The beautiful "White City" of Arequipa and the nearby Colca Canyon are the perfect places to start or finish a trip to Peru. They are ideal for acclimatizing oneself to the rarefied air of the Andes or for relaxing in hot-springs following your Amazonas Explorer adventure. The road to Puno has now improved sufficiently to make the overland journey to Puno and Lake Titicaca a viable extension.
Highlights
-Private transport & Guide
-The famous ‘White city’ of Arequipa
-World class hot springs
-Condor viewing
-Astounding agricultural terraces Unique Native Culture with heavily embroidered textiles. ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive in Arequipa, transfer to your centrally located hotel. Free day to explore the “White City.”
DAY 2: Drive by private minibus to the Colca Canyon, climbing high into the Andes. Overnight in a charming lodge, built in traditional Colca style with near-by perfect temperature hot-springs. (B/L/D)
DAY 3: Visit the rim of the Colca Canyon where, if you are lucky, you can see condors soaring in the thermals created by the deep gorge. Visit pre-Inca ruins, local towns, and the hotsprings. (B/L/D)
DAY 4: Drive back to Arequipa with free time for sightseeing and shopping (B/L)
DAY 5: Transfer to Arequipa airport for your on-going connection. (B) ...see full itinerary
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
A visit to Arequipa and the Colca Canyon make an excellent add-on to any trip to Peru. This private tour makes it simple to see the best of this area, including high-Andean towns, Condors at the Colca Canyon, world-class hotsprings, and the "White City" of Arequipa. ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
This trip is for you if you enjoy exploring other cultures, seeing archeological and architectural wonders, and want to see Condors flying over the colca Canyon, but aren't looking for a hard-core adventure trip. ...view more details
DAY 1: Arriving in Arequipa, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Arequipa is known locally as “The White City". You have the rest of the day free and we recommend you visit the Santa Catalina Monastery. First opened to the public in 1970, it is a maze of intricate architecture and a photographer's paradise. You can also take in Juanita – the Inca ice maiden, the impressive Plaza de Armas with its earthquake damaged Cathedral and sample the delights of local cuisine in a typical 'Picantaria'.
DAY 2: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and then, by private minibus you head inland to the Colca Canyon, climbing high into the Andes, hopefully spotting vicunas, flamingos and other rare wildlife, before descending to Chivay. You stay the night in a charming lodge, built in traditional Colca style with near-by perfect temperature hot-springs. (B/L/D)
DAY 3: Early this morning you head to the very rim of the Colca Canyon, Cruz del Condor where, if you are lucky, you can see condors soaring in the thermals created by the deep gorge. From here you return to your Lodge including several stops to visit local towns and many beautiful photo opportunities. From the lodge you can visit pre-Inca ruins, an ancient cemetery and explore the surrounding hills, or simply relax in near-by hot-springs. (B/L/D)
DAY 4: Today you drive back to Arequipa. On arrival in Arequipa you are transferred to your hotel with free time for sightseeing and shopping. Arequipa is famous for its reasonably priced, high quality, Alpaca and Vicuna garments. (B/L)
DAY 5: Transfer to Arequipa airport for your on-going connection. (B)
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
