Distant Villages
The canyon has a vertical drop of 13,500 feet, and the inhabitants of it's tiny villages are a hardy lot. In the distance is a small settlement that can only be reached by foot and mule. A rough life in a beautiful place.
Date: 09/19/10
The canyon has a vertical drop of 13,500 feet, and the inhabitants of it's tiny villages are a hardy lot. In the distance is a small settlement that can only be reached by foot and mule. A rough life in a beautiful place.
Flight of the Condor
Although a carrion eater, the Andean condor is the symbol of Peru. With a wingspan of 10 feet, it is the world's largest bird and very majestic.
Date: 09/20/10
Although a carrion eater, the Andean condor is the symbol of Peru. With a wingspan of 10 feet, it is the world's largest bird and very majestic.
Local Transport
The mule is the all purpose, all terrain vehicle in a roadless land.
Date: 09/19/10
The mule is the all purpose, all terrain vehicle in a roadless land.
Rugged Peaks
Every inch of spare land in the canyon has been turned into terraces for farming. Countless generations have toiled clearing stones, building the terraces and working the fields.
Date: 09/19/10
Every inch of spare land in the canyon has been turned into terraces for farming. Countless generations have toiled clearing stones, building the terraces and working the fields.
Spirits of the Corn
We were fortunate to arrive in time for a festival marking the spring planting of maize. Cabanaconde was alive with spirits and spirited masked dancers, and a liberal supply of pisco, the national drink.
Date: 09/19/10
We were fortunate to arrive in time for a festival marking the spring planting of maize. Cabanaconde was alive with spirits and spirited masked dancers, and a liberal supply of pisco, the national drink.
Corn Dancers
The women of Cocla canyon wear lovely embroidered outfits and these ladies had on their finest for the festival.
Date: 09/18/10
The women of Cocla canyon wear lovely embroidered outfits and these ladies had on their finest for the festival.
The Hearth
Life in the canyon has changed little over the years. Homes are rustic and simple, and the people are poor in wealth, but rich in heart.
Date: 09/16/10
Life in the canyon has changed little over the years. Homes are rustic and simple, and the people are poor in wealth, but rich in heart.
Gringa
We headed down 4000 ft on foot, the path was hot and dusty but the views compensated. At the bottom was a palm fringed oasis with swimming pools. A mule back up to the 13,000 ft rim was a great idea.
Date: 09/19/10
We headed down 4000 ft on foot, the path was hot and dusty but the views compensated. At the bottom was a palm fringed oasis with swimming pools. A mule back up to the 13,000 ft rim was a great idea.