Arrival in Arequipa; guided walking tour of historic city center

Upon arrival into Arequipa, you are met and transferred to your five-star hotel in the heart of the city, Peru’s second largest after Lima. The beautiful city of Arequipa, situated at almost 8,000 feet, is called “The White City” because of the white volcanic stone of which many of its buildings are constructed. After some free time to refresh and have lunch depending on the time of your arrival, you set off on a private guided walking tour of Arequipa’s historic center—declared a UNESCO Human Heritage site for its rich mix of Spanish and indigenous cultures. As you learn about the history of the city and region, the tour takes in the main square, the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the famous maze-like “Compañia” Cloisters, the Santa Catalina Nunnery, and the San Camilo Market. You continue your exploration of Arequipa with an evening of independent dining.

Travel from Arequipa to Colca Canyon with a stop in Yanque; optional walk to Uyo Uyo ruins, 2 hours, easy

This morning you depart Arequipa for the approximate 4-hour drive to the Colca Valley. Stopping along the way to enjoy the unfolding scenery, you soon learn the difference between “vicuñas” and “alpacas,” the Altiplano’s wool-bearing animals, viewing the volcanoes in the distance, and tasting the local tea to help adjust to the altitude. At Chivay, the capital of the Colca Valley, you make a longer stop for lunch, then, continue on to your hotel in the nearby town of Yanque, in its beautiful riverside location.

Upon arrival, you may wish to unwind in the lodge’s lovely ground and enjoy its exclusive hot springs or a spa treatment (massage and other treatments available at your expense) after the day’s drive. Or, if you would like to stretch your legs, an optional (approximately 2-hour) walk is available (at your expense) directly from the hotel to the Uyo Uyo ruins. Following an easy path through the ancient agricultural terraces of the surrounding hillsides that are still farmed in the traditional manner, you explore the pre-Incan stones and citadel. Descending to the Chininia Bridge spanning the deep Colca River, you see the “colcas” for which the river was named, hollowed out grain storage caves, as well as ancient tombs. You then wind your way back to your hotel where later you enjoy dinner in the hotel’s excellent dining room.

Colca Canyon guided exploration; guided visits of Maca and Chivay

An early start to exploring the Colca Canyon improves your chances of spotting condors. The Western Andes’ Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest at 13,640 feet. Its dramatic landscapes are the habitat of the endangered Andean condor— the world’s largest flying bird with a wing span of up to 11 feet. About an hour’s drive takes you to the Condor´s Cross, the natural observation point for viewing condors and getting a sense of the canyon’s grandeur, where with patience, (and tips from your guide), you may observe these giant black birds of the vulture family. From there, a one-hour walk follows along the edge of the Canyon, where you can see and learn more about local flora and fauna and take in the stunning scenery.

Continuing on by van to Yanque, you stop along the way to view the “magic lagoons” and incredible views of the valley and terraces, as well as the nearby village of Maca to visit its colonial-era church.

After a picnic lunch at a scenic overlook, you cross to the other side of the canyon en route to Chivay, the hot spring town through which the Incan road to Cusco passes. A first walk takes you to some archeological remains near the area, and then coming into Chivay, a walking tour introduces you to the town with its 18thcentury church and the local market. After, a short drive returns you to your lodge where you can enjoy its hot springs before dinner.

Transfer from Colca Canyon to Arequipa

This morning you may chose to indulge in a last treatment at your lodge’s geothermically heated spa; massage and body treatments are available (at your expense), as well as a Jacuzzi, sauna, and the outdoor hot springs. Departing Colca Canyon, you return to Arequipa around noontime, where you are free to step out and enjoy lunch in the historic center and continue your independent exploration of the city. Some options are the Andinos museum, shopping for local chocolates and alpaca handicrafts, or simply strolling through Arequipa. The Santuarios Andinos Museum houses the famous “Ice Maiden” mummy, named “Juanita,” who was found nearly perfectly preserved during an expedition on the slopes of the ~20,665-foot Mount Ampato volcano in 1995 and believed to be the victim of Incan human sacrifice. Exposed only because of rapidly melting ice from the heat of a nearby exploding volcano, researchers have gained enormous insight into Incan culture by analyzing her DNA. Later, you can enjoy a final evening in the southern Altiplano with dinner at your hotel or nearby in the city center.

Departure from Arequipa

In the morning, depending on your flight time, you may have time for a final stroll around Arequipa, until being transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima or other connections.