Punter Gallinas, Colombia

18.02.13

We were up at 4.30AM after not much sleep from the hammock and bundled into the back of a 4x4 to make our way across the desert to ´Punter Gallinas´ the North most point in Colombia. A flat tyre at 6AM meant we could all get out and watch the sunrise. After 5 hours of horrendously bumpy, invisible roads, we passed thousands of cactus, wild goats and a few indigenous Wayuu people. The landscape is breathtaking and we spent the afternoon on 60ft sand dunes which you can run down into the ocean. Another night of star gazing in the ´hammaca´followed by another sunrise, 3 in a row isn't bad. 

24th Nov Colca Caynon Trek

The Colca Canynon´s are 100 miles North West of Arequpia and twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the States. We started early at 3AM stopping at the first village ´Chivay´ for breakfast. We then drove to Cruz del Condor but unfortunately only saw a couple of Condors flying in the distance. Too many tourists! We then started our walk downwards crossing the river Colca. The slippery, dusty trail and sorching sun were totally different conditions to Machu Picchu. Overnight we stayed in bamboo bungalows and enjoyed a swim in our pool with stunning views. Bliss. 

Day 2 was a 5AM start and a 3 hour climb to the top of the mountain to the village of Cabanaconde. This was tough, especially on an empty stomach. The afternoon was spent at hot spring baths which were lush. Just what the body needed.