Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

(1 customer review)

This is a unique way to experience Arequipa & the Colca Canyon without the crowds of tourists.

Trip Length: 4 or 5 Days
Destination: Colca Canyon & Arequipa, Peru
Lodging: First-Class lodge & hotel
Activities: Horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, pre-Inca ruins, wildlife viewing, fish, hot springs (all activities are optional, depending on your interests)

WHY THIS TRIP?

The beautiful “White City” of Arequipa and the nearby Colca Canyon is the perfect place to start or finish a trip to Peru. The exploration of Arequipa and the Colca Canyon is ideal for acclimatising oneself to the rarefied air of the Andes or for relaxing in hot-springs following your Amazonas Explorer adventure. The road to Puno has now improved sufficiently to make the overland journey to Puno and Lake Titicaca a viable extension.

LOCAL OPERATOR: AMAZONAS EXPLORER

For more than 30 years Amazonas Explorer has used a different approach in leading high-quality trips and adventures in South America. While the company had its beginnings in adventure tourism, its success in building a strong team of knowledgeable guides has enhanced its ability to offer a range of innovative cultural tours.

By raft, bike, foot, horse and even paddleboard, travelers are immersed in their surroundings to explore in unique ways the highlights of southern Peru, the company’s home turf. Every adventure with Amazonas Explorer is treated with impeccable care and top-notch services, all focused on the client’s comfort and safety.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary


DAY 1: Explore Arequipa

Arriving in Arequipa, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Arequipa is known locally as “The White City” it boasts a magnificent marble Plaza de Armas and quaint old town streets. Your guide will take you on an afternoon orientation walk and to the picturesque Santa Catalina Monastery.

First opened to the public in 1970, the convent is a maze of intricate architecture and a photographer’s paradise. You may also consider visiting on your own the Andean Sanctuary Museum with it collection of frozen Mummies sacrificed on the nearby mountain tops; this included the famous “Juanita,” the Ice Maiden.

The evening is free for some final sightseeing and shopping. Alpaca and Vicuña wool are Arequipa’s finest export and there are plenty of opportunities for treating yourself to some stunning textiles here. You can also enjoy Arequipa’s nightlife and fine dining.

Overnight: Hotel La Hosteria or similar

Meals Included: –

DAY 2: Arequipa to Colca Canyon

Driving out of Arequipa we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the amazing Colca canyon. The Colca canyon is one of the World’s deepest canyons and is home to Condors and a fascinating local culture, totally different from any other place you will visit on this trip.

We overnight in the charming Colca lodge. Soaking in the World class hot-springs is the prime activity here, closely followed by exploring the lodge’s restaurant, bar or games room or visiting their new Spa facilities for a variety of treatments. Horse riding, hiking to local ruins, mountain biking and fishing can all be arranged locally through their in-house adventure company.

Overnight: Hotel Colca Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Cruz del Condor and Colca Canyon

The private guide and minibus are at your disposal for the day. An early morning drive to Cruz del Condor is recommended in search of one of the world’s largest birds, the condor, which nest in the cliffs of one of the world’s deepest canyons (~3,400 meters deep). Hopefully we will see the condors soaring in the thermals created by the deep gorge.

From here we return to the lodge including several stops to visit local towns and many beautiful photo opportunities. After lunch we can either hike to the nearby pre-Inca ruins, Yanque Museum or have a tour of the unique native culture and weavings in the area.

Horse riding, hiking, mountain biking and fishing can all be arranged locally through their in-house adventure company, Colca Explorer. Plenty of time is left for just relaxing in the hot springs and enjoying the Spa facilities. The hot rock massage is recommended.

Overnight: Hotel Colca Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4: Return to Arequipa

Today, you drive back to Arequipa. Depending on flight connections, there is time to enjoy a final hotsprings before departure and a picnic lunch can be taken en route. The lovely conical mountain of El Misti welcomes us back to Arequipa and so straight to the airport in time for your connecting flight out. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


DAY 1: Explore Arequipa

Arriving in Arequipa, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Arequipa is known locally as “The White City” it boasts a magnificent marble Plaza de Armas and quaint old town streets. Your guide will take you on an afternoon orientation walk and to the picturesque Santa Catalina Monastery.

First opened to the public in 1970, the convent is a maze of intricate architecture and a photographer’s paradise. You may also consider visiting on your own the Andean Sanctuary Museum with it collection of frozen Mummies sacrificed on the nearby mountain tops. This included the famous “Juanita” the Ice maiden. The evening is free to enjoy Arequipa’s nightlife and fine dining.

Overnight: Hotel La Hosteria or similar

Meals Included: –

DAY 2: Arequipa to Colca Canyon

Driving out of Arequipa we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the amazing Colca canyon. The Colca canyon is one of the World’s deepest canyons and is home to Condors and a fascinating local culture, totally different from any other place you will visit on this trip.

We overnight in the charming Colca lodge. Soaking in the World class hot-springs is the prime activity here, closely followed by exploring the lodge’s restaurant, bar or games room or visiting their new Spa facilities for a variety of treatments. Horse riding, hiking to local ruins, mountain biking and fishing can all be arranged locally through their in-house adventure company.

Overnight: Hotel Colca Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


DAY 3: Cruz del Condor and Colca Canyon

The private guide and minibus are at your disposal for the day. An early morning drive to Cruz del Condor is recommended in search of one of the world’s largest birds, the condor, which nest in the cliffs of one of the world’s deepest canyons (~3,400-meters deep). Hopefully we will see the condors soaring in the thermals created by the deep gorge.

