Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is the one of the deepest in the world interwoven with history, culture, ruins and tradition. The key traditional town in the canyon is Chivay. Visit the local market in the main square to catch a glimpse of the decorative clothing worn by the local women. After the journey from Arequipa a popular way to relax is at the La Calera hot springs with its idyllic setting. In the evening, guests of the Casa Andina hotel can visit the observatory for a chance to view the night sky. 

Day 1 - Depart Arequipa early in the morning for the scenic journey to the town of Chivay, the Colca Canyon’s most important city. Along the way, you will pass through the village of Yura, which has hot springs, and across the Aguada Blanca y Salinas National Reserve, filled with towering mountains and volcanoes, like Chachani and Ubina, as well as rolling plains where vicuñas and guanacos roam and a variety of birds roost, like flamingoes. Arrive in Chivay for lunch then free afternoon. 

Day 2 - Depart your hotel for the Cruz del Condor lookout point, which affords the best views of the canyon. If the weather permits, you might even see the majestic flight of the Andean condor. Also, if there is time, you may stop at three other lookout points: Choquetico, Antahuilque, and Tunturpay to see other interesting sights, such as hanging tombs and the maqueta stone (an artifact that shows the layout of the surrounding terraced hillsides) at Choquetico and the lake of three colours and Collagua terraced hillsides at Antahuilque.

After spending some time at the Cruz del Condor, you will return to Chivay, stopping at three valley towns: Maca, Achola, and Yanque. You will eat lunch at a local restaurant, and then begin your return trip to Arequipa or continue onto Puno for Lake Titicaca.