Description
DAY 01:AREQUIPA –CRUZ DEL CONDOR – SAN JUAN DE CHUCCHO – OASIS
Pick up from the hotel between 3:00 am and 3:30 am and we will go to the town of Chivay, which is about 4 hours drive from Arequipa. On the way, we will stop at the town of Yanque where we have breakfast (06:30 am approx).
Then we will travel for 1 hour to La Cruz del Cóndor, which is the best place to see the Canyon and the famous Andean condor birds, we will have 40 minutes to see the flight of the condors, and the depth of the canyon.
Approximately at 9:30 am we will arrive at the Mirador de Pampa San Miguel, and immediately we will begin the trek in descent to the canyon (3 hours) going from 3,300 meters to 2,100 meters into the canyon.
Around 12:30 pm we will arrive at the first suspension bridge, we will have a rest and then we will continue our walk for 30 minutes more. We will arrive at San Juan de Chuccho community for lunch. After lunch, we will continue the march, this time, to visit the villages of Malata and Cosñirhua.
Approximately at 5 pm, we will arrive at the Oasis Sangalle, a peaceful and charming place at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters, where we will enjoy its swimming pool, surrounded by greenery.
Rest in adobe bungalow typical of the area.
DAY 2: OASIS SANGALLE – CABANACONDE – CHIVAY – AREQUIPA
At 05:00 am we begin the ascent hike for 03 HRS. (It is recommended to bring snacks since breakfast is after the trek and also bring a flashlight). This part of the trek can provide spectacular views, as you’ll be trekking during the sunrise.
We will arrive at 8:30 am to the town of Cabanaconde where breakfast and the visit of the town takes place. In this town we will take the return bus, towards the city of Chivay, we will stop at a viewpoint to see the pre-Inca andenería of the valley.
At 11 am is the arrival to the town of Yanque, we will have time to visit the thermo-medicinal baths (approx. 1 hour) with water temperatures of 38°C (optional). After lunch in Chivay we will return to the city of Arequipa making stops at the Mirador de Los Volcanes (4910 masl), and Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve (to observe the South American camelids, llama, alpaca, vicuña and guanaco). This is where you can get a selfie with an alpaca, or even a vicuña if you are lucky.
At the end of the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Arequipa between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and we will drop you off at Calle Santa Catalina, next to Santa Catalina Monastery.
Note:
– Official Colca Canyon entrance tax of 70 soles is not included in the ticket price. This must be paid on the tour.
– For those that wish to finish in Puno: On return to Chivay at 1 pm, there will just be 15 minutes for lunch before departing to Puno. Arrival time in Puno is 7 pm, and the drop off point is at Puno Plaza de Armas.
– Rainy season lasts from December to March. We recommend you bring rain clothes (rain poncho) and a spare change of clothes. (these are available to rent or buy in Arequipa).
