3-day colca canyon: arequipa to puno

This trip is an ideal way to take in the incredible Colca Canyon on your journey from Arequipa to Puno.

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.

The trip begins in Arequipa, from where you'll pass through picturesque towns on your journey north-west towards the canyon, visiting trout farms and observing Andean flamingoes in the lagoons along the way.

At the canyon you'll take in the incredible views, 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.

This trip includes an English-speaking guide and 2 nights with breakfast in Hotel Mamayacchi in the village of Chivay.

The tour ends with a bus trip through the national reserve park of the Peruvian Altiplano to Puno, where you'll continue your Peruvian adventure.

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

Horse riding or biking (for additional fee)

Hotel in Chivay

Day3

Visit to home of a Coporaque villager. Depending on the season and day of the week, you can help to work in the fields, to herd animals, or to prepare the land for sowing or harvest

Return to Chivay for lunch

Transport to Puno

Children under 12 years get a 20% discount