Arequipa and the Colca Canyon 4d/3n
Lima - Arequipa - Colca - Arequipa - Lima

Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city, with a population of approximately 1,000,000. However, it has the feel of a small town, with the centre being compact and containing most areas of interest. The city is splendidly located, in the shadow of three giant volcanoes. Chachani, at 6,075m is the highest, but it is the perfectly conical Misti that draws the attention. Arequipa is known as ‘la ciudad blanca’ (‘the white city’), the name coming from a unique white volcanic rock, sillar, spewed out of nearby Chachani, predominant in all the city’s buildings. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2000, the city is a wonderful example of the blending of colonial architecture with local conditions. Many of the colonial palaces and houses still stand, despite numerous earthquakes, and can be visited. The churches are particularly beautiful and are a delight to wander round, both inside and out.

Only four hours from Arequipa, the impressive Colca Valley and its Canyon constitute one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Southern Peru. This picturesque Andean valley houses 14 Spanish-style villages dating from the 16th century, where nothing appears to have changed since that time. Colonial-era churches of splendid architectural beauty are combined with spectacular terraced fields and a great variety of flora and fauna along this tour, including a visit to the well-known “Cruz del Cóndor” lookout, a natural vantage point from which to match this amazing bird fly.

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima or Cusco - Arequipa

This morning we fly to Arequipa, where we check in to our chosen hotel upon arrival. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Arequipa, also known as “the White City” due to the predominance of the white volcanic rock called “sillar” used in its buildings. We start our visit in the beautiful Santa Catalina convent, founded in 1580, and located in the historical center of Arequipa, including houses for the nuns, cloisters, narrow streets, kitchens, old ovens and laundry areas that are magnificently maintained. From here we continue to visit the impressive mummy Juanita, a young Inca girl sacrificed as an offering to the Gods in Inca times, found only about 10 years ago in the Ampato volcano after the eternal snows of the glaciers were shaken by an earthquake. We follow to the Compañía Church, built by the Jesuit Order, with a beautiful mestizo baroque style façade, an impressive cupola and a famous cloister. We end our visit at the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, offering spectacular views of the Misti volcano in the late afternoon, before returning to the hotel.
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Day 2 Arequipa - Colca Canyon

After breakfast, our private transport picks us up from the hotel to start our overland trip towards the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way we go through Pampa Cañahuas and several villages such as Pulpera, Callalli, Sibayo and Tuti, reaching an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level (11,152 ft). We will very probably have the chance to spot herds of alpacas and llamas, and maybe vicuñas as well. Inactive volcanoes as well as geological formations featuring curious shapes caused by erosion are also characteristic along our route. We finally arrive in Chivay, the biggest and most populated village in the Colca Canyon, near which most hotels are located. In the afternoon we may enjoy a relaxing dip in the lovely hot springs of La Calera, whose waters come naturally hot due to the volcanic presence in the area.
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Day 3 Colca Canyon - Arequipa

Today we leave our hotel very early in the morning. We drive across the left side of the canyon to the Condor Cross lookout, where we may have the chance to spot the Andean Condor, considered the biggest bird in the world, with a wing span over 3m wide, and also appreciate the impressive depth of the canyon. On our way back to Arequipa, we drive through beautiful typical towns, like Yanque and Maca, with charming colonial churches, and we have the opportunity to meet local people with typical needlework dresses. On the sides of the road we can also appreciate hundreds of pre Inca terraces, where people still grow Andean products like corn, quinoa, kiwicha and others. Overnight at Arequipa B, L

Day 04 Arequipa - Cusco or Lima

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima or Cusco.
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