Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Length: 5 Days/4 Nights from Lima
Season: mid-April to mid-November
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca in southern Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Since its walls are not as vertical, the valley is filled with small towns that preserve their ancestral traditions, maintaining the terraced mountainsides that have been farmed since before the time of the Incas.
Highlights include a stop at Cruz del Condor, where we watch the rare Andean Condor float on thermals rising from the valley floor, a dip in natural hot springs, and short nature hikes and walking tours of the charming villages along the way. We begin this adventure with a tour of Peru’s second-largest city, Arequipa, which is known as the “White City” for the white volcanic stone used in its buildings. Arequipa offers an ideal place to acclimatize slowly before continuing on to Cusco.
Read the Southwind Blog article ‘Elegance and Adventure in Peru’s Colca Canyon‘
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 01: AREQUIPA
Transfer to airport for flight to Arequipa (7,675′). Arrive by early afternoon and transfer to the Libertador Hotel followed by a short tour of the city, including its main square, Cathedral and the Santa Catalina Convent. Dating to 1580, this is the oldest convent in Peru still cloistering nuns. We also visit the unique Santuarios Andinos Museum, which contains the frozen body of the Inca ice maiden, “Juanita”, sacrificed near the summit of Ampato over five centuries ago. (B)
Day 02: AREQUIPA/COLCA CANYON
Morning scenic drive to Colca along a paved road passing the Aguada Blanca Reserve and Pampa Cañahuas where we may see the gracious Vicuñas, a small relative of the llamas. Misti and Chachani peaks preside over the open landscape. Continue to Chivay via the Patapampa route and cross a high pass at 15,745′. Here we can view Ampato (20,935′), Sabancaya & Hualca-Hualca peaks. Next is a spectacular descent towards Chivay before continuing to the Colca Lodge (10,665′). Driving distance: 105 miles – 4.5 hours. (B,L,D)
Day 03: COLCA CANYON
Drive along a dirt road to Cruz del Condor look-out and possibly spot condors, the world’s largest flying bird, with a wing span of 10ft. Visit and walk by typical towns along the canyon rim, including: Yanque, with its site museum and picturesque 18th century church; Achoma and Maca for impressive pre-Inca terraces. Picnic lunch included. Return to the Colca Lodge for a dip in their hot springs and then dinner and overnight. Driving distance: 45 miles – 2 hours. (B,L,D)
Day 04: COLCA CANYON/AREQUIPA
A short hike leads us to the nearby Uyo Uyo ruins, a pre-Inca settlement which once served as the capital of the region. Enjoy impressive views and extend the hike to the Colcas, or sacred grain deposits, which are spectacularly situated in a small canyon. After lunch back at the lodge, we’ll drive back to the village of Chivay, where we notice the uniquely decorated clothing style in this region. Continue to Arequipa following the same paved road and overnight at the Libertador Hotel. Driving distance: 125 miles – 4.5 hours. (B,L)
Day 05: AREQUIPA
Transfer to airport for flight to Lima or another destination. (B)
Prices from:
$3,100 p.p.d. for 2 participants.
p.p.d.=per person based on double or triple occupancy. Price does not include local flights.
Notes: Prices Includes private vehicle, driver & guide, plus lodging, meals and tours as described on the itinerary. An upgrade for 2 nights at the exclusive Orient-Express Las Casitas del Colca is available for an additional fee (Casita King or Twin for double or single occupancy). Please, contact your Southwind Travel Consultant for additional details.
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