Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, is located 1,024 km. (640 miles) south of Lima. It was founded in 1540 and is one of the country’s most attractive cities. Full of colonial churches and mansions, including Santa Catalina, a restored convent established in 1579 and now open to the public after being closed for 400 years, Arequipa is known as the White City because much of it is build of ashlar, the smooth white building stone carved from volcanic lava quarries.

Three volcanoes dominate the skyline: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. North of Arequipa lies the spectacular Colca Valley, a picturesque andean valley dotted with towns founded in colonial times.

The canyon is one of the deepest in the world and home of the majestic condor. Arequipa’s mild climate and altitude (2,300 meter above sea level – 7,500 ft.) make in the perfect place to acclimatize before continuing the trip to Cusco or Puno.
* If you are interested in any of the following tours, go to our contact form..

DAY 1
Upon arrival reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Three hour tour of the city, including Santa Catalina Convent, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit church of La Compañia and its beautifully-painted chapel, and the typical districts of Cayma and Yanahuara for a magnificent view of the Misti volcano.

DAY 2
Half day tour to the surrounding of he `White City´ to enjoy the countryside and sunny weather as you travel to Sabandia Mill and the Founders Mansion. The visit of this Mansion can be substituted for a visit to the exhibit of the mummy `Juanita´, a virgin of the Sun who was sacrificed to the `Apus´ or spirits of the mountains and recently discovered in Ampato glacier. (B)

DAY 3
Transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)
* Daily departures.
* Program also available on a 2 days / 1 night package.

DAY 1 / AREQUIPA - COLCA
Early pick up from the hotel for a scenic bus ride passing between the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. On the way to the picturesque towns of Callalli and Sibayo, passengers will ride through a vicuña reserve, and then continue via the hot springs of La Calera to a local lodge for overnight. (BoxL, D)

DAY 2 / COLCA - AREQUIPA
Early departure to the `Condor Cross´, the best vantage point to admire the Colca Canyon and the majestic condor in flight. On the way back to the lodge, you will visit the picturesque towns of Pinchollo, Achoma and Yanque. After lunch, return to your hotel in Arequipa visiting Patapampa and the `volcanoes lookout´ on the way. (B, L)
* Daily departures.
* SIB also available with tour restrictions.
* Itinerary subject to change depending on weather conditions. Not recommended during rainy season: January and February.

DAY 1 / AREQUIPA - MAJES VALLEY
Morning departure through `La Joya Valley´, the towns of Vitor and Sihuas before reaching Toro Muerto where ancient people etched thousands of petroglyphs and dancers in volcanic stone. Continue on to Corire and Aplao. Afternoon tour to the `Enchanted Castles´, a rock formation in the shape of castles that captures the sound of the wind, giving the area a mystical allure. Overnight at the local lodge. (BoxL, D)

DAY 2 / MAJES - AREQUIPA
Morning river rafting on the Majes river and time at leisure to enjoy the surroundings or the hotel facilities: Swimming pool, tennis and racquetball, horse riding. After lunch, return to the hotel in Arequipa. (B, L)