3-day colca canyon: arequipa to cusco

Beginning in Arequipa and ending in Cusco, this is a great way of experiencing the Colca Canyon as you travel.

As the second biggest canyon in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, this is an unmissable destination while travelling in south Peru. It's filled with varied landscapes, colonial villages, stepped terraces, ancient civilisations, and is one of the best places to see the emblematic condor.

From Arequipa, you'll pass stunning views of the volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca, Misti, and the “Cordillera Chila” on your way to the canyon.

At the canyon you'll take in its incredible landscapes, visit traditional villages, and take a hike to Cruz del Condor, where with luck you'll get to see condors gliding on the thermals of the huge mountain surroundings.

You'll then pass through more incredible landscapes and traditional villages on the way to Cusco, where you'll continue with your Peruvian adventure.

This trip includes transport from Colca Canyon to Cusco, an English-speaking guide, and 2 nights with breakfast in Hotel Mamayacchi in the village of Chivay.

Itinerary:

Day 1

07.30am pick-up in Arequipa

Transport to Chivay

Stop at National Reserve of Agua Blanca and Salinas to observe vicuñas

Hot springs in Chivay

Hotel in Chivay

Day 2

Cruz del Condor to observe condors

1 hour hike through canyon

Stop-offs at villages and lookout points on bus journey through canyon

Return to Chivay