From here we return to the lodge including several stops to visit local towns and many beautiful photo opportunities. After lunch we can either hike to the nearby pre-Inca ruins, Yanque Museum or have a tour of the unique native culture and weavings in the area.

Horse riding, hiking, mountain biking and fishing can all be arranged locally through their in-house adventure company, Colca Explorer. Plenty of time is left for just relaxing in the hot springs and enjoying the Spa facilities. The hot rock massage is recommended.

Overnight: Hotel Colca Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4: Explore the Colca Canyon

Today we can make several stops to visit local towns and make the most of the many beautiful photo opportunities on the way. After lunch we can either hike to the nearby pre-Inca ruins, explore the Yanque Museum or have a tour of the unique native culture and weavings in the area.

You could also take advantage of the many activities available through the lodge, or make the most of the fantastic spa facilities. The hot rock massage is recommended.

Overnight: Hotel Colca Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5: Return to Arequipa

Today we drive back to Arequipa. Depending on flight connections, there is time to enjoy a final dip in the hot springs before departure and a picnic lunch can be taken en route. The lovely conical mountain of ’El Misti’ welcomes us back to Arequipa and so straight to the airport in time for your connecting flight out.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip: 

You will need to arrive in Arequipa on Day 1. You can arrive at any time, by flight, train, or bus. The earlier the better! You will be met by your guide upon your arrival, and transferred to your hotel. The itinerary is designed to fit around most international and domestic flights in Peru, but can be changed to fit your particular flights.

At the end of this trip, you will be transferred to the Arequipa Airport, train station, or bus terminal in time for your departure.

All international flights must route through Lima. The majority of these flights arrive in Lima late at night, so you will have to overnight in Lima before continuing on to Arequipa in the morning. We can help you arrange hotels and transfers to fit with your flight schedule.

There are also daily internal flights from Cusco and other cities in Peru to Arequipa. If you are visiting the Colca Canyon and Arequipa as part of a longer trip, it is very easy to connect to Arequipa by internal flights.

We do not sell international or domestic Peru airfare but partner with a flight specialty company, Exito Travel, who can arrange all of your flights for you, simplifying the process of this part of your trip.

Trip Start: Trip starts upon your arrival at the Arequipa Airport.

Trip End: Trip ends at the Arequipa Airport in time for you to catch your flights home, or continue on to the next part of your adventure.

Complete Your Trip

This trip is sold as a trip segment, as it is usually included as part of a longer trip in Peru. It is a complete package for visiting Arequipa and the Colca Canyon. We have other packages in Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and other destinations in Peru that you can add on to this trip to make it easy to get exactly what you want.

International and domestic Peru flights are not included, but can be booked through our travel partner Exito Travel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to overnight in Lima. We can help you arrange a hotel and transfer services if this is necessary.

We can also help you add to your journey with trips to Lake Titicaca (just a few hours from the Colca Canyon), Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, or any other destination in South America.

 

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

Prices are per person and based on double or triple occupancy

Rates are subject to change depending on hotel availability.

 

2024 PRICES:

For pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above

 

 

 

 

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED: 
  • Airport transfers in Arequipa
  • One night in Hotel in Arequipa
  • Private transportation
  • Private, English-speaking, registered guide
  • Two or Three nights in Colca Lodge
  • Tour of Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Cruz del Condor.
  • Entrance to Santa Catalina and Colca National Park.
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary

View Trip Terms and Conditions:
http://detourdestinations.com/terms-and-conditions/amazonas-explorer

NOT INCLUDED: 
  • Domestic Peru or International flights
  • Entrance to Juanita museum
  • Airport taxes ($6 each way)
  • Meals not indicated
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Tips for guide and support staff
  • Personal or medical expenses
  • Services not indicated
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Lima services: Lima hotels, airport transfers, day rooms, & tours can be organized and quoted for on request.

Accommodations

Arequipa: La Hosteria or similar

Colca Canyon: Colca Lodge

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Triple, Single, Single Supplement

 

1 review for Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

  1. Elise E –

    It was a fantastic trip- the people, culture, food, history and spectacular scenery were great. The itinerary worked out perfectly and wouldn’t change a thing- except probably the night in Agua Calientes. The local Amazonas guides really made the history and their country come alive to us. It was a much more enriching trip because of them.

    Loved Casa Andina in Arequipa and lodge in Colca Canyon; and we booked ourselves, but fyi- the Tambo del Inka is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at globally. I’d go back to all these hotels in a second. Next time would just do day trip from Tambo to Machu Picchu because the train is so easy from there- and the night in Aqua Calientes was miserable from the noise and wasn’t worth the hassle as was totally fogged in the morning so didn’t see the sunrise anyway. I have a feeling that is more often the case than not (Machu Picchu being foggy in the morning); not a problem, just not worth the lack of sleep and moving hotels to catch the sunrise in my opinion unless the weather is more predictable at other times of the year. There are lots of people at Machu Picchu but I must say I was really impressed with how organized they were getting them up, in and out so wasn’t as aggravating as I was expecting at all and was quite painless surprisingly. Seeing the condors was really neat- and our hike along the canyon rim afterwards was great.

    everything was organized and ran so completely smoothly it was impressive. I must make a note of how impressed we were with the drivers along with the guides. The drivers were all so professional, pleasant and extremely safe (we noticed some other tour companies where the driving was not that safe) and were thankful to be with ours for sure. They also took such pride in their work and literally cleaned the car while we were stretching our legs at a rest stop. Impressive.

    Very impressed with Amazonas

Add a review