Arequipa Unstoppable in 3 Days / 2 Nights

Start of the tour in Arequipa

08:30 a.m. We will begin the tour by picking up passengers at the hotels in downtown Arequipa, guaranteeing a punctual and comfortable departure for everyone.

Sillar Route: History and Culture

Añashuayco Quarry

09:00 a.m. We begin our journey to the Sillar Route, a road full of history and culture, where we will explore quarries and key areas in the extraction of sillar.

Our first stop will be at the Añashuayco Quarry, approximately 45 minutes away. Currently in operation, the quarry workers here start early in the morning, extracting the stone that has been fundamental to the architecture of Arequipa.

In this impressive place, we can observe a vast canyon surrounded by cliffs (ignimbrite walls) that reach several meters in height, formed by the extraction of ashlar stone over the years.

We will tell you the fascinating story of ashlar, how it is made, and its importance in the construction of the city. In addition, in this quarry you can admire a mega carving representing the Church of the Society of Jesus, a work created by the stonemasons themselves.

Culebrillas Creek

Afterwards, we will go to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, located 30 minutes from the Añashuayco Quarry.

Upon arrival, we will hike for approximately 20 minutes inside this small canyon, formed by the passage of water over the centuries. The walls of the canyon, which reach between 15 and 20 meters high, rise as we advance along the route, creating an impressive landscape.

At the end of the hike, we will be able to admire petroglyphs made by the Wari culture more than a thousand years ago, a fascinating sample of the ancestral history of the region.

Las Apachetas and Andean tradition

During the tour, we will also have the opportunity to observe the Apachetas, stone formations placed one on top of the other, which represent a symbol of gratitude towards nature.

These structures are an Andean tradition, used as offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) in recognition for favors received.

Return to Arequipa

11:30 a.m. We will start our return trip to the city of Arequipa.

13:30 p.m. We will arrive in downtown Arequipa and drop you off near the Plaza de Armas.

Pick up at Plaza de Armas

13:50 p.m. We will start the tour by picking up passengers from Arequipa’s Main Square, ensuring a punctual and comfortable departure for everyone.

Tour of the District of Yanahuara

We will visit the picturesque district of Yanahuara, known for its charming colonial architecture. Here we will explore its iconic portals and historic church, while discovering the fascinating history of this place. In addition, we will enjoy a spectacular view of the Misti Volcano, perfect for capturing unforgettable photographs at the famous Yanahuara Portals.

Carmen Alto viewpoint

We will continue our tour to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, from where you can admire the impressive terraces of the district and enjoy a panoramic view of the three majestic volcanoes that surround Arequipa: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.

Incalpaca Minizootic

Next, we will go to the Incalpaca Mini zoo, where admission is free and we will be able to observe the four South American camelids: llama, alpaca, vicuña and guanaco.

Casona Villa

Then, we will visit the historic Casona Villa, a colonial mansion converted into a museum that houses valuable relics of Arequipa’s history. Admission is optional, but highly recommended for those who wish to delve into the city’s past.

Sabandia Mill and optional activities

Our next stop will be the Molino de Sabandia, a unique place where a water mill still operates and there is another mini zoo. In addition, those who wish can enjoy optional activities such as horseback riding, ATV and zipline.

In this picturesque place, you will also have the opportunity to taste typical Arequipa dishes.

Menelic Museum

Finally, we will visit the Menelic Museum, where we will meet the most famous bull of Arequipa, recognized for the numerous medals he won.

Return to Arequipa

At the end of the tour, we will return to the city center, leaving you near the Plaza de Armas so you can continue exploring.

01 Night in Arequipa

Pick up and departure to the Colca Valley.

We will pick you up from hotels near Arequipa’s Main Square.

03:00 a.m. Departure from Arequipa to Chivay.

Breakfast in Chivay and visit to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint.

We will arrive at the town of Chivay to enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, we will go to the Mirador de la Cruz del Condor.

Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint

This viewpoint is one of the most emblematic and visited points of the Colca Canyon, located in the southern region of Peru. It offers a spectacular view of the deep and majestic canyon walls, which extend more than 4,000 meters deep.

