We had set the alarm for 4:45 but it wasn´t necessary because the local rooster woke us up at 4:30. After being entertained by some colorful Irish cursing about the rooster at breakfast we headed out.
Another long van ride but we took a couple stops(see pics at top of canyon). The first being a stop to hike above 5000 meters. Tiffany wasn´t feeling well. Not sure if it was altitude or something she ate but either way she stayed at the van and the rest of us hiked up. It was only probably a 400 ft climb past a small lake but it was tough at that altitude. I felt like I was 100 years old. We all chewed coca leaves but it was still tough. I think the whole purpose was just to say we did it. We had already been to much prettier places.
In Peru, coca is not viewed as a drug at all. It is more like green tea or coffee. They serve it on the bus. You can get tea anywhere, leaves, candy, cookies etc. I am told that almost no one abuses the drug in the form of cocaine even though Peru exports its fair share. All drugs are illegal otherwise.
After an un comment worthy lunch we went to a huge field of rocks with petroglyphs apparently made by a pre Incan society. Forget the name.
Got into Arequipa around 8 said goodbye to our fellow trekkers and guides, grabbed a local dinner, bed.
One other comment about Cotahuasi. Anne-Marie was sick so she went to the local doctor. The exam cost her 5 soles and the antibiotics cost 1.20 soles. Less than $2.50 total, a little cheaper than the US.
Note: the pics are in reverse order.
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