The Colca Canyon is considered to be the deepest canyon in the world - with over 1km separating the canyon floor from the cliff-edges. It has picturesque pre-Inca terracing, impressive scenery and friendly villages with traditionally dressed locals. One of the highlights of a trip to Colca is the chance to see the mighty Andean Condor soaring on thermals above the canyon. Given good weather and an early start it is very likely you will get to see the magnificent birds in action!
Pick up from Arequipa around 4am - 4.30am, arriving in Chivay at 7am. We continue to the Condor viewpoint, where you can appreciate the depth of the Colca Canyon and the spectacular condors soaring above you. We then continue to the start of our trek, at Pampa San Miguel. During the descent we enjoy an interesting route, experiencing a variety of microclimates, spectacular scenery and natural flora and fauna until we arrive at San Juan de Chucchos, where we will lunch and have a small rest. We continue our trek to Cosñirhua and Malata, before the Valley of Sangalle and a small oasis where we arrive at our lodge for the evening. We stay in small cabins, and are able to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool.
An early start today as we need to climb out of the Canyon! A 3am start followed by around 3-4 hours climbing gets you to Cabanaconde. Once in Cabanaconde you will have breakfast and transfer to Chivay, stopping at a viewpoint and 2 towns en route. After lunch you have the opportunity to visit the thermal baths of Calera, before a transfer back to Arequipa, arriving around 17:00.