Andean Condor Observation

The highlight is the opportunity to observe the majestic Andean Condor, which performs one of the most impressive flights in the world. In the early morning hours, these enormous birds emerge from the depths of the canyon, gliding over the thermal currents in search of food. With a wingspan that can reach up to 3 meters, they offer a unique spectacle for visitors.

Impressive Landscapes

In addition to condor watching, the viewpoint offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Colca Canyon, the surrounding mountains and nearby villages. This combination of natural scenery and Andean wildlife creates an unforgettable experience.

Visit to the Colonial Villages of Yanque and Maca

We will continue visiting the towns of Yanque and Maca, both recognized for their rich history, colonial architecture and living traditions.

Yanque

Famous for its main square and the church of San Juan Bautista, built in the seventeenth century. This town stands out for its colorful landscapes, pre-Inca agricultural terraces and proximity to the Chacapi Hot Springs, an ideal place to relax. Here visitors can enjoy the tranquility, stroll along cobblestone streets and experience rural Andean life.

Maca

Maca is another picturesque town in the Colca Valley, known for its colonial church with beautiful frescoes and historical details. Its cultural traditions, such as typical dances during local festivities, and the hospitality of its inhabitants offer an authentic cultural experience.

Relaxation at Chacapi Thermal Baths

At the end of the visit to the villages, we will go to the thermal baths of Chacapi, located in the district of Yanque. These hot springs, with therapeutic properties, are ideal for relaxation and revitalization.

Thermo-Medicinal Properties

The waters have a temperature between 38°C and 45°C and are rich in minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium, helping to relieve muscular ailments and improve circulation.

Infrastructure and Experience

The resort has several natural outdoor pools, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, ideal for a wellness experience in contact with nature.

Recommendations

• Bring a bathing suit, towel and sandals.
• Hydrate well before and after bathing.
• Do not remain in the water for more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid exhaustion.

Lunch and return to Arequipa.

After relaxation, we will head to a traditional restaurant to enjoy a typical lunch.

Volcanoes Viewpoint and National Reserve

On the way back to Arequipa, we will stop at the Patapampa Volcanoes Viewpoint, located at 4,900 meters above sea level, to appreciate the impressive volcanic chain.

We will also visit the Bofedales de Toccra Pampa, where we will see alpacas grazing freely. Bordering the snow-capped Chachani towards Pampa Cañahuas, we will pass through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, home of vicuñas in their natural state.

Arrival in Arequipa

18:00 p.m. Arrival to the city of Arequipa and we will leave the passengers very close to the Plaza de Armas to continue enjoying the city.

Salinas Lagoon and Chiguata

06:00am – 06:30am: Hotel pick up

We start picking you up from your hotels located in downtown Arequipa.

07:30am: Visit to the Mirador de los Volcanes in Chiguata.

After approximately 45 minutes, we will arrive at the Mirador de los Volcanes in the district of Chiguata, from where we will be able to observe the representative volcanoes of the region and take spectacular photographs.

Visit to the village of Chiguata

We will visit the main square of Chiguata, where the traditional Espíritu Santo Church is located. Afterwards we will enjoy a typical breakfast of the area.

Stopover at Alto Simbral (4200 m.a.s.l.)

In a journey of approximately 1 hour, we will make a stop to observe the local flora, including plants such as Queñua, Yareta, Tola, among others.

Visit to the Salinas Lagoon

We will spend between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring the lagoon with stops to observe flamingos, parihuanas, water mirrors (from January to March), and sightings of vicuñas, llamas and alpacas throughout the year.

In the dry season (April to December) we will visit the salt extraction centers, an ideal place for creative and spectacular photographs.

Mini Volcano and Hot Springs of Lojen

We will continue to the Mini Volcano and the Lojen Hot Springs, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing thermal bath.

Lunch in Chiguata and return to Arequipa.

We will return to Chiguata for lunch and then start our return trip to Arequipa.

17:30pm: Arrival in Arequipa

We will arrive in the city and drop off passengers near the Plaza de Armas.

End of package