Here i am in the mountains at 3650 m.
Left Arequipa at 10.00 and started driving up. Arequipa is 2400 m above sea level. The views of snow capped-mountains is great and we stop a few times for me to take pics. Our drive out of town goes thru the poor area – big city (2nd largest in Peru) the contrast in living is huge. During the next two hours we climb to 4910 m. I am getting short of breath – but still walk around slowly. The scene from the spot is breath taking. (Did you get that one). I have photos of all the mountains you could see and must of them over 6000 m. Just like yesterday when the desert just way on for miles – so is this view.
From this high point the drive is all down hill – but not in view – i was taking pics the whole time.
Did i mention that i am in a mini bus with just a driver and guide. On the alto pasta we see a lot of llama and other types of animals including birds in the wet areas.
I’m back on the cocoa tea. – it is supposed to help with altitude sickness and i guess it must by working cause i feel fine.
At our pit stop i tried a triple cocoa tea – it had the leaves of three plants said to help.
All around Chivay are the farmers have made flat land out of the hills just like the Incas did. This is the dry season so not much to see. The are getting ready to plant quinoa potato and corn. These are the three most important crops.
After lunch – during which i tried llama. They do not have to fear me becoming one of the people who love eating them .
We walked slowly around the market. Because of the altitude – meat is just sitting out on display – no fly s.
All the farmers wife’s have their spot to sell their crops. Lots of types of potato including sweet potato which looked just like our purple kumara. I managed 6000 steps today and all at high altitude so i am very happy.
Early start again in the morning – off to see the condors waking up and catching to air currents to fly. The condor is the heaviest bird to fly.