Arequipa, Peru 🇵🇪

Today Nicole and I spend the morning thrashing out Colca Canyon options and planning a bit of forward travel.  We settle on getting a tourist bus return to Cabanaconde which will stop at key points but leave us to our own devices to walk around the top of the canyon.  We have to book it with the lady I don’t like and our first choice accommodation is under construction so our only option isa hostel called Valle de Fuego which looks pretty basic.  It’s only one night, so we book it and move on with the day.

Eva is heading off for Huaraz this afternoon (about 16hours on a bus up the coast via Lima).  We meet for lunch at Ratatouille and say our goodbyes.  I hope to see her again in the northern part of Peru, but you never know.  Nicole and I visit Santa Catalina Convent this afternoon.

Santa Catalina Convent is like a small citadel with streets leading between parts.  It was built in the 17th century and has several styles of architecture added over the years.  It was also affected by earthquakes in the area, the last big one in 2001. It is interesting to see how the nuns lived and there are still 21 sisters today but the setting provides great pictures and a lovely afternoon.  It is colourful and beautiful, natural pigment has been used to boldly colour the arched cloisters and lots of flowering plants added including geranium hedges. We both enjoy our couple of hours strolling through the streets taking too many photos.

Tonight is Alpaca steak again, at Eva’s favourite recommended restaurant.  Alpaca with rosemary is indeed delicious and even better than last nights.