Arequipa Esencial y Cañon del Colca: The Ultimate Travel Experience in Arequipa, Peru

Day 1: Arrival in Arequipa

Reception at the airport or bus station and transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Plaza de Armas, one of the most beautiful squares in the country, next to the impressive Arequipa Cathedral, originally built in the 17th century and completely rebuilt after several earthquakes. We will see the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (1590), considered a classic example of local baroque architecture, housing an exceptional collection of paintings and murals inside.

You will also visit the impressive Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, an authentic medieval cloister established in September 1579, still in use today. Spanning 20,000 square meters, this mysterious convent was built with sillar, the main material of local architecture.

We will visit the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, which have viewpoints offering panoramic views of the Arequipa countryside and the volcanoes surrounding the city: El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, undoubtedly a fantastic sight. We will have time to take photos.

You will visit the main square of the Cayma district and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma located in this same place.

The rest of the afternoon is free to continue exploring the attractions of this colonial city. It`s also an opportunity to taste the good Arequipa cuisine or stroll through its pleasant colonial streets. Accommodation in the selected hotel.

Day 2: Classic Colca Canyon

Breakfast. Our adventure begins in the morning in the city of Arequipa, as we embark on an exciting 160 km journey to the town of Chivay.

On the way, we will pass through the charming village of Yura, whose streets and squares have been declared historical monuments.

We will continue our route through Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Cañahuas, home to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve in the Colca Canyon, where majestic vicuñas roam freely. You will have the chance to marvel at the beauty of these creatures while admiring this incredible landscape.

We will make a brief stop in Patahuasi for you to enjoy a rejuvenating coca tea, a traditional hot drink of the Andes that helps with altitude sickness. You will have the opportunity to admire beautiful birds, such as flamingos, during our short stop at the Tocra wetlands. We will continue the route passing by the crater of the Chucura volcano and will stop at a fantastic volcano viewpoint.

We will continue visiting charming picturesque villages and enjoy stunning views of the volcanoes from a viewpoint, conducting a cultural tour in the towns of the Colca Valley.

Finally, we will arrive in Chivay, where you will have free time for lunch (optional). We will transfer you to your hotel for a short rest.

Afterwards, we will explore the town of Chivay and its market, immersing ourselves in Andean culture at the top of the Colca Canyon. Then, we will visit the La Calera hot springs.

At the end of the day, we will take you back to your hotel in Chivay, Yanque, or Coporaque.

Day 3: Colca Canyon and return to Arequipa

Breakfast. Wake up early to enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to the famous viewpoint of the Cruz del Condor. We will arrive in time to gaze upon the magnificent depth of the Colca Canyon and, if we are lucky, spot condors in the Colca Canyon.

These impressive birds of prey are among the largest in the world, and watching them fly over the canyon and valley is a magical spectacle you won`t want to miss.

On our way back to Chivay, we will visit the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint, where you can marvel at the ancient terraces built 1,500 years ago by the Collagua culture, which preceded the Incas.

We will continue our exploration by visiting Maca, a charming Andean community that suffered an earthquake in November 1991, and the town of Yanque, famous for having the most beautiful church in the valley. We will return to Chivay for you to have lunch (optional).

Finally, we will return to the city of Arequipa and transfer you to your hotel, thus concluding an unforgettable experience in the Colca Valley.

Day 4: Departure from Arequipa

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport or bus station.