3-day colca canyon: puno to arequipa
This package is an idea way to take in the incredible Colca Canyon on your journey from Puno to Arequipa.
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 Puno, from where you'll pass through pictureque town 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 transport from Puno to Arequipa, an English-speaking guide, and 2 nights with breakfast in Hotel Mamayacchi in the village of Chivay.
The trip ends in Arequipa, where you'll continue your Peruvian adventure.
Itinerary:
Day 1
06:00am pick-up in Puno.
Visits to trout farms and lagoons to see Andean flamingo.
Stop-off in Viscachani for a typical coca tea or coffee at the local restaurant.
Visit to Pata Pampa to observe volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca, Misti, and the Cordillera Chila.
Visit to the market of Chivay.
Visit to hot springs.
Return to hotel.
Day 2
Trip to Cruz del Condor to observe the flight of the Condors.
1 hour walk through Colca Canyon.
Visit to the traditional village Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint to observe 1500-year-old terraces of the pre-Inca Collaguas.
Visit to the lookout point Choquetico with its hanging tombs.
Visits to the Andean villages of Maca and Yanque.
Horse riding or biking can be arranged for an additional fee.
Return to hotel.
Day3
Visit to home of a Coporaque villager. Depending on the season and day of the week, you can help to work in fields, to herd animals, or to prepare the land for sowing or harvest.
Return to Chivay for lunch, before leaving for Arequipa, arriving at around 5pm.
Children under 12 years get 20% discount