COLCA CANYON – AREQUIPA 2D/1N

COLCA CANYON – AREQUIPA  2 D/1N

The incredible Colca Canyon is located in the Caylloma province and Arequipa region. However, it is considered one of the deepest canyons because it has a depth of 4160 meters. The Colca Canyon is an incredible place where you will find a magnificent connection with nature, in addition to the tour you will be able to appreciate the incredible vegetation and the wonderful formation of the canyon.

During the Colca Canyon tour we will be able to observe the daily life of the settlers as they earn their living from agriculture. Thus, they grow various varieties of potatoes and corn, quinoa, wheat, barley, alfalfa, and various fruits, as well as raising llamas, alpacas, donkeys, dairy cows, and sheep, etc. In addition, during the tour in the towns of Pinchollo and Maca we can taste the Colca Sour, an emblematic drink of the valley.

What activities will we do in the Colca Canyon?

• First, observe the flight of the Condors
• Second we will see alpacas, llamas, alpacas
• Then observation of the volcanic chain Hualcahualca, Sabancalla and Ampato
• Visit to Choquetizo
• visit to the Antahuilque lagoon
• Finally, visit the Maca and Yanke communities

COLCA CANYON 2D/1N

DAY 01: AREQUIPA – CHIVAY

The Colca Canyon 2D/1N tour begins by picking all participants up from their hotels in Arequipa (2,335 m) to set out the journey to the Colca Valley. All the way takes around 4 hours. However, we stop in some very interesting places on the way. Our first stop is at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve to be able to admire many cute Andean camelids such as vicunas, alpacas, llamas, and guanacos. Then, we continue the ride till Patahuasi where we enjoy natural coca leave tea helping us to acclimatize to the high altitude. Afterward, we move to mountain wetlands with many lagoons to birdwatch. For instance, flamingos, the Andean goose, or representatives of ibis species.

Later on, we pass the highest point of Patapampa (4,910 masl), also called the “Viewpoint of the Volcanoes”. From there, we can see the volcanic chain: Misti, Picchu Picchu, Chachani, Ubinas, Hualca-Hualca, Sabancaya and Ampato. Then, we descend to the town of Chivay (3,635 m) where we accommodate ourselves in a hotel and taste a delicious lunch. As the weather there is really chilly, we go to warm up ourselves to the thermal baths „La Calera“. We enjoy its 5 pools of medicinal waters having 38°C. In the evening, we experience a dinner show to see marvelous typical dances. We were overnight well-dressed in the hotel.

DAY 02: CHIVAY – COLCA CANYON – AREQUIPA

• We woke up very early, we started with breakfast at the hotel. Then, we take our belongings and get into the private vehicle that takes us to the “Cruz del Cóndor” viewpoint (1.30 am). When we arrive at the viewpoint, we will observe condors (the largest flying birds in the Andes) flying over the huge Colca Canyon. The canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon of North America!.
• On the way back, we can admire the beautiful valley of the Colca River and the agricultural terraces. In addition, we pass some beautiful villages with small 17th century churches in the baroque style of the Andean countryside. Those locals still maintain the old habits that they practiced before the arrival of the Spanish. They earn their living from agriculture.
• First, we stop at Wayraqpuncu, a viewpoint that offers us a panoramic view of the valley. Second, we will ride to Choquetico, where we can see agricultural terraces, as well as pre-Inca hanging tombs of the Collagua culture on the rock. Later, we stopped next to the magical Laguna de Antahuilque changing color due to the presence of minerals. Then, we visit the charming towns of Pinchollo and Maca, where we can taste the Colca Sour. Our next destination is Yanque having the most beautiful church in the Colca Valley. From there we continue back to Chivay.
• If we are lucky we will observe the giant hummingbird, the mountain caracara, and a vizcacha, the valley is home to the taruca, the Andean fox, the cat of the pampas, the wild cat of the Andes, the puma. Upon reaching Chivay, we have a delicious lunch. Finally, we got into the vehicle to return to the city of Arequipa arriving at approximately 6 pm. The Colca Canyon tour ends.

DAY 01: AREQUIPA – CHIVAY

• 8 am – a pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa.
• Transportation towards Colca Valley.
• Stop at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
• Tea break at Patahuasi.
• Visit wetlands to observe migratory birds.
• Stop at the highest point of Patapampa – 4,910 m.a.s.l.
• Arrive at the town of Chivay.
• Accommodation at a hotel.
• Traditional lunch.
• Visit of the thermal baths “La Calera”.
• Dinner show (music and typical dances representing condors – sacred birds).
• Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 02: CHIVAY – COLCA CANYON – AREQUIPA

• 5 am – very early breakfast.
• Transport to Colca Canyon.
• Arrival to “Cruz del Condor” – a viewpoint to observe flying condors.
• Return transport to Chivay.
• Continuation of the ride stopping at “Wayraqpuncu” – a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the Colca Valley.
• Stop at “Choquetico” to observe agricultural lands and to visit the hanging tombs of the “Collagua Culture”.
• Visit of “Antahuilque” – a colorful lagoon.
• Another stop at the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque.
• Arrival at Chivay.
• Lunch.
• Return ride to the Arequipa.
• 6 pm (approx.) – arrival at the city.
• Transfer to your hotel.
• End of the Colca Canyon 2D/1N.

INCLUDES IN THE COLCA CANYON TOUR:

• First I pick you up from your hotel.
• Private transportation throughout the Colca Canyon tour.
• Also, bilingual tour guide.
• Rather 1 night in a hotel in Chivay.
• However, the entrance to the Colca Canyon.
• Also, you will be given 1 breakfast, 2 lunch, 1 dinner.
• Finally, return to the hotel in Arequipa.

NOT INCLUDES IN THE COLCA CANYON TOUR:

• Beverages (apart of the main meals).
• Tips to local staff.
• Entrance fee to the thermal baths (15 Soles).
• Accommodation in Arequipa.
• Any flight.
• Face shield
• Personal alcohol
• Finally the chinstraps

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU FOR THE COLCA CANYON TOUR?

• Original passport (to be checked at the Colca Canyon gateway),
• Also warm clothes.
• A cap or also a hat
• Trekk shoes
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Rain poncho
• However, bring camera
• Bottled water.
• Rather, wear a face shield
• Likewise, chinstraps
• Also, carry money
• Finally, personal alcohol

The price depends on the number of participants, accommodation availability, travel dates and other preferences. Please inquire about a personalized price.