Essential Arequipa And Puno

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN AREQUIPA

Upon arrival in Arequipa, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the historic center.

Begin your panoramic city tour of Arequipa in the charming district of Yanahuara, located 2 kilometers from the Historic Center, on the right bank of the Chili River.

Explore the picturesque Spanish-style streets, charming homes, and notable attractions like the Yanahuara Viewpoint. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the Misti, Pichu Pichu, and Chachani volcanoes.

This stunning viewpoint, constructed in the 18th century, is adjacent to the San Juan Bautista Church and a quaint square. The arches, made of ashlar, feature quotes from significant city figures.

The tour continues to the Chilin Valley's Mirador de Carmen Alto, where you'll admire lush green landscapes and the surrounding majestic volcanoes. Historically, this site served as an Astronomical Observatory from 1899 to 1927.

Enjoy privileged views of pre-Inca and Inca terraces, still in use for agriculture, featuring fruit trees and gardens.

Your next destination is the Incalpaca outlet and zoo, renowned for its high-quality alpaca garments at great prices. Alpaca fiber is known for being soft, light, and durable. Incalpaca exports to over 50 countries, emphasizing sustainability.

Visit the small zoo to see South American camelids like alpacas, vicuñas, llamas, and guanacos.

Drive through the Sachaca district for panoramic views of the 18th-century Goyeneche Palace and the aquatic park of Tingo, a popular summer spot with pools for locals.

Continue to the Founder’s Mansion, 12 miles from the historic center. This historic house belonged to the city’s founder, Don Garcí Manuel de Carbajal, in 1540. Explore the picturesque Molino de Sabandia, a 1621 mill still in operation.

On your way back, you'll see the Paucarpata terraces. The tour concludes at Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina Monastery.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and overnight stay at your hotel.

DAY 2: SILLAR ROUTE TOUR

Start your day with a morning pickup from your hotel for the unique Sillar Route tour.

Travel towards Cerro Colorado to reach the Añashuayco Quarries, located at the base of Volcano Chachani, beside the Chili River. This area offers a stunning natural and cultural landscape. Explore the master cutters area to admire handcrafted art such as colonial facades and carvings.

Visit artisan workshops to learn about ashlar craftsmanship and see traditional tools in use. You can also purchase local handicrafts (optional).

The tour continues to the Culebrillas Quarry, where you'll explore an impressive natural ravine shaped by water and wind erosion. Ashlar from this site has been used in Arequipa's significant buildings, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Return to the city center and enjoy leisure time for the rest of the day. Overnight at your hotel.

DAY 3: AREQUIPA TO COLCA CANYON

Depart Arequipa at 8:30 am, traveling 160 km to Chivay Town.

En route, pass through Yura, a town rich in historical monuments. Visit Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Cañahuas, home to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you'll have the chance to see vicuñas, beautiful camelids native to this region.

Continue through small towns, enjoying stunning volcano views from various viewpoints. Arrive in Chivay, where you can have lunch and rest before exploring this incredible Andean town, situated at the highest part of the Colca Canyon.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 4: COLCA CANYON TO PUNO

Begin your day early at 06:15 am, heading to the renowned "Cruz del Cóndor" viewpoint. Arrive in time to enjoy the breathtaking view of the canyon and, if conditions permit, witness the majestic flight of the condors.

These magnificent birds, among the largest flying birds in the world, offer a magical sight as they soar over the valley and canyon.

On the return to Chivay, visit the traditional town of Pinchollo and the "Antahuilque Viewpoint," where you can see impressive 1,500-year-old terraces built by the Collaguas, a pre-Inca culture.

After exploring the Colca Valley, travel 320 km through beautiful landscapes and small Andean villages, reaching Puno, where you'll be transferred to your hotel.

DAY 5: UROS AND TAQUILE ISLANDS

After breakfast at your Puno hotel, transfer to the lake port for a boat ride to the Uros floating islands, choosing between a speedboat or regular boat.

The Uros Islands, located 4 miles northwest of Puno, are home to an ancestral community living on artificial islands made from totora reeds, which grow thickly in the lake. The Uros people construct their homes and cook outdoors on these reeds to prevent fires.

Lake Titicaca, straddling Peru and Bolivia at 3,812 meters above sea level, is the world's highest navigable lake and the second largest in South America. Spend time with the Uros community, learning about their lifestyle and traditions, with over 200 families residing here. This concludes the half-day tour on the Uros Islands.

Travel to Taquile Island, a Quechua-speaking area unlike the other Aymara-speaking islands. Once part of the Inca Empire, remnants of this culture are still visible in its architecture.

Taquile, the second-largest island in Lake Titicaca, spans 3.4 miles and is renowned for its UNESCO-recognized textiles. Its highest point reaches 4,050 meters above sea level.

Enjoy a delicious Andean lunch before returning to Puno's port, where transport will take you back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 6: SILLUSTANI AND DEPARTURE FROM PUNO

Depart your Puno hotel for the Sillustani archaeological site, located on a peninsula overlooking Lake Umayo, 22.3 miles from Puno and Lake Titicaca.

Discover approximately 90 funerary towers built by the Kolla culture, an Aymara community predating the Inca Empire. Many mummies, including priests, leaders, and nobles, have been found inside, accompanied by their belongings like gold, silver, and ceramics.

The towers are remarkably well-preserved, with stones of varying shapes fitting perfectly together, showcasing the advanced architecture and engineering of the Kolla culture. The Lagarto Chullpa, standing at 12 meters, is the tallest and most iconic tower.

The tour continues with a visit to a local family breeding alpacas, where you'll learn about their food preparation, lifestyle, weaving, and ancestral customs.

At the end of the visit, you'll be transferred to Juliaca Airport.