Classic Arequipa

Arrival in Arequipa

DAY 1. Upon your arrival, we will greet you at either the airport or bus terminal and escort you to your accommodation in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, and you will stay overnight at the hotel.

City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery

DAY 2. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a captivating tour of Arequipa. We will collect you from your hotel in the historic center to explore this stunning and popular Peruvian city. The itinerary is flexible to ensure a comprehensive experience.

Our journey begins at the Plaza de Armas, renowned as one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, where you'll find the magnificent 17th-century Arequipa Cathedral, rebuilt after numerous earthquakes. We will explore the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (1590), an exemplary showcase of local baroque architecture, housing an impressive array of paintings and murals.

The Arequipa Cathedral, crafted from volcanic sillar stone, stands as an architectural marvel from the 17th century, having been restored various times due to seismic activity.

The tour continues with a visit to the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery, a genuine medieval cloister established in September 1579, still active today. This enigmatic convent, spread over 20,000 square meters, was constructed using sillar, the region's primary building material.

We will explore the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of Arequipa's countryside and the surrounding volcanoes: El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. These viewpoints provide excellent photo opportunities.

Additionally, we will visit the main square of the Cayma district and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma, home to an anonymous artist's collection of paintings depicting the Virgin's miracles.

After this enriching exploration of Arequipa and Santa Catalina, we will return you to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Classic Colca Canyon in 2 Days

DAY 3. Our exciting adventure commences in the morning as we set off from Arequipa on a scenic 160 km journey to Chivay.

Our route takes us through the quaint village of Yura, known for its historically significant streets and squares.

Continuing, we'll traverse Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Cañahuas, where the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve hosts freely roaming vicuñas. You'll be captivated by these elegant creatures amidst the stunning landscape.

We'll pause in Patahuasi for a refreshing coca tea, a traditional Andean remedy for altitude sickness. At the Tocra wetlands, you can admire beautiful birds, including flamingos, during our brief stop. Our path takes us past the Chucura volcano crater and to a spectacular volcanic viewpoint.

The journey proceeds through charming villages and offers unmatched views of the volcanoes, providing a cultural insight into the Colca Valley's communities.

Upon arrival in Chivay, you'll have free time for lunch (optional), after which you'll be transferred to your hotel for a short break.

Later, we will explore Chivay's town and market, delving into the rich Andean culture high in the Colca Canyon. We'll then relax at the La Calera hot springs.

Colca Canyon and Return to Arequipa

DAY 4. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before our early morning departure to the renowned Cruz del Condor viewpoint. We aim to arrive in time to appreciate the majestic depth of the Colca Canyon and, if fortunate, witness condors soaring.

These majestic birds are among the largest in the world, and watching them glide over the canyon is a breathtaking experience.

On our return to Chivay, we'll visit the traditional Pinchollo village and the Antahuilque viewpoint, offering views of ancient terraces crafted 1,500 years ago by the pre-Inca Collagua culture.

Our exploration continues with a visit to Maca, a picturesque Andean village, and Yanque, renowned for its beautiful church. We will return to Chivay for lunch (optional).

Finally, we will head back to Arequipa, ensuring your transfer to the hotel, concluding an unforgettable Colca Valley adventure.

Sillar Route

DAY 5. Following breakfast at your hotel, we will embark on a unique adventure along the Sillar Route.

Our journey takes us to the Cerro Colorado district, arriving at the Añashuayco Quarries at the base of Chachani Volcano and alongside the Chili River. This area is rich in cultural and natural beauty. We will traverse the master cutters' region, admiring handcrafted artworks such as facades and colonial carvings.

We will marvel at the Pink Sillar, where the unique combination of sillar, sand, and rocks creates a striking pink hue under sunlight.

Additionally, we'll visit artisan workshops to observe traditional sillar crafting techniques, with an option to purchase crafts.

Our tour continues to the Culebrillas Quarry, where we'll wander through an impressive natural ravine shaped by water and wind erosion.

We'll explore narrow walls featuring the Culebrillas petroglyphs, depicting animals like birds, felines, and snakes, attributed to the Wari culture of the 7th to 13th centuries AD.

Sillar has played a vital role in constructing Arequipa's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.

At the tour's conclusion, we'll return to your hotel, allowing you the rest of the day to relax and enjoy an overnight stay.

Private Tour to the Countryside, Founder’s Mansion, Sabandía Mill

DAY 6. Our day begins with a visit to the Chilina Valley to soak in the vibrant colors of the countryside from its remarkable viewpoint. You'll be treated to expansive views of lush fields and the Chili River.

We will explore Paucarpata, offering terraces and viewpoints with stunning panoramic views of the Arequipa countryside and the majestic Misti volcano.

The journey continues to the Founder’s Mansion, a traditional sillar mansion constructed in the 16th century by Arequipa's founder, Garcí Manuel de Carbajal. Situated 20 kilometers from the Plaza de Armas and near the Socabaya River, it retains its colonial style and original decor.

The mansion, once home to doctors, bishops, generals, and priests, features a small chapel, a beautiful main patio, and colorful gardens. Throughout the tour, you'll see rooms adorned with European-imported paintings, ceramics, and furniture.

Just 9 kilometers from the city lies the Sabandía Mill, an architectural marvel from 1621 made of sillar, which remains operational today. The mill is surrounded by lush gardens with native trees and plants like cacti and succulents.

Master stonemason Don Francisco Flores crafted this significant site, now one of Arequipa's key historical landmarks.

We'll return to the city center, dropping you off at your hotel. The afternoon is free for further exploration of this beautiful city. An overnight stay at the hotel is included.

Departure from Arequipa

DAY 7. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, we will arrange your transfer to the bus terminal or airport for your departure.