Arequipa in 7 Days and 6 Nights – Experience the Magic of the Colca Canyon

Discover the Arequipa Traditional Route

We will start with the pick up from your hotels to go to the meeting point and board our mobility.

Available hours: 09:00 a.m. – 14:00 p.m.

Yanahuara and its Portals

We will visit the picturesque district of Yanahuara, famous for its colonial architecture. We will explore its historic church and the iconic portals overlooking the Misti volcano, ideal for taking unforgettable photographs.

Carmen Alto viewpoint

We will continue to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, where you can admire the traditional terraces and enjoy a panoramic view of the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.

Incalpaca Minizootic

We will go to the Incalpaca mini zoo (free admission), where we will observe the four South American camelids: llama, alpaca, vicuña and guanaco.

Living History at Casona Villa

Then we will visit the Casona Villa, a colonial house converted into a museum. It houses valuable historical pieces of Arequipa. Admission is optional, but highly recommended.

Sabandía Mill and Optional Activities

We will continue to Molino de Sabandía, where an old water mill still operates. Here you will also be able to:

• Visit a mini zoo
• Horseback riding
• ATV rides
• Practice zipline

In addition, you will be able to enjoy typical Arequipa dishes in a natural environment.

Meet the Champion Bull at the Menelic Museum

To close the day, we will visit the Menelic Museum, where you will meet the most famous bull of Arequipa, awarded in numerous competitions.

At the end of the tour, we will return to the city center and drop you off near the Plaza de Armas.

Includes: 01 Night in Arequipa.

Explore the Route to the Colca Valley

We will start the tour by picking you up from your hotels in downtown Arequipa at 07:30 a.m.. We will take the road to Yura and enter the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, a protected area where we can observe vicuñas in their natural habitat.

Stop in Patahuasi

We will make a stop in the town of Patahuasi, where we recommend tasting the traditional Inca Mate, a drink made with coca leaf, muña and chachacoma, ideal for combating altitude sickness.

Toccra wetlands

Then we will make a brief stop at the Bofedales de Toccra, a beautiful natural environment where we will be able to observe alpacas feeding in freedom.

Viewpoint of the Volcanoes

Our next stop will be at the Mirador de los Volcanes, located at 4,900 m.a.s.l., the highest point of the tour. From here there is an impressive view of the volcanic chain of the western mountain range.

Arrival in Chivay and buffet lunch.

After enjoying the viewpoint, we will descend for approximately 40 minutes to reach the town of Chivay. At 13:00 p.m. we will enjoy a buffet lunch with typical dishes of the region.

Relaxation in Thermal Baths

After lunch, we will settle into our hotels to rest. Then, we will visit the thermal baths, known for their therapeutic properties for the skin and bones.

Dinner Show and Local Culture

In the evening, we will enjoy a dinner with a folkloric show, with typical Colca dances that will allow us to learn more about their traditions.

Lodging: 01 Night in Colca.

Breakfast and departure to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint.

We will have breakfast at our corresponding hotels. After breakfast, we will go to the Mirador de la Cruz del Condor, one of the most emblematic and visited places in the Colca Canyon.

Andean Condor Observation

This viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the deep canyon walls, which reach up to 4,000 meters deep. Most impressive is the possibility of seeing the majestic Andean Condor, with a wingspan of up to 3 meters, flying over the canyon in the early morning hours. The sighting of these birds in their natural habitat is a unique experience.

Impressive Landscapes

From this point you can see the surrounding mountains, valley villages and agricultural terraces. The viewpoint is well located and easily accessible, making it a must stop for travelers looking to connect with nature and Andean wildlife.

Visit to Yanque and Maca Villages

On the way back, we will visit the charming towns of Yanque and Maca, both full of history, culture and colonial architecture.

Yanque

In Yanque we will explore the main square and the 17th century church of San Juan Bautista. The town is known for its pre-Inca agricultural terraces, its tranquility and its proximity to the Chacapi Hot Springs.

Maca

Maca stands out for its picturesque colonial church and colorful traditions. Visitors can observe religious frescoes, share with the locals and learn about typical dances during local festivities.

Cultural Experience in the Colca

Both towns represent a window to the cultural legacy of the region, with markets, festivities and traditions that combine the colonial with the ancestral. It is the perfect opportunity to experience authentic Andean rural life.

