Tour to Arequipa - Colca Valley - Condor's Cross 5/4

Introduction

The Colca Canyon: 3180 meters deep, one of the deepest in the World and home of the majestic Condor is located in the spectacular Colca Valley, a picturesque Andean valley dotted with towns founded in Colonial times and formerly inhabited by the Collaguas and the Cabanas. Today, its inhabitants still maintain ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces.

Arequipa

The perfect place to admire the great Andean bird, the Condor, flying in circles above the Colca Canyon and also ideal for Adventure Sports.

Arequipa, Peru's second largest City is located 1024 km (640 miles) South of Lima. It was founded in 1540 and is one of the country's most attractive cities. Full of Colonial churches and mansions, including Santa Catalina, a restored Convents established in 1579 and now open to the public after being closed for 400 years, Arequipa is known as the White City because much of it is build of ashier, the smooth white building stone quarried from volcanic lava quarries.

Arequipa's mild climate and altitude (2300 meter above sea level - 7500 ft.) make it the perfect place to acclimatise before continuing the trip to Cusco or Puno.

All our programmes can be tailor made according to your requirements, whether regarding the length of your tour, any special interests or specific activities, flight reservations, optional destinations or tours.

DAY 01: Arequipa

Upon arrival, reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we start a three hour sightseeing tour including Santa Catalina Convent, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit Church of La Compañía and its beautifully painted Chapel, the Church of San Francisco, the San Lazaro District, Selva Alegre and the typical Districts of Cayma and Yanahuara for a magnificent view of the Misti Volcano.

Meals Included: None

DAY 02: Arequipa - Colca Valley

Early in the morning, after breakfast, departure by land on your excursion towards the Colca Valley driving across Pampa Cañahuas at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, habitat of herds of Vicuñas and stopping at the Mirador de los Andes, the Crater of Chucura, the Mirador de Chivay, where beautiful pre-Columbian terraces still being cultivated by native Collaguas can be observed. The highest point of the road is at 4350 m.a.s.l.. Arrival to the Town of Chivay at 13:00hrs. approx. Transfer to your selected Lodge. Box lunch.
In the afternoon free time to visit Hot Spring Thermal and Medicinal Baths.

Meals Included: Breakfast and box lunch

Arequipa

DAY 03: Colca Valley

Full day devoted to explore the quaint villages of this amazing Valley, an excellent opportunity to learn the native people's traditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 04: Condor's Cross - Arequipa

Early in the morning departure to the "Condor's Cross" from where the great Andean bird, the Condor, may be spotted flying in circles above still farmed green pre-Hispanic terraces. Enjoy the impressive panorama of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the World (3,180 mts.). On the way back to Chivay, visit to the Mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous Hanging Tombs and the Hanging Bridge of Sifón that joins the Town of Yanque with Coporaque. At the Town of Yanque, visit its beautiful church and its characteristic cobbled stone streets among other attractions. To have spectacular views of the Colca Valley, we will drive to the observation points of Choquetipo and Artahuilque and also to the Town of Maca.

After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the City of Arequipa, arriving at 18:00hrs. approx. Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 05: Arequipa

After breakfast. Transfer to the local airport or bus station.

Meals Included: Breakfast

TOUR PACKAGES: Imperial Cusco | Exotic Cusco 5 days | Cusco Action Tour 8 days | Puno | Arequipa

JUNGLE TRIPS: Manu National Park | Tambopata Candamo Expedition | Manu 4 days

TRAVEL TIPS: About Cusco | About Peru | F.A.Q. | Full Links | Climate