Small town, big sky

There is a noticeable lack of urgency in Cabanaconde, Peru. It’s likely that this placid state is related to the lack of people and of things to do. Buses arrive, buses depart, one set of backpackers replaces another. Yet, it’s not boring here. Not by far.

Napping donkey, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru photo

The donkey? He’s tired. From all the excitement.

What is there to do in Cabanaconde? Primarily, people like us come here to hike downdowndown into the canyon. But, what if you’ve got a day to kill before your hike? You could go see the famed condors and then…

…well, um…hmm.

Farmhouse, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru photo

Quiet farmhouse.

Cabanaconde is the biggest village in Colca Canyon, a massive and yet lightly populated area. It’s just not easy to make a life and a living on practically vertical surfaces.

Mountain view through tower window, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru photo

Mountain view through tower window.

Once we’re done getting dive bombed by Andean condors at Mirador de Achachihua, Todd and I make our own entertainment.

Since no one’s around to watch, we goof around at Cabanaconde’s empty bull ring.

Todd as bull, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru photo

Todd as Toro!

Shepherdess at the bull ring, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru photo

Shepherdess at Cabanaconde’s bull ring.

Red bull ring, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru photo

Red bull ring and empty stands.

Red door at the bull ring, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru photo

Red door at the bull ring.

Then, we take our time hiking out to nearby hills to check out out crosses made from branches and twigs, decked with rosaries and scarves. And we simply relax.

Cross of branches, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru photo

Cross of branches.

Cross on a hill, Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru photo

Cross on a hill, mountains behind.

After the hectic streets of Cusco and packed trails of Machu Picchu, a little dose of not-that-much is a treat.

It’s a pretty, pretty place.