is. 

Didn’t eat before my hike down Colca so as soon as I returned, I ordered the family sized pizza and 2 beers. The guy asked me if I was meeting someone. No, I’m just American. After an arduous day in the canyon, beer and pizza were more than fulfilling. 

And what’s a meal without dessert? The circle things are called ‘Picaron’ which is fried dough drizzled with a sugary syrup. I bought these on the street where a lady had a pot of boiling oil situated in a wooden cart while her 4 year old son sprinkled on the syrup on the fried picaron. Teamwork has never tasted so delicious. 

The Oasis. I was there for about half an hour, then thought, I should probably get going. Going up was one of the most physically gruelling hikes I have ever done. It took my 1.5 hours to descend and 3.5 to get back up. I was exhausted, slowly putting one foot in front of the other with my head down to not look at the daunting mountain in front of me. Twice while walking I almost fell off the cliff as a train of pack mules charged down the trail without a care in the world. First time in 7 months that I got a sunburn and certainly don’t miss the feeling. 

That little green patch is the Oasis, my final destination. Seeing that little patch of green was my only inspiration to keep sliding / walking down what was a poor excuse for a trail. 

Colca Canyon was Fenomenal with a captial F. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. So I talked with the guy at my hotel and he explains that I don’t need a guide, just choose a route and go for it. I pick ‘Oasis" thinking, oh it shouldn’t be too bad. I ask him if it is steep and he says, “Not a bit”. Settled. I set off in a clean soccer jersey and soccer shoes thinking it’ll be a quaint day on a well paved trail. Nope. 

I find myself sliding all over the place in a dirt, shale, and loose-rock mixture at a decline that reminds my calves that I need to start running more with every step. After half an hour, the loose rock has turned to giant rocks embedded in the dirt slope, with which I am now playing “Guess which rock I won’t slide off”. (1st Picture) Mind you, every 10 feet there is a switchback, which made me nauseous when looking down.  An hour and a half later I arrive at the Oasis which is located next to the river at the bottom of the canyon. Most people stay the night there but I’m determined to make it back up. I order an orange juice, change my socks, wring out my jersey and start the ascent back to civilization.