Day 1: Arequipa/Colca.
We'll pick you up from your hotel between 7:30 and 8:00 AM to start our excursion to the spectacular Colca Valley. We'll skirt the slopes of the Chachani, Misti, and Pichupichu volcanoes, arriving at the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, which is part of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we'll be able to see vicuñas in their natural habitat. At this point, we'll be at an altitude of 4,000 metres above sea level.
We'll arrive at “Alto Sumbay,” an Andean community located on the opposite side of the reserve. Here, it's interesting to observe the rock formations and take in a view of the back sides of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. To acclimatise to the altitude, we'll enjoy a traditional “Mate de Coca” or a coffee at a small roadside eatery that serves food and drinks (bathroom facilities available).
We'll continue the tour through the Tocra area at around 4,400 metres above sea level, where we'll see some wild birds and enjoy a view of the high plateau with llamas and alpacas. Our highest point is “Pata Pampa” (Pata = high, Pampa = land), located at 4,910 metres above sea level, where we can see the volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Huallca, Mismi and the Chila mountain range.
We'll arrive in the town of Chivay (3,651 metres above sea level), the capital of the Colca Valley, where we can enjoy lunch (not included). After that, you'll check in to the selected hotel. In the afternoon, we'll explore the relaxing thermal pools of Chacapi. Back in Chivay, we'll enjoy a folk show, followed by dinner (not included).
After the visits and as this exciting day comes to an end, transport will take you to your respective accommodation.
Day 2: Colca/Cruz del Condor.
Early breakfast and then we'll head to the Condor Cross vantage point. Our first stop will be the village of Yanque, where we'll watch typical dances and admire an impressive colonial church.
Timely arrival at the vantage point, where you'll have enough time to admire the depth of the canyon and, weather permitting, take spectacular photos of the condors, which can glide on air currents with little effort. After a set amount of time, our guide will take you on a short hike (approx. 30 to 40 minutes) along the edge of the canyon.
On the way back, we'll stop at the Antahuilque and Huayrapunko vantage points, where we'll enjoy a panoramic view of the Colca Valley and its 1,500-year-old pre-Inca terraces. Short visit to the village of Maca and then on to the town of Chivay, where we will have lunch (not included).
After lunch, return to the city of Arequipa. Arrival in Arequipa at around 4:00–4:30 PM.
Once in Arequipa, we'll take you to your hotel if it's located in the historic centre.
