VALLEY OF THE VOLCANOES & COLCA CANYON – 4 DAY OVERLAND TOUR FROM AREQUIPA

DAY 1

VALLEY OF THE VOLCANOES

After pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa, drive out of town towards the Pacific coast. Drive past lush, agricultural fields with short stops to rest and admire the views.

Next, start climbing to the heights of the Andes’ mountains. Along the way, visit the Toro Muerto Petroglyphs site. Lunch en route.

After passing scenic villages perched along a winding road, reach a 4800 meter-high pass at the base of Mt. Coropuna (6425m). Enjoy several scenic stops to be awed by the beautiful Andean landscapes. By the end of the day, arrive in Andagua, a traditional village located in a fertile valley which will serve as the base for our explorations the following days.

MEALS
LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 2

VALLEY OF THE VOLCANOES FULL DAY

This morning, join a scenic hike (or optional horse ride) to secluded waterfalls deep in a canyon accessible on foot. Later, we have the opportunity to join another nearby hike to the top of the ‘twin’ volcanoes for awe-inspiring views of the Valley.

Lunch

The afternoon will allow us to either enjoy another hike to Mirador de Antaymarca viewpoint or relax in our homestay. At the end of the day, you may choose to participate in helping your hosts with a simple chore or just sit back and relax until dinner time.

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 3

COLCA CANYON

After breakfast, we make our way to Laguna Mamacocha - an idyllic freshwater spring that is home to the elusive otter. Finding yourself in this secluded place is really an experience difficult to be forgotten.

Lunch en route.

In the afternoon, climb back aboard our vehicle to make our way to the famous Colca Canyon. Upon arrival, we may choose to rest or soak the medicinal powers of the natural hot springs in the area.

ACCOMMODATION "STANDARD" OPTION: 3-STAR HOTEL, PRIVATE ROOM

ACCOMMODATION "PLUS" OPTION: 4-5-STAR HOTEL

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 4

MIRADOR CRUZ DEL CONDOR

After an early breakfast, we make our way to Mirador de la Cruz del Condor viewpoint. We position ourselves in the best possible location to watch the humbling Condor of the Andes gliding past*. *Depending on the specific day, you may get to see several condors or none at all. It is nature.

Lunch

In the afternoon, we will make our way to the city of Arequipa where the trip will end (downtown) in the early evening.

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER TO ENSURE THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU

• Ideal if you enjoy traveling away from the crowds
• Perfect if you enjoy visiting areas unspoiled by mass tourism
• Great if you enjoy meeting locals and experience local life
• Be prepared for long but scenic drives on our purpose-built vehicle
• Accommodation is in a simple, rural guesthouse but is clean and well-managed
• It is recommended to be moderately fit in order to join hikes and enjoy them
• Be prepared for some very high altitude moments (4000m+/13,000 ft+) as well as high altitude (3500 m/11,768 ft) hikes (may want to have your doctor prescribe some altitude medication just in case)
• Food is simple but freshly prepared and very filling made with local ingredients and by local hosts
• Locals are extremely friendly, welcoming visitors from any country, ethnicity, etc.
• The region we travel to is extremely safe with only minor safety concerns while in the city of Arequipa (as is the case with any large city)