Colca Canyon Full Day Tour from Arequipa

Arequipa

We will leave Arequipa early in the morning, around 3:30 am, so that we have time for a full experience of the Colca Canyon. On our way to the canyon we will pass through spectacular mountain scenery and beautifully rugged terrain, stopping first in the small Andean community of Pata Wasi.

Mirador de Volcanes

Here we can see some intriguing rock formations and views of the Chachani and Misti volcanoes. To help with the altitude, we will also stop to enjoy some traditional coca tea. As we approach the town of Chivay, which sits at an elevation of 3,600m above sea level (12,000ft), we will pass by colourful agricultural terraces found throughout much of the Colca Valley, some of which date back to Inca times. After breakfast we will head to the famous mirador, or viewpoint, known as Cruz del Cóndor (Cross of the Condor), arriving at approximately 8am. The viewpoint is located near the small towns of Maca and Cabanaconde.

Mirador de cóndor

Here, strong winds rise from the canyon, providing a favorite spot for Andean condors, the largest flying birds in the world. They fly on thermals, often in pairs, usually in the morning and late afternoon. You might see these huge condors with their three-meter wingspans flying very close to the lookout point, providing a truly majestic sight. After observing and taking photos of the condors, your guide will take you on a short hike near the canyon, for about 45 minutes.

Chivay

We will then return to Chivay, first stopping at the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint . This viewpoint offers wonderful views of the 1,500-year-old agricultural terraces that curve along the hillsides like an amphitheater. You can also observe some of the charming lagoons of the Colca Valley. The next stop is the Choquetico viewpoint , where we can see two very interesting features. First are the hanging tombs, or graves hanging from the ceiling, built by the Aymara -speaking Collaguas around 1200 AD. These burial niches were cut into the cliffs of Cerro Cabanaconde and then sealed with rock walls. To reach these otherwise inaccessible cliffs, the builders probably worked their way down using ropes suspended from trees above. The second interesting feature we can see here is the lithomaqueta , a model of the canyon terraces carved into a rock. Continuing, we will visit the small Andean town of Maca, which is located on the slopes of the Sabancaya volcano and the Nevado Hualca. Hualca.

Pueblo de Yanque

We will then visit the town of Yanque, which is home to a pretty white church, a small archaeology museum and hot springs by the river. We will then return to Chivay for lunch before heading back to Arequipa.