FIRST DAY AREQUIPA/COLCA.
We pick you up from your hotel between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM, and then start our excursion to the spectacular Colca Valley. We'll skirt the slopes of the Chachani, Misti and Pichupichu volcanoes, arriving at the Pampa Cañahuas reserve, which belongs to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we can see vicuñas in their natural habitat. At this point, we will be at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level.
We arrive at “Alto Sumbay”, an Andean community located on the opposite side of the reserve. Here it's interesting to observe the stone formations and a view of the rear sides of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. To acclimatize to the altitude, we'll enjoy an original “Mate de Coca” or a coffee at a small place that offers food and drinks along the road (restroom facilities available).
We continue the tour passing through the “Tocra” area at an elevation of 4,400 meters above sea level, where we will observe some wild birds and have a view of the highlands with llamas and alpacas. Our highest point is “Pata Pampa” (Pata=high, Pampa=land), located at 4,910 meters above sea level, where we can see the Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca Hualca, and Mismi volcanoes and the Cordillera de Chila.
We will arrive at the town of Chivay (3,651 meters above sea level), the capital of the Colca Valley, where we can enjoy lunch (not included), and then you will be checked in at the selected hotel. In the afternoon, we'll explore the relaxing thermal pools of Chacapi. Back in Chivay, we'll enjoy a folk show, followed by dinner (not included).
Once the visits are over and this exciting day comes to an end, transportation will take you to your respective accommodations.
SECOND DAY: COLCA / CRUZ DEL CONDOR.
Early breakfast and then we'll head towards the Cruz del Condor vantage point. Our first visit will be to the village of Yanque, where we will see typical dances and admire an imposing colonial church.
Arrival at a convenient time at the vantage point, where you will have enough time to appreciate the depth of the Canyon and, weather permitting, take spectacular photos of the condors, which can glide on the air currents with little effort. After a prearranged time, our tour guide will take you on a short hike (approx. 30 to 40 minutes) along the edge of the canyon.
On the way back, we will make stops at the Antahuilque and Huayrapunko vantage points, where we will have a panoramic view of the Colca Valley and its 1,500-year-old pre-Inca terraces. A brief visit to the village of Maca and then on to the village of Chivay, where we will have lunch (not included).
After lunch, return to the city of Arequipa. Arrival in Arequipa around 4:00 to 4:30 PM.
Once in Arequipa, we will transfer you to your hotel if it is located in the historic center.
