Arequipa and Colca Canyon 3-day tour

Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and brimming with colonial Spanish charm, take the opportunity to visit, along with your guide,  the most important parts of the Arequipa city which vies with Cusco for the title of Peru’s most attractive city, and retains an elegant historic center constructed almost entirely out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar. Old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname of the ‘White City’. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is a lovely place to while away the day.

A visit to the Monasterio de Santa Catalina is a must for a glimpse into a bygone way of life. When the convent was built in the 16th century it was traditional for the second son or daughter of a family to enter the religious service. Santa Catalina accepted only women from high-class Spanish families, with each family paying a hefty dowry for her acceptance. But life inside the convent was far from modest – each nun had between one and four servants. Many brought rugs, fine china and silk curtains, and they often held parties.

Optional: A visit to Arequipa would never be complete without a visit to see the mummy of the teenage Inca maiden, now christened Juanita. Learn the story of one of the most important archaeological finds of the recent decades in the museum. (This is only possible  if the mummy is not touring)

After an early breakfast (not included) and pick up from your hotel, we depart from Arequipa heading northwest following a paved road, which will lead us to Colca Canyon.

Going round the Chachani volcano, head towards the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve where you will be able to stop and take pictures of wild llamas, alpacas and vicuñas while learning how to identify the differences between all of them.

After a stop at the Tocra swamps where you will see Andean geese, ducks, Andean eagle “Kara Kara” we get to take in the crater of Chucura, an extinct volcano. After, we continue ascending a dirt road to the highest point of the trip, Patapampa (4800 meters-15000 feet), where the  view of the volcanoes Ubinas, Mismi, Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya (which is still active) and Ampato is simply magnificent.

The journey then continues downhill to the main village of Colca Canyon, the village of Chivay.   The Incan and pre-Incan terraces that are carved into the walls are still cultivated today and traditional Indian villages are dotted throughout the canyon. Time for lunch (not included).  Transfer to your lodging.

MAKE IT DIFFERENT (OPTIONAL)

 We advise our clients to lodge in hotels that have their own thermal pools, but if this should not be possible, then later in the afternoon you will be able to visit the Calera hot springs (35ºC/95ºF), to enjoy a relaxing bath in their large thermal pools surrounded by huge mountains.  Walking around the town and experiencing the local life is a good idea before having dinner with a traditional Peruvian musical performance.

The main attraction of the canyon is not only the amazing scenery, but also the magnificent Andean Condor. To fully appreciate this majestic bird, an early start is necessary. After two hour ride along the edge of the Canyon having the best views of the Colca Valley, you will reach a natural viewpoint, from where you will be able to see these dignified Andean creatures soaring gracefully on the rising thermal air currents.

On the way back, there will be some stops in the typical towns of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque with their beautiful colonial churches, and you can interact with the friendly locals dressed in their typical needlework costumes. From some strategic observation points you will experience fantastic views of the beautiful pre-Inca terraces that are still used to grow Andean cereals such as corn, quinoa or kiwicha.

After a relaxing lunch in Chivay (on your behalf), you will return to Arequipa, or if you prefer, continue your trip by bus to the city of Puno.