Lunch and return to Arequipa.

At 12:30 p.m. we will have lunch in Chivay. Then we will return to the city of Arequipa.

17:30 p.m.: Arrival in Arequipa. We will drop you off near the Plaza de Armas so you can continue enjoying the city.

Lodging: 01 Night in Arequipa.

Pick up and departure from Arequipa

06:00 a.m. – 06:30 a.m.: We start picking you up from your hotels located in downtown Arequipa.

Viewpoint of the Volcanoes and Chiguata Village

07:30 a.m.: Our first stop will be at the Mirador de los Volcanes in the district of Chiguata, from where we will be able to observe the imposing volcanoes representative of Arequipa and take panoramic photos.

Then we will visit the town of Chiguata, its main square and the historic Espíritu Santo Church. Afterwards, we will enjoy a traditional local breakfast.

Alto Simbral (4,200 m.a.s.l.)

In a journey of approximately one hour, we will arrive at Alto Simbral, located at 4,200 m.a.s.l., where we will make a stop to observe species of high Andean flora such as queñua, tola and yareta.

Salinas Lagoon

We will continue to the Salinas Lagoon, where we will stay between 1 and 1 hour and 30 minutes. During this visit we will make several stops to observe flamingos, parihuanas and water mirrors (from January to March), as well as the sighting of vicuñas, llamas and alpacas throughout the year.

During the dry season (April to December), we will also visit the salt extraction centers, where you will be able to take unique photographs using your creativity and imagination.

Mini Volcano and Hot Springs of Lojen

The next stop will be the Mini Volcano and Hot Springs of Lojen, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing bath in the middle of nature.

Lunch in Chiguata and return

We will finish the tour with a delicious lunch in Chiguata. Afterwards, we will return to the city of Arequipa.

Return to Arequipa

17:30 p.m.: Arrival in the city and drop off near the Plaza de Armas so you can continue exploring on your own.

Lodging: 01 Night in Arequipa.

Pick up and departure from Arequipa

06:00 a.m.: We will start the tour with the pick up of each passenger from their hotel to take the road to Yura and leave the city of Arequipa.

Town of Pampa de Arrieros

Our first stop will be in the village of Pampa de Arrieros, where we will visit an old train station, very important during the colonial era. Here we will take a short walk to see its traditional church and the historical buildings of the place.

Vicuñas Viewpoint

Then we will enter the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve to visit the Vicuña Viewpoint, where we will be able to observe this beautiful Andean camelid protected by the State in its natural habitat.

Patahuasi

In our third stop we will arrive at Patahuasi, where we recommend tasting the traditional Inca Mate, prepared with coca leaf, muña and chachacoma, ideal to prevent altitude sickness. We will also admire the Patahuasi Castles, curious natural rock formations that evoke animal figures if you look closely.

Pillone Falls and Stone Forest

Then we will continue to the town of Imata, located on the border with the Puno region. From a nearby point we will begin a walk along a ravine following the riverbed until we reach the imposing Pillone Waterfall, surrounded by virgin nature and tranquility.

Afterwards, we will visit the enigmatic Imata Stone Forest, considered an energetic place. Here we will be able to observe unique rock formations, sculpted by the erosion of wind and rain for centuries.

Return to Arequipa

17:00 p.m.: We will finish our tour returning to the city of Arequipa, where we will leave you near the Plaza de Armas.

Lodging: 01 Night in Arequipa.

Pick up and departure to the Majes Valley.

04:30 am We will start with the pick up from your hotels located in the historic center or at the meeting point in the main square of the city.

Toro Muerto Petroglyphs Tour

This tour will take you to discover the impressive samples of rock art in the Majes Valley, Arequipa. We will explore the famous Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto, an archaeological complex with thousands of pre-Hispanic engravings that offer a unique window to the past.

The Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto are one of the most outstanding archaeological sites in Peru and in all of South America. They are located in an arid area of the valley and house more than 5,000 engravings dating from between 500 and 1000 A.D., belonging to pre-Inca cultures such as the Wari.

Main characteristics of Toro Muerto

Rock art: The engravings represent geometric figures, animals, human beings and scenes related to rituals or religious beliefs.

Location: About 80 kilometers from Arequipa, in an isolated area of great historical value.

