April 12 back to Arequipa from Colca Canyon

 We finally dragged ourselves away from the condors to head back to Arequipa. On the way back we stopped at villages to watch local festivals and wander through markets. 

There was a big contrast between lush cultivated valleys and the humble dwellings of the farmers

The seeming tranquility of the area has been shattered by many earthquakes - it is very vulnerable

Transport in the high country of the Colca Valley is simple

Villages are dominated by very big churches sitting beside rudimentary dwellings

This village square is marked by often tongue-in-cheek statues depicting the occupations of the people

We happened upon a wee celebration or festival. Dancers were circling the fountain. I watched for a while and thought some of the women looked like men (some of whom were checking their phones!). Our guide, Emmanuel told us that in the early days of the Spanish colonisation the local people were not as suppressed as the 'invaders' thought - theirs was a quiet resistance. Men disguised themselves as women and infiltrated the camps gathering intel, the clever things.  

In most villages sheep were herded through the village square and local women posed with adorable alpaca for people to photograph.

Local markets were fun to explore. This day was not the main market day but it was still abuzz

Quirky local transport buzzed around like little tuktuks

Local dress is worn by the older women but the younger women only sported the traditional hats

The style of dress harks back to the time of the Spaniards when the local women sought to emulate the wealthy Spanish women in their big dresses. 

Arriving back in Arequipa

It was hard coming back into the city after the beauty and tranquility of the Colca Valley. It had been an absolutely magic couple of days made that much more enjoyable by our knowledgeable quiet and gentle guide and driver, Emmanuel. The last two days we learnt much about the Inca and pre-Inca days – absolutely fascinating.