Arequipa, second largest
city in Peru, is located at 1024 km (640 miles) south of
Lima. It was founded in 1540 and is one of the country’s
most attractive cities. Full of colonial churches and
mansions, including Santa Catalina monastery, a restored
convent established in 1579 and now open to the public
after being closed for 400 years, Arequipa is known as
the white city because much of it its built of ashier,
the smooth white building stone cut from volcanic lava
quarries.
Three volcanoes dominate
the skyline Misti, Chachani and Picchu Picchu. North of
Arequipa lays the spectacular Colca valley, a
picturesque Andean valley dotted with little towns
founded in colonial times.
The canyon is one of the
deepest in the world and home of the majestic Condor.
Arequipa’s mild climate and altitude (2,300 meter above
sea level, 7500ft.) made it the perfect place for
acclimatization before continuing your trip to Cusco or
Puno.
All our programmes can be
tailor made according to your requirements, whether
regarding the length of your tour, any special interests
or specific activities, flight reservations, optional
destinations or tours.
DAY 01: AREQUIPA
Upon arrival, reception,
assistance and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon,
we’ll start a three hour sightseeing tour including the
Santa Catalina convent, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit
church of la compania and its beautifully painted chapel,
the church of San Francisco, the San Lazaro district,
Selva Alegre and the typical district of Cayma and
Yanahuara for a magnificent view of the Misti volcano.
Return to the hotel.
DAY 02: AREQUIPA-CHIVAY
Early in the morning after
breakfast, we’ll start the trip to the Colca Canyon, on
the way we’ll visit Pampas Cañahuas, the mirador of the
Andes, the crater of Chucura, the mirador of Chivay,
where pre-Inca terraces may be appreciated. Arrival to
the town of Chivay at 13:00hrs. Approx. Transfer to your
selected lodge. Box lunch (light meals in the altitude
are preferably). In the afternoon free time to visit the
hot springs thermal and medicinal baths.
DAY 03: CHIVAY- CRUZ DEL
CONDOR - AREQUIPA
After breakfast very early
in the morning, bus ride to the Cruz del Condor, a
natural view point from where the Colca canyon and the
spectacular flight of the majestic Condor can be
appreciated. On the way back to Chivay, visit to the
mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous
Cliffside tombs and the hanging bridge of sifon that
joins the town of Yanque with Coporaque. When at the
town of Yanque, visit its beautiful church and its
characteristic cobbled streets among other attractions.
To have spectacular views of the Colca valley, we will
drive to the view points of Choquetipo and Atahuilque
and also to the town of Maca.
In the afternoon, return
to the city of Arequipa, arriving at 18:00hrs. Approx.
Overnight at a selected hotel.
DAY 04: AREQUIPA
After breakfast, transfer
to the local airport or bus station.
INCLUDED:
. 2 nights accommodation
at a selected hotel in Arequipa
. Night’s accommodation in
the Colca valley
. In and out transfer
. Bilingual guided tours (English/Spanish)
. Entrance fees for the
excursions mentioned above
. Meals as indicated in
the itinerary
NOT INCLUDED:
. ADDITIONAL NIGHTS DUE
BAD WEATHER OR FLIGHT CANCELLATION
. SNACKS
. TIPS
All our programmes can be tailor made according
to your requirements, whether regarding the
length of your tour, any special interests or
specific activities, flight reservations,
optional destinations or tours.
