Women of Colca Canyon, Peru – Portrait of Simpler Time

The Colca Valley had existed virtually in isolation for many years. More recently, however, a greater number of visitors have been coming to view the spectacular South American condors and to discover a culture portraying how life used to be in a simpler time – before cars, the internet and cable TV.

Passing terraces and mountains of the Colca Valley on a recent visit, I marveled at the women carrying heavy loads on their backs on the side of the road.With no transportation available, these women walk for miles to their destination before beginning a hard day of work in the fields.  I found the Peruvian people to be incredibly warm and friendly and very willing to share stories about their unique, traditional culture.

Watching a family of South American condors soaring close by against the scenic backdrop of the Colca Canyon was a exhilarating experience.The fact that the Andean Condor is a scavenger, feasting on the animal carcasses is easily forgotten when watching these remarkably graceful birds soaring against the backdrop of the Colca canyon walls. With its wings held horizontally and its feathers bent upwards at the tips very rarely flapping its wings, the condor glides through the air relying on thermals to stay aloft.

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