Diversity of figures: camelids, snakes, abstract forms and anthropomorphic figures that could have astronomical or ceremonial meanings.

Cultural heritage: This site is an invaluable legacy of the Andean civilizations. Its conservation is fundamental to understand their cosmovision and art.

Activities at Toro Muerto

– Guided tour with historical and symbolic explanation.
– Photograph of the environment and the engravings.
– Walks through the archaeological zone.

Visit to the Querulpa Dinosaur Tracks

Our next stop will be the Querulpa Dinosaur Footprints, also located in the Majes Valley. This paleontological site allows us to observe fossilized footprints of dinosaurs that inhabited the area more than 100 million years ago, during the Cretaceous.

Main characteristics of Querulpa

Fossilized footprints: They are preserved in local rocks and correspond to various species of dinosaurs, both herbivores and carnivores.

Diversity: Some tracks are more than 1 meter long, which helps to understand the behavior and size of these prehistoric animals.

Geological context: The site reveals what the natural environment was like millions of years ago.

Accessibility: Easily accessible, with local guides explaining the value of the site.

Activities in Querulpa

– Guided tour with scientific interpretation.
– Landscape and footprint photography.
– Walk through the paleontological area.

Lunch at Corire

After these visits, we will head to the picturesque village of Corire to enjoy the delicious local gastronomy. We will taste typical dishes that reflect the cultural identity and authentic flavor of the valley.

Relaxation in the Chancharay Pool

We continue to the recreational complex of Chancharay, where we can enjoy outdoor pools in a natural environment. The Chancharay Spa is famous for its thermal waters, perfect for relaxation and revitalization.

Characteristics of Chancharay

Natural environment: Surrounded by mountains and vegetation, ideal for resting.

Facilities: Swimming pools of different temperatures, massage services and relaxing therapies.

Activities: Hiking, exploring the area and relaxing moments in the thermal pools.

Visit to a Wine and Pisco Winery

To close with a flourish, we will visit a local winery as part of the Pisco Route. Here you will learn about the wine and pisco production process, from grape harvesting to bottling.

Characteristics of the winery experience

Guided tour: You will learn about grape varieties and traditional and modern winemaking techniques.

Tasting: Taste different types of wines (red, white, rosé) and piscos.

History: You will learn about the winemaking tradition of the Majes Valley.

Surroundings: The vineyards offer beautiful landscapes, ideal for taking pictures and relaxing.

Shopping: You will have the option to purchase products directly from the warehouse.

Return to Arequipa

20:30 pm We will arrive back to the city of Arequipa and drop you off near the Plaza de Armas.

Includes

01 Night in Arequipa.

Start of the tour

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

Sillar Route

09:00 a.m. We will begin our journey to the Sillar Route, an experience full of history and culture where we will explore the main quarries and learn about the extraction process of this emblematic volcanic stone.

Visit to the Añashuayco Quarry

After a journey of approximately 45 minutes, we will arrive at the Añashuayco Quarry, currently in exploitation. Here, the stonemasons work from early hours extracting the sillar, a fundamental stone in the architecture of Arequipa.

We will observe an impressive canyon surrounded by ignimbrite cliffs that reach several meters high, formed by years of work in the quarry. We will also learn about the process of elaboration of the ashlar and its importance for the white city.

One of the most notable attractions is the mega carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus, sculpted by the stonemasons themselves, which demonstrates their skill and the artistic value of the place.

Visit to Quebrada de Culebrillas Gorge

Then, we will go to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, located 30 minutes from Añashuayco. We will hike for approximately 20 minutes in this natural canyon, formed by the erosion of water over the centuries.

The walls of the ravine, between 15 and 20 meters high, create a breathtaking landscape as we go deeper into the trail. At the end of the trail, we can observe petroglyphs made by the Wari culture more than a thousand years ago, an invaluable sample of the ancestral history of the region.

Apachetas observation

Along the way we will also find apachetas: mounds of stones placed one on top of the other, a symbol of gratitude to the Pachamama (Mother Earth). These structures are traditional Andean offerings, representing respect and spiritual connection with nature.

Return to Arequipa

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

13:30 p.m. We will arrive at the historic center, where we will finish the tour leaving you near the Plaza de Armas.

Final transfer

The pick-up time for the transfer to the airport or land port will be arranged in advance, depending on your itinerary.

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