Arequipa & Colca Canyon (3D)
Extension Tours are only offered in conjunction with our full Peru tours.
Our Colca Canyon tour begins with a visit of Arequipa, the beautiful “White city” in southern Peru. Next we are off on a two day excursion up over the Altiplano (high plains) to descend into the beautiful surroundings of one of the world’s deepest canyons, the Colca Canyon. At the ‘Cruz del Condor’ lookout, we will scan the skies for a glimpse of the majestic Condors soaring above, some with nearly 9 foot wingspans. Combined with opportunities to enjoy the local hotspring pools our Colca Canyon tour is both engaging and relaxing.
Itinerary
Arequipa & Colca Canyon (3 Day)
DAY 1: LIMA – AREQUIPA
Arequipa Accommodations
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Arequipa (1hr), known as the "White City" due to the white volcanic rock commonly used in colonial constructions. Morning free to relax or roam through the city. Enjoy an afternoon city tour with a visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, famous for its labyrinth of secluded quarters, Yanahuara and La Campina. (B)
DAY 2: AREQUIPA – COLCA CANYON
Colca Canyon Accommodations
Leaving the city behind we slowly ascend to the highland Savannah or “Puna”, with a close up view of Mt. Misti and the other surrounding volcanoes. On this high altitude desert, you will have a chance to see herds of llamas, alpacas and the endangered vicuña in an impressive altiplano landscape. After reaching the highest point at Patampampa (15,750 ft / 4800 mt), we descend into the upper Colca Canyon at the town of Chivay. Here you can relax in the local hotsprings. Overnight at a charming local hotel. (Approx. 5 hrs transfer time). (B,L,D)
DAY 3: COLCA CANYON – AREQUIPA
After breakfast and a visit to the colonial Church of Yanque, our excursion reaches an observation point, where a wooden cross called CRUZ DEL CONDOR has been erected. The view from here is breathtaking: one can see the silvery thread of the Colca River flowing below in the roar of the canyon, while majestic condors soar overhead using the warm air currents from the canyon depths to rise towards the high peaks. Here the chasm is (3940 ft / 1,200 m) deep, but the highest part of the canyon wall on the other side is more than (9845 ft / 3,000 m) above the river level, and permanently snow-capped. Continue to the observation point of Antahuilque and Choquetico; on the way we visit the village and church of Maca. Return to Arequipa hotel or airport for late afternoon/evening flight. (B,L)
Key: (B)reakfast, (L)unch, (D)inner
