We
were up on time and joined a group in reception who were also waiting for a
tour. Luckily we were picked up and very soon after I was asleep again for the
2 hour drive. On the way we passed through the Highlands (approx 5000m) which
were covered in snow and had the sun shining on us.

We
stopped here for a quick look around but I was in no way dressed for snow so
didn't last long before I was back in the car and enjoying the views through
the window. The rest of the group was much the same so we were on our way down
to Chivay very quickly for some much needed breakfast.

After
breakfast we went to the condor viewing site and on the way we saw about 8
flying in the distance. We stopped and enjoyed for a while before moving on. At
the viewing point we saw 2 young condors flying around close to us as well as
great views of the canyon below.

Condors
grow to have a wing span of 3-3.2m and 100 years old. They are monogamous and
only lay a few eggs every few years. It is also believed that when they get too
old they commit suicide by flying very high and then plunge to the ground.

From
here we made our way back stopping to get a few views of the valley before
going to the hot springs. At the hot springs we swam for a while before Rebecca
and Alex walked in and joined us.

After
the swim we jumped back on the bus where the guide started speaking about all
kinds of local dishes while all of us were starving. Eventually we pulled into
town and had a buffet lunch where we ate ourselves silly.

After
lunch we jumped back in the bus to make our way back to Arequipa. Fortunately I
managed to get lots of sleep on the way and woke up when we were pulling into
Arequipa. We drove through town for a while before getting dropped off just
outside San Francisco plaza.

From
here we walked a few blocks to our hostel in the pouring rain and got rather
wet. After we had a shower and warmed up we made our way to wild rover to meet
Jay and dom. Here we grabbed some dinner and the drinks started to flow.

We
closed the bar at 12 (very early) after much excitement of Dom getting the
party started with some more free shots and everyone on the bar and Tina being
pulled off the bar by someone falling off. Fortunately nothing serious happened
except a few scrapes and some sore ribs.

After
a few staff played medic and cleaned the scrapes we went to a bar around the
corner for a few more before heading back to our hostel to call it a night.