Trading beaches for snow-capped volcanos in Peru

When we first started talking about exploring Peru, a friend connected us with Carlos, who runs a couple non-profit organizations in Arequipa. After a couple conversations, he invited us to come visit. He has an amazing story and is making a huge impact here in Peru. I'll explain more in a separate post, but if you want to know more now, watch this video introducing three of his projects. You'll also get a bird's eye view over the city of Arequipa and a look at the famous San Camilo Market, a bright and busy place.

When Carlos picked us up from the airport, we were shocked by the snow-capped volcanos, high desert landscape, and dry weather. Arequipa sits at 7,661ft, and when I awoke the first morning, altitude sickness had kicked in. The local cure is found in coca leaves, so we headed to the market. My symptoms of headaches and exhaustion were relieved with some coca tea and by day three, I was fine.

I loved being able to see the volcanos from everywhere!

We stayed in Zamacola, just a few blocks from the local market. Each vendor brings their cart or trailer and sets up each morning. In the evenings, most have left and been replaced with food carts. 

Most of the photos are taken from the local park, which gives a great view of three volcanos: Misti (the cone-shaped one), Chachani, (the wider one seen in the airport photo) and Pichu Pichu.

While most of the area is very dry, there is a green valley just a few blocks from the house where crops are grown. 

I could have sworn the sidewalks were trying to kill me. This is just one example of the strange and unexpected courses it takes. Sometimes there's a channel cutting thru, or a low building where you need to duck your head, a step, a drop, a steep slant. The only thing to expect is the unexpected. After some trips, we decided to take our chances in the street where it was flat, but drivers do NOT stop for pedestrians, so you have to always be paying good attention.

Sunset in Zamacola

From this location we have so much planned: Exploring Arequipa, Chilina Ecological Park, Colca Canyon, Laguna de Salinas, the Monastery and spending time with the children at Casa Hogar Alegria.