Three times deeper than the Colorado Canyon, the Colca Canyon bears not only a breathtaking scenic beauty, but is home to two of the most authentic communities in the Andes: The Collaguas and the Cabanas. These people have adapted to life in the altitude in such a way that visiting them bears a feeling of time travel.

The Arequipa city brings to our mind many things: impressive architecture, incomparable cuisine, breathtaking vistas, and if nothing else, excellent weather all year long. Visiting its houses and colonial churches and walking its streets bring the adventure of discovering that small piece of living history, waiting for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT   - Transfers airport/hotel/airport. - Half day City Tour and visit to Santa Catalina Convent. - 2 nights in Arequipa hotel with breakfast. - 2d/1n excursion to Colca Canyon and Condor Cross. - 1 night in a local lodge in Colca or Chivay with full board.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Arequipa – City Tour and Santa Catalina Convent Day 1

Upon arrival to Arequipa, reception by our representatives and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the “White City” including the Santa Catalina Convent, beautiful citadel from the 16th century, in the style of Spanish cities of that time. The Main Square, with its three portals, the Iglesia de La Compañía de Jesus (Church of the Company of Jesus) which is a beautiful sample of the Peruvian and Spanish baroque art from the 17th century, along with the multi colorful paintings of the San Ignacio’s Dome, known as the Sistine Chapel of America. Continuing with the trip, we will see the typical districts of Cayma and Yanahuara, a nice overlook, and its church. Overnight in Arequipa. Included meals: none.

Colca Canyon Day 2

You will be picked up from your hotel to start the trip through the town of Yura and the National Reserve of Salinas/Aguada Blanca and Pampa Cañahuas, where you can see many species of birds in their natural habitats, and also South American camels, such as vicuñas and llamas. We will make a stop in Patahuasi to freshen up and enjoy a coca infusion, and later keep going to the town of Chivay. Depending on the schedule, you may have lunch in town or have a picnic enjoying the beautiful scenery from one of the natural viewing spots of the zone. In the afternoon, we highly recommend you to visit La Calera and enjoy an invigorating bath in the hot spring waters or just to spend a delightful afternoon in the hotel. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight in Chivay or Yanque. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Condor Cross – Return to Arequipa Day 3

Very early, we will start the trip to Cruz del Condor (Condor Cross), which will allow us to enjoy a spectacular view of one of the deepest canyons in the world, and with luck, have a chance to take pictures of the biggest and most impressive flying bird in the Andes, the majestic Condor. Depending on the schedule, we could make a stop in the town of Pinchollo, the only pre-Inca town still inhabited, and the Maca town, with its beautiful craft market and colonial church. We will have lunch in Chivay and later we will continue with the return to Arequipa. Overnight in Arequipa. Included meals: breakfast and lunch.

Departure Day 4

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima, Cusco or Juliaca, Puno.