Colca – Puno

Regular Departures: Daily

Recommended Season: From March to December

Minimum: 2 paxes.

Children: 12 years old +

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 – Puno

Breakfast and departure to the “Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint”, the most strategic area to see the Colca Canyon and the flight of the  Condors’. Latter you will continue on our way, observing the pre-Inca tombs and stop in the villages of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque.

Afternoon departure to Puno, passing by Lagunillas where you will see typical flora of the area, wild birds, sheep, vicuña and llama, with the ever impressive Andean Mountains Range. Arrival to Puno at the end of the day. 

Breackfast: Not Included Lunch: Not Included Dinner: Not Included Overnight: Hotel

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