Adventure Tours In Arequipa And Colca

DAY 1. ARRIVAL IN AREQUIPA.

Upon arriving in Arequipa, you will be transferred to your hotel situated in the city center. Later, embark on a walking tour through the San Lazaro neighborhood, merely 5 blocks away from Arequipa's Plaza de Armas. This historic area boasts narrow streets and charming houses built from sillar, a volcanic stone known for its use in construction.

San Lazaro is one of the oldest districts, and its beauty is evident in its quaint streets, small squares, and pristine white walls. This area was once home to pre-Inca and Inca cultures, and during the Spanish conquest and the founding of the city, the first houses emerged here.

This district is part of Arequipa's Historic Center and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour continues to Barrio del Solar, located near the Chili River, where you'll stroll through picturesque streets lined with traditional colonial architecture. Here, you'll explore various areas known as Tambos, which served as lodging centers for merchants during the colonial period.

The first Tambo on the itinerary is Tambo El Matadero, a 17th-century structure once used for animal sacrifices, now home to approximately 30 families.

The tour proceeds to Tambo La Cabezona, featuring a communal entrance and colonial houses dating back to the 16th century, where one of the city's first mills operated.

Enjoy a panoramic view of Plaza de Armas, the central hub of local life, where the Arequipa Cathedral stands. This stunning square is encircled by beautiful portals and features a bronze fountain at its center.

After a brief stroll, you will arrive at the Santa Catalina Monastery, founded in 1579. This vast complex spans 20,000 square meters, with cloisters, patios, squares, streets, a bell tower, and a church.

This historical site offers numerous photo opportunities as you wander its sillar-paved streets and naturally colored red walls. Visit areas such as the Patio del Silencio, where nuns would gather to pray and read the Bible in silence.

Marvel at this Arequipa gem, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, before being returned to your hotel.

DAY 2. AREQUIPA / COLCA CANYON.

The adventure begins early in the morning with a pickup from your Arequipa accommodation, followed by a journey to the Colca Valley, lasting approximately 3 hours. We'll pause for breakfast in Chivay.

Our route takes us to the Condor’s Cross (3,800 m.a.s.l.), where you'll witness the breathtaking flight of condors. We continue to the Pampas of San Miguel (3,300 m.a.s.l.), where a 4.6-mile hike (3 hours) to the canyon's base commences.

Upon reaching San Juan de Chuccho, enjoy a well-earned rest and lunch. The trek resumes through Cosñirhua and Malata, covering 2.5 miles (2.5 hours), ultimately arriving at Sangalle (2,225 m), a stunning oasis where we'll spend the night. Enjoy a swim in the pool and a delightful dinner.

DAY 3. COLCA CANYON / AREQUIPA.

At 5:00 AM, embark on a 2.5-mile ascent of the canyon slope, taking around 3 hours, to catch the sunrise and enjoy breathtaking views en route to Cabanaconde (3,230 m).

After breakfast, transportation will take us to Chivay, with brief stops at the Antahuilque viewpoint, offering stunning views of the Andean terraces and Colca Valley. We'll also visit Maca for a panoramic view of its colonial church.

There's an opportunity to visit the Yanque hot springs (optional*), known for their healing and relaxing properties. We will then savor a delicious lunch (optional*) in Chivay.

On our return to Arequipa, we will pass by the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, home to various camelids like llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Upon reaching Arequipa, we'll drop you back at your hotel.

DAY 4. AREQUIPA.

After picking you up from your centrally located Arequipa hotel, we'll transfer to a meeting point to meet our professional guides, who will provide a brief on equipment use to ensure a safe adventure.

We'll head to the Chilina Valley, arriving at the small church of Virgen de Chapi – Charcani Sanctuary by the Chili River. Here, our guides will deliver safety and rescue instructions before embarking on an exhilarating rafting experience.

Enjoy an hour and a half on the river, navigating class III and IV rapids.

The Rio Chili, originating in the Andes mountains of Arequipa and flowing into the Pacific Ocean, is the White City's primary water source.

The rafting adventure begins with a class II section, ideal for practicing rowing techniques, followed by a thrilling class III section and the challenging class IV rapids. If you prefer to bypass this part, you can walk a short distance and rejoin the boat for the final class III section.

Upon reaching the endpoint, take a refreshing dip in the river surrounded by stunning nature. We'll return to Arequipa for a snack and then take you back to your hotel.

DAY 5. DEPARTURE FROM AREQUIPA.

At the agreed-upon time, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport or bus station.