DAY
1
The trekking through Colca Canyon starts early in the morning. We will pick you up from your
accommodation in the city of Arequipa and head directly towards Colca Valley, approximately a 3-hour journey. We`ll make a brief stop for
breakfast in Chivay.
We`ll continue our route to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint at
an altitude of 3,800 meters above sea level, where you`ll have the opportunity
to witness a natural spectacle: the flight
of condors. Be amazed by the surrounding landscape of volcanoes,
snow-capped peaks, and the depth of the canyon as these magnificent birds soar
through the area.
Next, we`ll proceed with the tour to
reach the Pampas de San
Miguel (3,300 m.a.s.l.). From this
point, we`ll begin a 7.5-kilometer hike, taking approximately 3 hours, down to
the bottom of the canyon.
Upon arriving in the town of San Juan de Chuccho, we`ll
have a well-deserved rest and lunch. Afterward, we`ll continue walking for
another 4 kilometers, taking about two and a half hours, through the villages
of Cosñirhua and Malata, until we reach Sangalle
(1,900 m.a.s.l.), a spectacular oasis where we`ll spend the night.
Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim
in the pool, and in the evening, we`ll have a delightful dinner.
DAY
2
At 5:00 am, we will start a 4-kilometer hike, ascending for 3 hours
along the slope of Colca Canyon, admiring the sunrise and spectacular
landscapes until we reach the town of Cabanaconde, situated at 3,230 meters
above sea level.
Cabanaconde is
located in the province of Caylloma,
224 kilometers away from the city of
Arequipa. The locals are very friendly, and you`ll be impressed by their
spectacular handmade embroideries on their colorful traditional costumes, which
are considered Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
We`ll have a hearty Andean breakfast, and then we`ll head to the town of Chivay with our transport, making
previous stops at the Antahuilque Viewpoint to admire terraced fields and the
vast Colca Valley. We`ll also visit the Andean village of Maca and appreciate
its beautiful colonial church.
Additionally, we`ll pass through the
village of Yanque, where you`ll have time to visit the thermal baths
(optional). These hot water pools have healing properties and provide a
relaxing experience. After the thermal baths, we`ll enjoy a good lunch in
Chivay (optional).
We`ll then begin our journey back to
the city of Arequipa. On the way, we`ll pass through the Pampa Cañahuas
National Reserve, located at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. This
place lies behind the Misti and Chachani volcanoes and has a quite chilly
climate due to its high altitude.
The reserve is home to valuable fauna,
including birds, foxes, and vizcachas, and it is also inhabited by various
camelids such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Additionally, it
boasts diverse flora, with ichu grass, cacti, and plants used for dyeing
fabrics, such as wool.
Upon reaching the city, we will drop
you off two blocks from Plaza de Armas of Arequipa.
*You have the option to choose the
transfer to Puno at the end of the tour on day 2. In this case, you will depart
from the town of Chivay at 1:00 p.m. and arrive at the main square of Puno at
7:00 p.m.