Travel to Peru: Colca Canyon and Arequipa Extension

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Colca Canyon and Arequipa Extension

			DAYS: 3 GRADE: I, Easy Hiking define HIGHLIGHTS: Arequipa Colca Canyon Giant Andean Condor ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Enjoy 2 days in charming Arequipa on either end of your 2 day visit to Colca Canyon. In Arequipa explore The Convent of Santa Catalina and walk the streets of this lovely colonial town. Drive to the high altiplano over a 15,000 ft. pass and descend into the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest gorges. Hike local footpaths among small farms and canyon trails throughout this spectacular topography renowned for both its natural and cultural wonders. Arise early to watch condor soar very close overhead on morning thermals and visit the villages of Yanque, Achoma, and Maca, where people are known for their intricately decorated traditional clothing.

DAY 1 :  AREQUIPA
Transfer to Cusco airport for a one hour flight to the southern city of Arequipa. Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. Half-day guided tour of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Convent. Sunny, pleasant Arequipa is flanked by two spectacular mountains, Mt. Chachani and the dormant volcano El Misti. The city is nicknamed la Ciudad Blanca or White City for its many beautiful buildings made of a white volcanic rock called sillar. The Convent of Santa Catalina, the most fascinating and important colonial religious building complex in all Peru was for 400 years home to an order of cloistered nuns. The Convents soft pastel colors, quiet hidden rooms and passageways, and colonial religious art are a photographers dream: take plenty of film with you. Many of the city's beautiful colonial houses, such as Casa Ricketts, are now art galleries or museums. Overnight at the Hotel La Hosteria. [B]

DAY 2 :  COLCA CANYON
Begin in the morning with a four hour ride across the stark and beautiful Andean altiplano to the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons. The Colca River flows between two extinct volcanoes, Coropuna (6425 m) and Ampato (6310 m), dissecting the valley to a depth of 3400 meters creating one of the deepest chasms in the world. The canyon was originally inhabited by pre-Inca cultures. Descendants of the Cabanas and Collaguas farm in the valley and on steep hillsides using ancient Inca terraces. They have settled in small towns and villages such as Chivay, known for its pleasant hot springs. In the villages of Achoma and Maca, local indigenous women wear intricately embroidered, colorful dresses- some of the most beautiful native clothing in Peru. Visit the nearby Mirador Cruz del Condor where you can watch giant Andean condors gliding on the thermal currents that rise from the canyon floor.

Arrive at the Colca Lodge located in the valley near the Colca River. This small, comfortable lodge has only 11 rooms and a restaurant, and offers extra amenities such as a hot springs pool, horse back riding and hiking to nearby archaeological sites. Overnight at Colca Lodge. [BL]

Note: It is not recommended to return to Arequipa on the same day. A second night at Colca Lodge can be arranged upon request.

DAY 3 :  AREQUIPA
Free time on your own to explore in the morning (if taking an afternoon flight). Transfer to the Arequipa airport for your outbound flight. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Breanne Stovall 1(800)345-4453