Colca Canyon Tour 2d/1n

The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest places on the planet, reaching a depth of 3400 meters / 11.155 feet at the lowest point in the location of Canco. The canyon is home to the Andean Condor, the region's most popular attraction; these giant birds can be seen at close range as they fly past the canyon walls. The Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with pre– Inca roots and towns founded in Spanish colonial times, still inhabited by people of the Collagua and the Cabana cultures.

Day 1

Departing from Arequipa we will drive 160km to the picturesque village of Chivay, capital of the Province of Caylloma. At the beginning of our excursion we will enjoy the majestic views of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes; approaching the National Reserve of “Pampa Cañahuas” our transportation will make a short stop to observe the wild Vicuñas (the most important American camel) in its natural habitat. At this point we will be around 3,400 meters above sea level. Then we will head to Pata Wasi, an Andean community at the opposite border of the reserve. Here we will see the natural formation of rocks and the backside view of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. To prevent altitude sickness we will have “Mate de Coca” drink in Sumbay at 3,800 meters. Continuing on the road we will pass through “Tocra” over the 4,500 meters, where we will observe lakes with migrant birds and take pictures of the “Altiplano” with its Llamas and Guanacos. Our highest point will be “Pata Pampa” located at 4,820 meters, where we´ll observe the volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca – Hualca, Mismi (the source of the Amazon River) and the “Cordillera de Chila”. Close to the town of Chivay, we will admire the spectacular multicolor views of the Colca Valley terraces. In the afternoon we can take a dip in the local hot thermal baths, for dinner go for a llama steak while enjoying Andean music.

Day 2

Early in the morning we will travel to the “Cruz del Condor” viewpoint. Here you can take pictures of the majestic flight of the Condors; our guide will take you for a short walk along the canyon (1 hour). We will return to our transportation and drive back to Chivay, visiting on the route fascinating villages, and “miradors” (scenic lookouts) to behold breathtaking valley terraces and Pre-Inca tombs. After lunch in Chivay we head back to the city of Arequipa.