Arequipa – Colca Valley (Chivay)

Patahuasi - The journey begins with a pick-up from hotels in the city center, heading towards the breathtaking Colca Valley. The route skirts the slopes of the “Chachani volcano” and leads to the “Salinas and Aguada Blanca” national reserve, where South American camelids like vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas can be seen. A stop in Patahuasi offers the chance to enjoy hot beverages such as muña and chachacoma (Inca mate) to help prevent altitude sickness.

Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve - Next, the tour proceeds to “Tocrapampa” to admire natural wetlands and observe high Andean and migratory birds.

Abra Patapampa - Stops are also made at the “Mirador de los volcanes” (Patapampa) at 4910 meters above sea level, offering views of the “volcanic mountain ranges”. This is the highest point in the Colca Valley.

Chivay - The descent leads to the town of Chivay for lunch (not included), with buffet, a la carte, or menu options available to sample New Andean cuisine.

Baños Termales de Chacapi - Later, the tour visits the Chacapi Hot Springs in Yanque, where visitors can enjoy thermo-medicinal pools with waters above 30°C. There are various activities available, such as horseback riding, exploring Colca trails on ATVs, or experiencing the thrill of Zipline (activities not included). After nearly 2 hours, the tour returns to Chivay for hotel accommodation.

Plaza de Armas de Chivay - In the evening, dinner at a tourist club restaurant is optional, where guests can enjoy a performance of traditional Colca dances and mingle with other visitors to the Canyon.

Chivay – Cruz del Condor Viewpoint

Mirador Cruz del Condor - In the morning, after breakfast, the tour heads to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Passing through Yanque, the tour visits its church and plaza, continuing through the enchanting valley with stunning landscapes and traditional villages, arriving around 8:10 am at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Here, the majestic flight of the condors, enormous Andean birds in danger of extinction and symbols of the Andes Mountains and Andean culture, can be observed. The viewpoint offers a full view of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world (4160m).

On the return journey, stops are made at the Wayrapunku, Antahuilque, and Choquetico viewpoints for photographic hiking. The tour visits the town of Maca, which still preserves its colonial church “Santa Ana”, where the “Colca Sour” can be tasted.

Arequipa - Afterwards, the tour returns to Chivay for lunch, then heads back to Arequipa, arriving around 4:30 pm. If accommodations are in the city center, guests can be dropped off at their lodging.

• Guide in Spanish and English
• Anita’s House Hotel - 3 stars
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Food (2 lunches and 1 dinner)
• Mandatory Colca Valley ticket to pay:
• Adult Tourist from Europe or the USA S/ 70.00 and Student (6 to 15 years) S/20.00
• Latin Adult Tourist S/ 40.00 and Student (6 to 15 years) S/20.00
• National Adult Tourist S/ 20.00 and Student (6 to 18 years) S/5,000
• Admission fees

Let’s immerse ourselves in it with all our senses; music, textiles, flavors, walks, admirable Andean nature, capricious volcanoes, fauna and flora, trying on typical costumes and much more.

During our trip we enjoyed impressive natural settings, whether crossing part of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Park, observing the vicuñas, alpacas and llamas, admiring the colorful terraces combined with its mountains and gorges, or interacting with the local people of Colca.

Let us not forget that we are in the “kingdom of the Condor”; So additionally we will have the privilege of observing the spectacular flight of the Andean condor between the walls of the Colca Valley canyon.

PLACES TO VISIT:
• Tocrapampa Wetlands
• Patapampa Viewpoint
• Town of Chivay
• Chacapi Hot Springs
• Town of Yanque
• Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
• Viewpoints of Wayrapunku, Antahuilque and
• Maca town.

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