Itinerary:
Pick up at the hotel between 03:00 am to 03:30 am to travel to Chivay (one of the deepest canyons in the world), on the way we will be able to appreciate the famous Vicuña (South American camelid) and flamingos (Migratory bird), too We will stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes (highest area of ??the trip 4,910 meters above sea level) from where we will appreciate the western mountain range.
After 3 hours of travel, we arrive in Chivay at 3,651 meters, on the way we will observe the spectacular view of the Colca Valley.
We go to the famous Cruz del Cóndor, where we will have enough time to observe the depth of the canyon, take photos and appreciate the flight of the condor.
In the coordinated time, we return to Chivay. Visit to the Pinchollo and Antahuilque viewpoints where we will appreciate the Inca terraces built by the Collagua culture. Stop at the hanging tombs of Choquetico and the lithomaquetas. We continue visiting Maca and Yanque with the most beautiful church in the Valley. We return to Chivay where we will have lunch.
After lunch, we go to the thermal baths of La Calera, where we can relax for approximately 1 hour. After the baths we return to Chivay and return to Arequipa.
Arrival to Arequipa 05:30 pm. End of the Colca Canyon Tour
Included:
- Pick up from your Hotel in Arequipa (Hotels must be located in the city center)
- Tourist transport throughout the tour (15 people or more).
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Continental breakfast.
- Buffet lunch without drinks.
Not Included:
- Tourist ticket to enter Colca: Managed by the Colca Autonomous Authority to be paid at the control booths and authorized personnel of said institution.
Recommendations
- Bring the Passport and / or CURRENT Identity Document.
- Bring clothes for both climates (Cold in the morning) (Hot at noon) (Windy in the afternoon).
- Caps / Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Drinks and / or Snacks.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Cash if you want to buy sounenirs / Souvenirs.
- Take precautions against altitude sickness / soroche (Buy Sorojchi Pills)
- Bring a bathing suit (Optional) for the La Calera thermal baths.
- Bring cash soles (for payment when entering Chivay)
Frequently Asked Questions:
How far is the Colca?
This a distance of 151 km starting from the city of Arequipa, to the town of Chivay.
What is the approximate time of the trip to Colca?
Travel time from Arequipa to Chivay takes approximately 3 hours by bus.
Why get to Chivay?
Chivay is the main point of arrival, the place has amenities such as restaurants, hotels, hostels, etc. Place where you have connections with different towns, and you can also plan your stay more to visit other sites that you may not have planned to visit.
How is the food in Colca Canyon Tour?
The culinary art in Colca is varied but its main characteristic is the high seasoning and spicy, if you are a vegetarian there are restaurants in Colca specialized in vegetable food, with local, national and international elements.
What activities can I do in the Colca Valley?
Colca offers the adventurer a rugged geography with beautiful landscapes, true challenges, that will make this place the exclusive space for adventure, excitement, and adrenaline.
Being able to go on walks, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, boating, a walk with cargo llamas, observation of flora and fauna, observe geysers, waterfalls, visit prehistoric areas and archaeological sites.
What clothes to take to Colca Canyon Tour?
Wear somewhat light clothing during the day, but wear a jacket or jacket at night as the cold increases, if your visit is scheduled for the months of December to March, it is convenient to bring thermal and waterproof clothing for the rainy season, sports shoes, a good sunscreen and hat.
What is the best season to visit the Colca?
The best season to visit the Colca are the months of April and May. Why? They are the months where the rains are no longer so persistent, and they are the months where the green of the landscapes becomes more attractive. You can visit during the rest of the year having the recommendations of the climate in the area.
Where is the beginning of the walks or trekking in the Colca Canyon?
To start the walk is from the town of Cabanaconde, it is where the beginning of all the walks (trekkings) to the Colca Canyon are located.
What happens if I have symptoms of altitude sickness?
If you have any type of problem in your health, do not hesitate to notify the guide or take the necessary precautions. In case you have altitude sickness (soroche), it is very easy to avoid it, just rest and relax the first day of your stay.
What currency is used in Peru?
The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S /.). The US dollar is accepted in most accommodation, shops and restaurants according to the exchange rate that prevails on the day (Soles for dollars). Euros are accepted in some establishments. It is recommended that you pay in national currency.
Can I pay with Credit Cards and Traveler’s Checks?
Most tourist establishments accept credit cards. The main cities of Peru have ATMs that accept different types of card, the most widely accepted credit cards being American Express, VISA, Diners and Mastercard. The use of travelers checks has limitations, so it is advisable to check with the establishment if they are accepted before buying or consuming any service.
What is the cost of the tourist ticket to enter the Colca Valley?
The Tourist Ticket rates are:
- Foreign Tourist S /. 70.00 Nuevos Soles
- National Tourist S /. 20.00 Nuevos Soles
- National Student S /. 5.00 Nuevos Soles
The tourist places that can be visited upon payment of the tourist ticket are those located in the Colca Canyon circuit, Aguada Blanca and Valley of the Volcanoes.
As it also allows access to archaeological sites, tourist viewpoints, the Cabanaconde (Sangalle), Tapay (San Juan de Chuccho, Cosñirhua, Malata, Llahuar, Fure, Paclla, Tocayo, Puna Chica, Puna Grande, Huaruro) and the routes attached to any other circuit of the same. This ticket does not include the entrances to the La Calera Thermal Baths. Chacapi and the Muse de Yanque.
Note: For Arequipa visitors, the promotion of «free entry» is applied on the last Saturday of each month, after verification of address in the DNI.
Do I have to apply for Visas and Permits to enter Peru?
Most citizens of countries in America and Western Europe do not require a visa to enter Peru. The maximum authorized stay period is 90 days. To stay for longer periods or with other objectives (residence, study, research, work, etc.), you must previously request the corresponding visa at the Peruvian consulates.
About electric power in Peru?
To take into account if you travel with your laptop or a mobile device.
Electricity in Peru corresponds to 220 volts and 60 cycles (except in Arequipa where the current is 50 cycles). Most four and five star hotels offer 110 volt electrical power. The current connector plugs in Peru correspond to two inputs. You need to carry an adapter for your electrical equipment.
