Family Walking Programme in the Colca Canyon

Departures: Daily

Recommended Season: From March to December

Minimum: 2 paxes.

Children: 08 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 before arriving to the town of Chivay. Lunch and in the afternoon visit the thermal baths of La Calera (35ºC). In the evening, folkloric show. Overnight in Chivay. (B-L).

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

Day 02: Colca – Puno

• Early morning rise (6am), breakfast and after we will make our way to the point known as Cruz del Condor, where you can observe the flight of the Condors, great Eagles with their wings outstretched in the sky, controlling their territory.
• After drive to the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque, where we will walk and appreciate the communities and the many Hispanic churches. Return to Chivay and lunch.
• In the afternoon walk and visit the Inca Bridge, the Ruins of Sacsayhuaman ruins and the cemetery. End of the day return to Chivay. Dinner and folkloric Show. (B–L-D).

Breackfast: Agency Lunch: Agency    Overnight: Hotel

Day 03: San Antonio – Chura Ruins

• Breakfast and after make our way to the Village of Coporaque. From here we will spend most of the day walking, visit San Antonio – Chura Ruins, a Pre-Hispanic small village with its cemeteries, platforms, channels and reservoirs, a fascinating culture from the past. Box lunch. (6-hour tour). (B-L-D).

Breackfast: Agencia  Lunch: Agency Dinner: Agency Overnight: Hotel

Day 04: Colca – Puno

• Breakfast and after we will drive to the village of Yanque, located just 15 kilometres west of Chivay to begin our morning walk. A small town characterised by dirt streets and a quiet, laidback atmosphere. The baroque church, Inmaculada Concepción, has an interesting carved mestizo face, adorned with various saints, including Santa Rosa de Lima. East of the Main Square, a path winds its way about 1 kilometre into the countryside to an ancient stone bridge spanning the Colca River.
• From the bridge, you can observe the Colcas, and visit the Ruins of Uyu Uyu (tour 5 hours approx). Return to hotel for lunch and in the afternoon return by private transport to the White City of Arequipa arriving approx 6.30pm in the evening.

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

INCLUDED

• Private transportation.
• Specialised tour guide.
• First Aid Kit.
• Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
• Entrance to La Calera thermal baths (Chivay).
• Entrance to Colca Valley.

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