COLCA CANYON 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

DESCRIPTION:

For centuries, the "White City" has served as an intellectual bastion and cradle of Peruvian literature and art. But priests and scholars are no strangers to the more earthly delights, and Arequipa is renowned for its distinctive and delicious cuisine. The city is also known as a gateway into the Colca, offering numerous trekking opportunities. The world's second deepest canyon, ringed by pre-Inca agricultural terraces carved into the steep slopes, is circled overhead by majestic condors.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arequipa - Cabanaconde - San Juan de Chuccho
You will be picked up from your hostel with our tourist van (Bus) at 7am, we will then make our way to Cabanaconde, the Colca Canyon´s largest town, where we´ll have lunch at a restaurant. Shortly after midday we´ll start the trek own into the canyon. The 3 to 4 hour hike down follows a rocky, winding path - mind your footing, take it slowly and enjoy the view. You will make it to the first village, San Juan de Chuccho, at around 4 or 5 pm and speding the first night in this local family who run a small acomodation and feast on the dinner cooked by your guide.

Day 2: San Juan de Chuccho - Cosñirhua - Cabanaconde
Catch up on some sleep today, you won´t be woken up until around 7:30am and then you`ll be greeted by the sight of pancakes for breakfast after that, you only have to trek 3 hours before hitting the oasis, the deepest point you will reach in the Canyon. On your way you will pass through the village of cosñirhua, Malata with your guide explaining about the lifestyles of the people living in this area, as well as about the flora and fauna you will see. Once at the oasis, take time to chill out at the pool for a couple of hours, recuperate and have lunch before taking on the hardest part of this trek – 1,200m back up the canyon to Cabanaconde…good practice for the Inca Trail! You´ll make it up to the top in between 2 and 4 hours, depending on whether you want to beat your guide back up, or take it slow and steady. At the top you can bask in the feeling of satisfaction at having completed the trek, relax in your hotel and enjoy your last dinner in the hostel restaurant.

Day 3: Cabanaconde - Cruz del Condor - Calera - Chivay - Arequipa
On the last day we get up quite early(aprox 7 am) after breakfast ) we will make for Cruz del Condor. We will spend an hour there to observe the famous condors. We will then make our way to Chivay, the most important town in the length of the valley. Afterwards we will go to the hot springs of La Calera for a well deserved swim (35C) very appreciated by your muscles. Back in the centre of Chivay the lunch will be waiting for us. In the afternoon we will make our way back to Arequipa where we are supposed to arrive between 5.00pm and 6.00pm.

INCLUDED:

• Private transport (go and return 7 am departure)
• Pick up at the hotel
• Accommodation for 2 night
• Professional guide (bilingual Spanish-English)
• Entrance fee
• Complete meals
• Oasis pool
• Snacks
• First-aid kit
• Hot springs entrance (in Chivay)

NOT INCLUDED:

• Water