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| Arequipa and the Colca Canyon |
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and with a living history that dates back more than 2,000 years, Colca Canyon is the best location in Peru to view the Andean Condor.First visit Arequipa's fine Spanish colonial buildings and churches, then travel through the altiplano landscape, past extinct volcanoes and herds of vicuña to the canyon. Watch the Andean Condors, the largest flying birds on Earth, rise up through the sky on early-morning thermals.
Day 1 – Lima or Cusco to Arequipa
In the morning, we meet you at the airport in Arequipa, known as "The White City," as most of the structures are built out of brilliant white volcanic stone. Once we arrive, settle into your hotel before we begin the day's excursions.
Visit the Andean Sanctuary Museum, with its collection of frozen Inca mummies. The most famous of these is Juanita, who, dressed in ceremonial robes, was sacrificed to the gods some 500 years ago and found on the nearby peak Ampato in 1995.
In the afternoon, tour the city's colonial treasures, including the neighborhood of San Lazaro, the Plaza de Armas, and the Santa Catalina Convent – a beautiful walled city with cobblestone walkways that dates from 1580 and is home to over 400 nuns.
Day 2 – Arequipa to ChivayDrive north from Arequipa for four hours to the mountain town of Chivay, the gateway to the Colca Canyon. Along the way, stop in the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve to see vicuña, the camel relative similar to llamas and alpacas. Continue through the mountains at altitudes of more than 13,500 feet, past herds of llamas and alpaca, and recently-extinct volcanoes. In the afternoon relax in Chivay's thermal baths as the sun sets over the valley. B, L, D
Day 3 – Cruz del Condor to Arequipa
We breakfast early and drive for an hour through the Colca Canyon to the Viewpoint of the Condors. Watch as Andean Condors plummet from their roosting points in the cliffs opposite before rising upwards on the morning thermals.
The Andean Condor is the largest flying land bird on Earth, with a wingspan that has been known to reach up to 12 feet! You'll get eye-level views of these magnificent birds as they soar past on their way to look for food. The best months to view the condors are May through October.
When the Condors have departed, return to Chivay with stops at overlooks throughout the canyon. And in the villages of Maca, Achoma and Yanque, you'll learn about the Pre-Columbian history of the canyon and life in the Colca today. After lunch in Chivay, return to Arequipa with a stop at the Viewpoint of the Volcanoes. Spend the night in your selected hotel in Arequipa. B, L
Day 4 – Arequipa to Lima or Cusco
Return to the Arequipa airport for the flight to Lima or Cusco. B
| Arequipa and the Colca Canyon | |
| Trip length | 4 days/3 nights |
| Departs | Daily |
| Per person cost | $514.00 |
| Single supplement | $65.00 |
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| Prices based on two people sharing in 3-star accommodations. Four and 5-star accommodations available on request. International and domestic airfare not included. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed. | |
Staying on in Peru? Whether your interest is archaeology, wildlife or culture, in a short extension tour you can experience more of the rich living heritage of this vibrant country. Day trips and adventure trips are also a great way to see Cusco and Lima and their nearby sights. We can even arrange hotels and transportation.
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