Colca Canyon is the premiere attraction in the Arequipa region.

Tourists come on 1 or 2 day trips to see condors at close range from the canyon rim — a real thrill.

The 6-hour road trip passes a vicuna reserve, the wild relative of the llama & crosses a 4800m pass.

Most hikers jump off from here, the tranquil town of Cabanaconde.

It is unspoiled; dirt streets, pigs snorting next to your hostel, kids playing in the plaza until late at night.

But the buses are noisy, honking any hour of the day or night.