Adventure Tours In Arequipa And Colca

DAY 1. ARRIVAL IN AREQUIPA.

Upon your arrival in Arequipa, we'll transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Later, embark on a walking tour through the charming San Lazaro neighborhood, just five blocks from Arequipa's Plaza de Armas. This historic district features quaint streets and houses crafted from sillar, a volcanic stone.

San Lazaro, a storied neighborhood, showcases its beauty with picturesque streets, small plazas, and white walls. This area has roots dating back to pre-Inca and Inca times and was among the first settled during the Spanish conquest and city founding.

As part of Arequipa's Historic Center, San Lazaro is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your tour continues to Barrio del Solar, near the Chili River, where you'll stroll through streets lined with traditional colonial architecture. Explore Tambos, historical lodging centers for merchants in the colonial era.

Your first stop is Tambo El Matadero, a 17th-century building once used for animal sacrifices, now home to about 30 families.

Next, visit Tambo La Cabezona, a 16th-century cluster of colonial houses with a communal entrance and the site of one of the city's earliest mills.

Enjoy a panoramic view of Plaza de Armas, the city's central hub, where the magnificent Cathedral of Arequipa stands. This charming square is encircled by beautiful portals and features a central bronze fountain.

After a short walk, reach the Santa Catalina Monastery, founded in 1579. Spanning 20,000 square meters, it includes cloisters, patios, squares, streets, a bell tower, and a church.

This historic site offers ample photo opportunities. Wander the ashlar streets and admire sections with naturally colored red walls. Visit the Patio del Silencio, where nuns gathered for silent prayer and Bible reading.

Experience this Arequipa gem, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, before we return you to your hotel.

DAY 2. AREQUIPA / COLCA CANYON.

Your adventure begins early as we pick you up from your Arequipa accommodations and head to the Colca Valley, a journey of approximately 3 hours, with a brief stop for breakfast in Chivay.

We'll continue to the Condor’s Cross (3,800 meters above sea level) to witness the majestic condors in flight. Our journey proceeds to the Pampas of San Miguel (3,300 meters above sea level), where a 4.6-mile hike (3 hours) to the canyon's base begins.

Upon reaching San Juan de Chuccho, enjoy a well-earned rest and lunch. The trek resumes through the villages of Cosñirhua and Malata for an additional 2.5 miles (2.5 hours). Our destination is Sangalle (2,225 meters), a stunning oasis for an overnight stay. Relax with a swim in the pool and savor dinner under the stars.

DAY 3. COLCA CANYON / AREQUIPA.

At 5:00 AM, begin a 2.5-mile ascent of the canyon slope, a 3-hour journey to Cabanaconde (3,230 meters), as the sun rises over breathtaking vistas.

Post-breakfast, our transport takes us to Chivay, with stops at the Antahuilque viewpoint, offering stunning views of Andean terraces and the Colca Valley, and the town of Maca for a panoramic view of its colonial church.

Optional visits include the Yanque hot springs*, known for their therapeutic and relaxing properties, and a delightful lunch* in Chivay.

On the return to Arequipa, we'll pass near the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, home to various camelids like llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Upon arrival in Arequipa, we'll drop you off at your hotel.

DAY 4. AREQUIPA.

We'll collect you from your central Arequipa hotel and transport you to meet our professional guides for a briefing on equipment usage and safety before embarking on an exciting adventure.

We'll journey to the Valley of Chilina, reaching the Virgen de Chapi – Charcani Sanctuary near the Chili River. Here, guides will provide safety instructions before our thrilling rafting experience.

Enjoy an exhilarating 1.5-hour rafting adventure through class III and IV rapids on the Rio Chili, a white-water river originating in the Andes and flowing into the Pacific Ocean, serving as Arequipa's primary water source.

Begin with a class II section to hone rowing skills, followed by a class III stretch, culminating in the intense class IV rapids. If needed, you can opt-out of the final section and rejoin for another class III passage.

At the journey's end, cool off with a refreshing river dip amidst stunning nature. We'll return to Arequipa for a snack and then take you back to your hotel.

DAY 5. DEPARTURE FROM AREQUIPA.

At the prearranged time, we'll pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the airport or bus station for your departure.