• Arequipa - While not a designated tour stop, the adventure begins in Arequipa, famously known as the White City due to its colonial architecture crafted from white volcanic stone. As the journey commences in the early hours, travelers leave behind Arequipa’s historical allure and the majestic volcanoes (Misti, Chachani) to explore the rural Andes.
• Chivay - Chivay: This quaint market town in the Colca Valley serves as the entrance to Colca Canyon​. Situated at 3,635 meters, it is the first significant stop where visitors can acclimate to the altitude. Travelers will spend their first night here.
• Yanque - A charming village celebrated for its baroque colonial church and rich cultural heritage. In Yanque’s central square, local women and children often perform traditional Wititi dances in vibrant costumes for tips in the early morning.

The tour either passes through or makes brief stops, allowing visitors to admire the well-preserved church façade and possibly see locals in their unique Colca Valley attire.

• Mirador Cruz del Condor - The Colca Canyon is the main attraction – a vast gorge over 3,000 meters deep, ranking among the deepest canyons globally.

At the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, visitors stand at the canyon’s edge, gazing into its depths and across to the distant side where small villages and terraced fields cling to the slopes. The highlight here is watching the Andean condors. With wingspans exceeding 3 meters, these condors often glide on thermal updrafts in the mornings, sometimes coming remarkably close to the viewpoint, much to everyone’s delight.

• La Calera Thermal Waters - A favored relaxation spot, these thermal baths are located about 3 kilometers from Chivay. La Calera features several man-made pools fed by natural hot springs, with water temperatures ranging from 35–38°C (95-100°F).

Encircled by canyon walls and offering a view of the Colca River, it’s a picturesque location to relax your muscles. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, and a small snack bar. Bathing here is optional but recommended if you have a swimsuit.

• Abra Patapampa - This high pass (4,910 meters) is literally a breathtaking stop – the air is thin and cold, but the views are spectacular. Patapampa is marked by hundreds of small stone cairns (piled rocks) left by travelers. On a clear day, several volcanoes are visible: Ampato (6,288 meters, where the famous Inca mummy was discovered), Sabancaya (5,976 meters, often active and emitting fumaroles), Mismi (the source of the Amazon River), and others.

The viewpoint has signboards identifying the visible peaks. This stop represents the highest altitude reached on the tour – many tours offer coca tea or have an oxygen canister available here in case anyone experiences altitude effects. It’s typically a brief stop due to the extreme elevation, but a memorable one.

• Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve - A vast reserve spanning the regions of Arequipa and Puno, characterized by high plains, wetlands, and volcano-dotted horizons. Pampa Cañahuas is a section of the reserve known for its herds of vicuñas – wild camelids that roam freely here under government protection.

The tour’s stop in the reserve allows visitors to observe vicuñas up close (sometimes right by the road) and distinguish them from their domesticated cousins, the alpaca and llama, which are also seen grazing (often tended by local herders).

The landscape here is open and windswept, with ichu grass and yareta plants (a type of bright green mossy shrub) dotting the ground. It’s a prime example of the Altiplano ecosystem at approximately 4,000 meters elevation.

• Puno - Puno: The final destination, Puno is a lively town on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. While the tour concludes upon arrival, Puno itself is an attraction worth noting. The drop-off point is conveniently located close to the Plaza Mayor de Puno (3 blocks away).

• Dinner
• Tourism Guide (English/Spanish)
• Shared Minivan Arequipa - Chivay - Colca Canyon - Puno
• Basic lodging on Chivay (2 star hotels: Private room - bathroom - hot water - wifi)
• Continental breakfast
• Breakfast
• Lunch x2

• Colca Tourist ticket (70 soles p/p)
• Transfer from bus station in Puno to hotels (add $7USD per person)
• Hot springs tickets (15 soles p/p)

This remarkable 2-day, 1-night excursion transports travelers from the colonial allure of Arequipa to the picturesque shores of Lake Titicaca in an exhilarating journey.

On the first day, visitors will arrive at the Colca Canyon – one of the deepest in the world – just as majestic condors begin to glide on the morning thermals beneath the rising sun. Relax in the natural hot springs to refresh for the awe-inspiring journey ahead.

On the second day, explore the Colca Valley, visiting traditional villages, interacting with locals in colorful attire, and capturing images of ancient terraced fields etched into the mountains.

Later, traverse the high Andes altiplano, where herds of wild vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas roam freely. Pause at mirror-like lakes visited by flamingos, and marvel at the surreal landscapes that unfold before you. By nightfall, arrive in Puno.

• ADITTIONAL INFORMATION
• From 07:30 hrs to 08:10 hrs.
• Between 19:00 hs to 19:30 hs
• Take precautions against altitude sickness - soroche, (buy Sorojchi Pills)
• Bring warm clothes and a hat.
• Use of sunscreen.
• Bring your swimwear.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.