First day:
Your guide (English/Spanish-speaking) will pick you up at your hotel in Arequipa around 8:00 am.
THE ALTIPLANO: The bus, going to the Colca Valley and Canyon (4 to 5 hour journey), will make some stops. The first will be in the "Salinas and Aguada Blanca" Reserve where it’s possible to admire vicunas, llamas and alpacas in front of impressive summits (if you want to climb a volcano, click here). Afterwards we will stop at the Volcanoes Mirador at 4910 meters above sea level (16108 ft) from where the view is incredible (we recommend that you drink coca tea and water to reduce potential headache). Finally we will go down to Chivay at 3,600 meters above sea level (11811 ft) for lunch (not included).
The afternoon, visit of the hot spring baths of Chivay (entrance fee around 15 soles per person). From these pools of volcanic origin, we will be able to enjoy splendid surroundings and relax. At the end of the day, arrival at the hotel in Yanque. Dinner (not included) and overnigh stay.
Second day:
THE CRUZ OF CONDOR: Early in the morning, you will have breakfast (included) before heading to the "Cross of condor" by mini-bus. We will find a magnificient vantage point from where we can appreciate the depth of the second deepest canyon in the world, the Colca Canyon. Furthermore, we'll be there at the most favourable time to enjoy the impressive flight of the Andean Condor!
PRE-INCA TERRACES: Afterwards, on the road to Yanque, we will make some stops to appreciate splendid pre-Inca terraces and the main square of Maca. Arrival at midday. Lunch not included.
THE HORSEBACK RIDE: Around 2:00 pm, departure from our hotel for a horse ride on comfortable Peruvian Paso horses (during three hours). We will cross the Plaza de Armas of Yanque before getting down to the Colca River. After that we will pass on the Cervantes bridge and continue the ride to the Coporaque's pre-Inca cemetery.These Collogua graves and the panorama on the valley are impressive. Then we will go through the village of the district. On the way back, crossing the Sifon bridge, we will observe the famous "Colca", which have given the name of the region. Arrival at our hotel at the end of the day. Dinner (not included) and overnight stay.
Third day:
Breakfast at 5:30 am then the driver will pick us up around 6:00 am with his vehicle. We cross the Colca River and discover the non touristic side of the valley going through villages of Ichupampa, Lari, to finally arrive in Madrigal after 1h30.
THE TREK TO THE CHIMPA'S FORTRESS: The vehicle will take us to the bottom of the Chimpa's hill. At its summit, we can see the gates of the Chimpa's fortress to reach. The walking ascent of 2 hours, punctuated by stops under lovely small shelters on the outskirts of the path, will enable us to enjoy the splendid Colca Valley as well as its terraces, heritage of pre-Inca and Collagua civilisations.
THE PANORAMA: At the summit, we will go into the fortress then the driver will take us to a mirador located on the other side to enjoy the incredible view of the Colca Canyon. It's the most beautiful panorama of this deep canyon! The special feature of the place will enable us to admire both slopes of the canyon in a peaceful and privileged setting.
Back to Chivay (lunch not included) to take the bus that will bring you back to Arequipa. Arrival around 6:00 pm. If you plan to continue your trip with Puno and Titicaca's lake, it's possible to take a direct bus from Chivay (let us know and we will book you a ticket).
