The Condor in his kingdom, the Colca Valley
Introduction
In the first article (part
1 of 6) characteristics of the Andean condor were presented; this time we show
a natural habitat so impressive and memorable as the species itself. The first photograph
shows the panoramic observed from the viewpoint Achachiua canyon near
Cabanaconde.
The Caylloma province or
"Colca" is part of the Arequipa region, and is located in the
northeast corner of this region. In this province stands out as natural
landscape Colca Canyon, around which have settled populations that identify it.
Colca is one of the
major tourist destinations of Peru; the name comes from the words Collaguas and
Cabanas, two ethnic groups who lived along the Colca River.
The headwaters of the
Colca Valley are above 4000 meters, are suitable for livestock, sloping gently
down while become agricultural areas. At an altitude of 3000 meters, the valley
is narrower and begins the Colca Canyon with 100km in length.
In the caves of the
Colca Valley there are paintings and engravings with more than 7,000 years old
depicting hunting scenes, camelids (guanacos, llamas, etc.), foxes, human
figures, astral representations like the Sun, the Southern Cross, birds and
many other figures, proving the passing of several human settlements.
The Colca Valley has
numerous churches scattered throughout the valley, containing the best of
European architectural and artistic trends with decorative ingenious
contributions of the native population. The result was a rich baroque style,
with influences from Arequipa and Cusco.
Each church stands for
some peculiar character; some are completely built of volcanic stone ashlar;
other only in their magnificent facades or unique paintings and sculptures in
its interior; others are as old as the early years of the conquest.
In addition to churches,
are interesting customs and traditions that are shown in the craftsmanship of
each village in the valley.
In the handicrafts
include embroidery with which women embellish their suits, “polleras” or skirts and typical hats, which are used in
daily activities. The fiber based fabrics baby alpaca and llama are locally
produced by the skillful weavers in the upper valley.
The main Colca folkloric
expressions are portrayed in the days of traditional celebrations including the
most popular Wititi the Qamili, the Tincachi, Carnival, the Turcu Tusuy and
Bullfights, showing its great peculiarity in the development of its crafts.
Wititi festival in
Chivay is an attractive considered "cultural heritage" of Peru. The
women's clothing bearing the male in dance is because according to legend, men
to kidnap brides undetected had to dress like them.
The Colca, Colca impressive habitat
Erosion over thousands
of years and the participation of various geological agents set up a unique
landscape: mountainous landscapes between 3,000 m and 5,000 m with steep
slopes; where soils here are suitable for grazing taking advantage of
temporary, permanent and semi-natural pastures. Farmers and herders clearly are
districts like Tisco, Callalli and
Sibayo.
From Madrigal to Tuti to the valley is broad, the slopes are
gentle and land is suitable for agriculture. From Pinchollo to Cabanaconde in
the valley is formed a terrace ending in boxing Colca River.
Below this level begin
the slopes bordering the 60 ° tilt, landscapes with vertical cliffs hundreds of
meters of altitude as are observed while walking to Oasis, Tapay, Cosñirgua, San Juan de
Chuccho or Malata. The right side has a steep and continuous slope from the top
of Mount Bomboya up the canyon.
There are also hot
springs, from Caylloma to Canco, with a progressive decrease in water
temperature and a change in chemical composition from sulfur to carbonated. The
water temperature can reach 85 ° C. The volcanic foci nearby presence is
revealed by the presence of geysers in Pinchollo, Cabanaconde and Tapay.
The Colca River begins
in the Andes, at the top of Condorama Cruise. The Valley itself begins where
arable margins space becomes wider. The traditional tours start near Chivay, at
the foot of Nevado Mismi, the farthest source of the Amazon River
After passing through
the town of Maca, the slope of the river is markedly increased and away from level
deep valley where populations are found. Here begins the Colca Canyon itself.
It reaches its greatest depth near the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
Wildlife Caylloma province,
despite being in a habitat with desert conditions and high mountain has a high
biodiversity. Currently there have been 231 specially adapted vertebrate
species. The habitat of these species are specific wetland ecosystems such as
the “bofedal”, “queñual” or lagoon.
The canyon is home to the
Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), a species that has been the subject of
conservation in various parts of the world. These birds can be observed from
close proximity flying along the canyon walls. The place called "Cruz del
Condor" is a popular and favorite tourist whereabouts to observe the
condors. Here the height of the canyon is 1200 m (2960 ft.).
Other notable species
include the largest giant hummingbird from hummingbirds Family,; also the
Andean goose, Chilean Flamingo. Other species are the vizcacha, chinchilla,
skunk, deer, fox and the vicuna, llama, guanaco.
Unfortunately many
species are endangered; while the Condor is vulnerable. The causes of
population decline are unknown, although it has been suggested anthropic
pressure (the invasion of their habitat by human activity) and fragmentation of
their habitats, also may be added direct aggression by people who consider them
harmful or dangerous .
Colca is one of the
deepest canyons in the world, with 3250 m initially estimated in 1981 by a
Polish expedition, who passed 33 days in
the canyon, although with little precision apparatus depth. In the last
expedition in 2005, led by the mathematician and Polish expeditionary Andrew
Potowski was found that in the adjacent town of Quillo Orco, in the district of
Huambo area, Colca Canyon depth reaching 4,160 m on the north side and 3600
meters on the south side. With these measures, Colca is the second deepest canyon in the world
after Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon , China, which measures 5,590 m.
After a marked decline,
described by canoeists as one of the best rapids in the Western Hemisphere, the
river takes the name of Majes when entering the valley of the same name.
Finally, after more coast downhill towards the Pacific, the river takes its
name from Camana and empties into the sea near the town of the same name.
The condor is a living
glider that takes advantage of updrafts, I presume paragliders not resist the
temptation to jump in imitating flight to observe the valley along the stunning
scenery shown in some previous images. For now just to dream because the sudden
temperature change and address or force winds can generate difficult to
overcome setbacks. Although it would be the best thing ever someone tries; let condors
fly alone in their domains.
Deployment of kites in
the sky is exciting for all involved, children or adults; the perceived effect
is similar when the flight of a lone condor or a group of them along the
unforgettable Colca Canyon is observed.
References
Colca Canyon Taken 09/21/2014 of
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colca_Canyon
Colca VALLEY,
Taken on 20/09/2014 in
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_del_Colca
