Essential Arequipa And Colca Canyon

Day 1: Arrival in Arequipa

Upon arrival at the airport or bus station, you will be warmly welcomed and transported to your hotel.

In the afternoon, explore the Plaza de Armas, renowned as one of the country's most stunning squares, alongside the impressive Arequipa Cathedral, originally constructed in the 17th century and meticulously restored after numerous earthquakes. Discover the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (1590), celebrated as a classic specimen of local baroque architecture, showcasing an extraordinary array of paintings and murals inside.

Your journey will also take you to the remarkable Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, a genuine medieval cloister founded in September 1579, which remains active today. Covering 20,000 square meters, this enigmatic convent was crafted using sillar, the primary material in local architecture.

We will visit the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, where viewpoints offer sweeping views of the Arequipa countryside and the volcanoes that encircle the city: El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, presenting an absolutely breathtaking spectacle. You'll have the chance to capture these moments in photos.

Explore the main square of the Cayma district and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma, beautifully situated in the same area.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore more of this colonial city's attractions. It's the perfect opportunity to savor Arequipa's exquisite cuisine or wander through its charming colonial streets. Accommodation will be provided in your selected hotel.

Day 2: Classic Colca Canyon

Start your day with breakfast. Our adventure kicks off in the morning from Arequipa as we journey 160 km to the town of Chivay.

Along the way, we will traverse the charming village of Yura, where its streets and squares have been declared historical monuments.

Our journey continues through Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Cañahuas, home to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve in the Colca Canyon, where majestic vicuñas roam freely. You'll have the chance to marvel at these creatures amidst an awe-inspiring landscape.

We will pause briefly in Patahuasi for you to enjoy a refreshing coca tea, a traditional Andean beverage that aids in acclimatizing to the altitude. During our brief stop at the Tocra wetlands, you'll have the opportunity to admire stunning birds, such as flamingos. Our route continues past the Chucura volcano crater, leading to a spectacular volcano viewpoint.

The journey unfolds as we visit charming picturesque villages, offering breathtaking views of the volcanoes from a vantage point, as we conduct a cultural tour in the towns of the Colca Valley.

Upon reaching Chivay, you will have free time for lunch (optional). We'll transfer you to your hotel for a brief rest.

Subsequently, we will explore the town of Chivay and its market, immersing ourselves in Andean culture atop the Colca Canyon. We'll then visit the La Calera hot springs.

At day's end, we will escort you back to your hotel in Chivay, Yanque, or Coporaque.

Day 3: Colca Canyon and Return to Arequipa

After breakfast, rise early to relish a delicious meal before heading to the renowned Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Arrive in time to witness the awe-inspiring depths of the Colca Canyon and, with luck, catch sight of the condors soaring in the Canyon.

These magnificent birds of prey rank among the largest globally, and observing them glide over the canyon and valley is an enchanting experience not to be missed.

On our return to Chivay, we will explore the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint, where you can admire the ancient terraces crafted 1,500 years ago by the Collagua culture, predecessors of the Incas.

Our exploration continues with visits to Maca, a charming Andean community impacted by a November 1991 earthquake, and the town of Yanque, renowned for its stunning church, deemed the most beautiful in the valley. We will return to Chivay for you to have lunch (optional).

Finally, we will make our way back to Arequipa, ensuring your transfer to your hotel, thus wrapping up an unforgettable journey in the Colca Valley.

Day 4: Departure from Arequipa

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport or bus station.