Essential Arequipa And Colca Canyon

Day 1: Arrival in Arequipa

Upon arrival at the airport or bus terminal, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the Plaza de Armas, renowned as one of the most stunning squares in Peru. Here, you will find the striking Arequipa Cathedral, originally constructed in the 17th century and completely rebuilt after several earthquakes. The tour includes visits to the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (established in 1590), an exemplary model of local baroque architecture featuring a remarkable collection of paintings and murals.

You will also explore the impressive Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, a true medieval cloister founded in September 1579 and still operational today. This enigmatic convent, covering 20,000 square meters, was built from sillar, the signature volcanic stone of Arequipa’s architecture.

The tour continues to the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Arequipa countryside and the surrounding volcanoes: El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. These locations are perfect for taking memorable photos.

You will also visit the central square of Cayma district and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma, located in the same area.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to further discover the charms of this colonial city. Take this opportunity to savor Arequipa’s renowned cuisine or wander along its delightful colonial streets. Overnight stay at your selected hotel.

Day 2: Classic Colca Canyon

Breakfast. We set off in the morning from Arequipa on an exciting 160 km journey to the town of Chivay.

Along the way, we pass through the picturesque village of Yura, recognized for its historic streets and squares.

The route continues through Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Cañahuas, leading into the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve in the Colca Canyon, where you can observe magnificent vicuñas roaming freely. Enjoy the chance to admire these graceful animals against a stunning Andean backdrop.

We will stop briefly in Patahuasi for a revitalizing coca tea, an essential Andean beverage that helps with acclimatization. At the Tocra wetlands, you’ll have the opportunity to spot beautiful birds, such as flamingos, before we continue past the crater of Chucura volcano and pause at a spectacular volcano viewpoint.

The journey proceeds through charming Andean villages and observation points with breathtaking volcano views, as we immerse ourselves in the culture of the Colca Valley.

Finally, we arrive in Chivay, where you will have free time for lunch (optional). Afterward, check in at your hotel and enjoy a short rest.

Later, discover the town of Chivay and its local market, experiencing authentic Andean culture at the heart of the Colca Canyon. Afterwards, we’ll visit the La Calera hot springs.

At the end of the day, we return you to your hotel in Chivay, Yanque, or Coporaque.

Day 3: Colca Canyon and Return to Arequipa

Breakfast. Start your day early with a delicious breakfast before heading to the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Arrive in time to witness the dramatic depth of the Colca Canyon and, with some luck, spot Andean condors soaring above.

These majestic birds are among the largest on the planet, and observing their flight over the canyon is a truly unforgettable experience.

On the return journey to Chivay, we stop at the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint, where you can admire ancient terraces created by the Collagua culture over 1,500 years ago, predating the Incas.

Continue to the charming community of Maca, which was affected by an earthquake in 1991, and the town of Yanque, notable for having the most beautiful church in the valley. We return to Chivay for lunch (optional).

Finally, we journey back to Arequipa and provide your transfer to your hotel, concluding this remarkable Colca Valley adventure.

Day 4: Departure from Arequipa

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport or bus terminal.