Colca Canyon 2 days, nature, culture and relaxation

Your journey begins early in the morning with hotel pickup in Arequipa, heading towards the Colca Valley. As you leave the city behind, you will enter the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a vast high-altitude ecosystem where you will start spotting vicuñas, alpacas and llamas in their natural habitat. Along the way, you will cross Pampas Cañahuas and pass near snow-capped peaks such as Chachani, while the landscape gradually transforms into wetlands and high Andean lagoons. In the Tocra area, there will be a stop to observe migratory birds such as flamingos and Andean geese. Continuing the ascent, you will pass ancient volcanic craters until reaching the highest point of the journey at the Volcanoes Viewpoint (approx. 4,800 m.a.s.l.), offering panoramic views of the Western Andes and surrounding volcanoes. Upon arrival in Chivay, the main town of the Colca Valley, you will have time for lunch (not included) and check-in at your accommodation. In the afternoon, you will visit the La Calera hot springs, where you can relax in natural pools with temperatures between 35°C and 38°C, surrounded by a peaceful mountain landscape.

After breakfast, you will depart early towards one of the highlights of the trip: the Condor Cross viewpoint. Along the way, there will be stops at scenic viewpoints to admire the canyon’s depth and unique geography. At Condor Cross, you will have time to observe the majestic Andean condor flying above the canyon, using thermal currents. This is also one of the best places to appreciate the scale of the canyon and its ancient agricultural terraces. On the way back to Chivay, you will visit traditional villages such as Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque, where you will explore colonial churches and learn about local traditions. You will also stop at Choquetico and Antahuilque viewpoints, where pre-Inca terraces, tombs and stone carvings can be observed. Back in Chivay, you will enjoy a buffet lunch with a variety of regional dishes. Finally, you will return to Arequipa, with a final stop in the reserve to observe wildlife, arriving in the city around 5:00 p.m. and transferring to your hotel.