Arequipa in 5 Days / 4 Nights

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.

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.

Next, we will head to the Incalpaca Minizoo, where admission is free and we will be able to observe the four South American camelids: llama, alpaca, vicuña and guanaco.
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.
Our next stop will be the Molino de Sabandia, a unique place where a water mill still operates and another mini zoo is located. In addition, those who wish can enjoy optional activities such as:

• Horseback riding
• ATV ride
• Zipline

In this picturesque place, you will also have the opportunity to taste typical Arequipa dishes.
Finally, we will visit the Menelic Museum, where we will meet the most famous bull of Arequipa, recognized for the numerous medals he won. 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

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

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

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

TheMirador Cruz del Cóndor is one of the most emblematic and most visited points of theColca Canyon, located in the southern region of Peru. This viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the deep and majestic canyon walls, which extend over 4,000 meters deep.

Andean Condor Observation

The highlight of this lookout point is the opportunity to observe the majesticAndean Condor, one of the most impressive flights in the world. In the early morning hours, the condors 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, these enormous birds offer a unique spectacle for visitors.

Impressive Landscapes

In addition to condor watching, theMirador Cruz del Condor offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Colca Canyon, the surrounding mountains and nearby towns. The combination of natural landscapes and the presence of condors creates a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression on those who visit.

The viewpoint is well located and easily accessible, which makes it an obligatory stop for those exploring the Colca Canyon. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to connect with the majesty of nature and the Andean fauna.

We will visit the colonial towns of Yanque and Maca.

The towns ofYanque andMaca, located in the Colca Valley, are two charming destinations that stand out for their rich history, colonial architecture and living traditions. Both towns preserve their Andean essence, fusing the colonial influence with the ancestral customs of the indigenous peoples of the region.

Yanque

Yanque is known for itsmain square, where the church ofSan Juan Bautista, a colonial style construction dating from the 17th century. This town is famous for its colorful landscapes, its pre-Inca agricultural terraces, and its proximity to the Baños Termales de Chacapi, a perfect destination to relax after a day of exploration. In Yanque, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the place, stroll through its cobblestone streets and experience rural Andean life.

Maca

Maca is another of the most picturesque colonial towns in the Colca Valley. The Maca Church, also of colonial origin, is an outstanding example of the religious architecture of the time, with beautiful frescoes and details that narrate the history of the town. Maca is known for its cultural traditions, such as the typical dances performed during local festivities, and for theirhospitality. Visitors can interact with the locals, who still preserve their ancestral customs.

Cultural Experience

Both towns are ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the region. Through their colonial churches, plazas, local markets and festivities, Yanque and Maca offer a unique glimpse into the legacy of colonial times and Andean traditions that are still alive today.

Visiting these villages is an excellent way to get to know the authentic Andean rural life, while enjoying the impressive landscapes of the Colca Valley.

At the end of the visit to the villages we will go to the thermal baths.

TheChacapi Hot Springs, located in the district of Yanque, in the Colca Valley, are a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and connection with nature. These hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties and their privileged natural environment, surrounded by Andean landscapes and the Colca River.

Thermo-Medicinal Properties

The waters of Chacapi have a temperature ranging between 38°C and 45°C and are rich in minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium, which makes them ideal for relieving muscular ailments, improving circulation and revitalizing the skin.

Infrastructure and Experience

The resort has several natural outdoor pools, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing swim while contemplating the stunning mountain scenery. The experience is complemented by the tranquility of the surroundings, the sound of flowing water and the pure air of the Andes.

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.

The Baños Termales de Chacapi are a mandatory stop for those visiting the Colca Valley, offering a unique experience of wellness and relaxation in one of the most beautiful environments in Peru.

At the end of the tour, we will go to a traditional restaurant to enjoy lunch.

Viewpoint of the Patapampa Volcanoes

We start our way back to Arequipa and during the trip we will stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes, which is also the highest area of the road (4900 m.a.s.l.), where we will appreciate a great part of the volcanic chain. Then we will make a short stop also in the Bofedales de Toccra Pampa where we will observe a large number of Alpacas grazing freely in the area.

Bordering the snow-capped Chachani towards Pampa Cañahuas we will pass through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, home of vicuñas which live freely in this area.

18:00 p.m. We will arrive in the city of Arequipa and we will leave you very close to the main square.

01 NIGHT IN AREQUIPA

06:00am – 06:30am – We will pick you up from your hotels in the city center.

07:30am – Our first visit will be in theViewpoint of the Volcanoes of the district of Chiguata; to which we will arrive in an average of 45 minutes; from there we will be able to observe our representative volcanoes and we will be able to take pictures. Later we will be arriving to the Village of Chiguata and visit theChiguata’s main square where you will find its traditionalIglesia Espiritu Santo and afterwards we will taste a traditionalbreakfast of the area.

Then we will continue our way and in a journey of 01 hour approx. we will make a stop at the Alto Simbral (4200 m.a.s.l.) where we will be able to observe local plants such as theQueñua, Yareta, Tola, etc.

Continuing our tour we will arrive at theLaguna de Salinas where we will stay between 01 hour to 01 hour and 30 minutes making different stops for bird watching.Flamingos, Parihuanas, water mirrors (from January to March), sightings ofvicuñas, llamas and alpacas (all year round). In dry season (April to December) we will visit the salt extraction centers where imagination is indispensable to take spectacular pictures.

Then, we will continue our tour to the Mini Volcano and the Lojen Hot Springs, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing bath.

Finally we will return to Chiguata for lunch and then we will start our way back to the city of Arequipa.

17:30pm – Arrival to the city and drop off near the Plaza de Armas.

01 NIGHT 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.

09:00 a.m. We begin our journey to the Sillar Route, a tour 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 exploitation, here the quarrymen work from early in the morning, extracting the stone that has been fundamental for the architecture of Arequipa.
In this impressive place, we will be able to observe a vast canyon surrounded by cliffs (ignimbrite walls) that reach several meters high, formed by the extraction of sillar over the years.
We will tell you the fascinating history of sillar, its elaboration process and its importance in the construction of the city. In addition, in this quarry you will be able to admire a mega carving representing the Church of the Society of Jesus, a work made by the stonemasons themselves.

Next, we will go to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, located 30 minutes from the Añashuayco Quarry. Upon arrival, we will hike for approximately 20 minutes into 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 can admire petroglyphs made by the Wari culture more than a thousand years ago, a fascinating example of the ancestral history of the region.

During the tour, we will also have the opportunity to observe the Apachetas, formations of stones 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 the Pachamama (Mother Earth) in recognition of favors received.

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.

FREE AFTERNOON

01 NIGHT IN AREQUIPA

Ideal time to relax, enjoy at your own pace and take the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and final touches.