Departures: On request
Recommended Season: From March to December
Minimum: 2 paxes.
Children: 12 years old +
Regular Departures: Daily
Itinerary
Day 01: Arequipa – Colca
- At approx 6am depart from hotel in private transportation, passing by the three most important volcanoes just outside Arequipa: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Continue on through the National Reserve of Aguada Blanca, observe the elegant honey coloured vicuñas with there large eyes and the many groups of llamas and alpacas, as well as the variety of plants such as the Ichu and Tola.
- Arrive to Patapampa, the highest point (4800m) on route and where you can appreciate a curious type of plant called Yareta, which only grows above 5,000m and is used by the local population as a fuel for bread ovens (they are now protected by the state). You will also be able to see the apachetas, which are piles of stones stacked one on top of the other, which have a special significance for the townspeople.
- At this point we will have great views of the volcanoes: Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca and at approx 12 noon, we will arrive to the town of Cabanaconde, where you will have a delicious traditional lunch, before beginning the trek / descent into the Canyon.
- After five hours walking you will arrive to the first community of Llahuar, where the River Colca and the River Huaruro meet, enjoy the thermal baths, observe the geysers and fish for trout along the river. Camp and Overnight. (L-D).
Breackfast: Not Included Lunch: Agency Dinner: Agency Overnight: camp
Day 02: Colca
- Early morning rise, breakfast and continue our trek, visit the ancient town of “Llatica” (2438m), after an approx 5 hour walk, arrive to a small village called “Fure” (2758m) a beautiful oasis. Lunch and Camp.
- From here we can visit the Waterfall of “Huaruro” (80m high), as well as the falls of the River “Tocallo”. Return to “Fure”. (B-L-D).
Breackfast: Agency Lunch: Agency Dinner: Agency Overnight: Hotel
Day 03: Colca:
- Breakfast and departure to the “Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint”, the most strategic area to see the flight of the condors’. Latter you will visit the Colca Valley, the Tapay viewpoint, the pre-Inca tombs and stop in the villages of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque. Return and overnight in hotel.
- In the morning breakfast and trek 5 hours to the community of “Sangalle”. Lunch. In the afternoon enjoy the hot waters (24ºC) and explore the surrounding area. Dinner and Camp. Overnight. (B-L-D).
Breackfast: Agency Lunch: Agency Dinner: Agency Overnight: Hotel
Day 04: Colca – Arequipa
- Early morning rise and after we will begin the climb out of the Canyon. Arrival to Cabanaconde and breakfast.
- At this point our private bus will be waiting for us and at approx 9:00am we will drive to “Cruz del Condor”, where we will observe the flight of the Condors’, along with great views into the Canyon.
- After return by bus to Chivay, enjoy “La Calera” (hot springs) medicinal waters with a temperature of 35º C. Lunch and in the afternoon return to the white City of Arequipa in our private transportation, arriving at approx 6:30pm. (B-L).
Breackfast: Agency Lunch: Agency Dinner: Not Included Overnight: Hotel
INCLUDED
- Private transportation Arequipa / Cabanaconde & Cabanaconde / Arequipa.
- First Aid Kit.
- Camping Equipment
- Specialised English guide.
- Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Cook.
- Tourist entrance ticket for the Canyon Reserve.
- Entrance to La Calera thermal baths (Chivay).
- Horseman and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment).
NOT INCLUDED
- Services not specified in the programme, extras and tips.
- National flights to / from Arequipa.
WHAT TO BRING IN THE EXCURSION
- As it is a trip at high altitudes the climate is usually cool to cold and the sun affects the skin stronger than normal, so we recommend to bring:
- Passport
- Warm clothing
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes (if possible hiking shoes)
- Refillable water bottle
- Raincoat
- Medication to avoid altitude sickness (in case you consider it necessary)
- Cap or hat
- Sandals / flip flops
- Bathing suit and towel for hot springs
