First day:
You'll leave Arequipa with your guide (English/Spanish-speaking) around 8 AM.
THE ALTIPLANO: You'll stop several times during the ride to reach the Colca Valley and Canyon (4 to 5 hours by mini-bus). The first stop will be to observe vicunas, llamas and alpacas in the "Salinas y Aguada Blanca" reserve. Then, you'll admire an amazing panorama at the Volcanoes' Mirador (if you want to climb a volcano, click here). You'll be at 4910 meters above sea level, that's why we advise you to drink coca tea and a lot of water this morning. Later, you'll have a lunch in Chivay (not included), located at 3600 meters above sea level.
You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the hot spring baths of Yanque or Chivay in the afternoon (entrance fee is around 15 soles per person). There, you'll enjoy the incredible landscape while relaxing in the volcanic water baths. Afterwards you'll go at your hotel in Yanque. Dinner (not included) and overnight stay.
Second day:
THE CROSS OF CONDOR: You'll go by mini-bus to the "Cross of Condor". You'll discover an impressive place where you'll be able to appreciate the size of the Colca Canyon, which is the second deepest in the world. Of course, you'll enjoy the incredible flight of the Andean Condors!
PRE-INCA TERRACES: Travelling back to Yanque, you'll stop to enjoy the view on the spectacular pre-Inca terraces and the Maca's main square. You'll arrive to have lunch (not included).
WALK TO THE RUINS OF UYO UYO: The afternoon, you'll walk down to the Sifon Bridge from where you'll admire a lot of "Colca". They are small cavities in the cliff, which gave their name to the Canyon and the Valley. Afterwards, you’ll go to the abandoned village of Uyo Uyo, the old Colca capital. At this archaeological site, which dominates the valley, you’ll discover the ruins of ancient Collagua and Inca cultures and their irrigation system. After enjoying this nice site and its panoramic view on the valley, way back crossing the Sifon bridge and arrival at your hotel.
Third day:
You'll have breakfast before being picked up by your driver at your hotel at 6:30 AM. You'll go to Madrigal crossing the villages of Ichupampa and Lari. You will be then in off the beaten tracks in the valley.
TREK TO THE CHIMPA'S FORTRESS: You'll start from the bottom of the hill. It's possible to see the fortress at the top. You'll walk during 2 hours, making some stops to enjoy the beautiful view on the Colca Valley. On the way, you'll find some evidence of pre-Inca civilisation (the Waris), such as a model carved in a rock which represents the valley's terraces and a throne. Arrival at the top.
THE PANORAMA: You'll be able to enter in the fortress and go to admire the impressive panorama offered by this mirador. From this viewpoint, one of the most vertical in the Colca Canyon, you'll be alone in front of this gorgeous landscape.
Come back to Chivay (lunch not included) and then you'll take the bus to Arequipa, where you'll arrive around 6PM. If you want, you could take a direct bus to Puno and the Titicaca's Lake (please tell us before in order to book your tickets).
