Overview
On this Absolutely Unique 4-Day Valle de Los Volcanes & Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa, discover a completely hidden gem of Southern Peru without the crowds.
Highlights
- Visit the famed Colca Canyon with its soaring Condors at Mirador de la Cruz
- Explore southern Peru’s best kept secret: Valle de los Volcanes
- Stay at a local guesthouse and experience life with a local family
- Enjoy secluded hiking trails where you will easily be the only guest of nature
- Learn about the fascinating geological history of the region
- Hike along Laguna Mamacocha to try to catch a glimpse of the elusive otter or swim in its crystal-clear waters
- Soak the medicinal powers of natural hot springs in the Colca Valley.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - AREQUIPA TO ANDAGUA (VALLEY OF THE VOLCANOES)
Start this once in a lifetime expedition with a morning drive out of Arequipa towards the Pacific coast. Drive past lush agricultural fields making short stops to taste the fresh, local produce. Continue your drive headed for the heights of the Andes mountains. En route we visit the Toro Muerto Petroglyphs site.
In the afternoon, continue your drive up as far as a 4800m pass at the base of Mt. Coropuna (6425m). Weather permitting, there will be several viewpoint stops to admire the awe-inspiring Andean scenery. In the evening, we will arrive in the town of Andagua, perched in a fertile valley just below the surrounding mountains which will serve as the base for our explorations the following days.
- Accommodation: Basic option only (click/tap here for more info)
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 - VOLCANOES, WATERFALLS, TREKKING
Wake up to the peaceful sounds of traditional Peruvian countryside. The morning will be spent enjoying a scenic hike (or optional horse ride) to secluded waterfalls in a unique canyon setting. Later, we have the opportunity to hike to the top of the ‘twin’ volcanoes for excellent views of the valley.
After lunch and some rest, the afternoon will allow us to explore more of the valley by hiking to Mirador de Antaymarca viewpoint, atop an ancient, abandoned citadel built with petrified lava from ancient eruptions. From here, you will be able to see the towering mountains surrounding the Colca Canyon in the distance.
- Accommodation: Basic option only (click/tap here for more info)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 - LAGUNA MAMACOCHA - COLCA CANYON
Early this morning our destination is Laguna Mamacocha, a lush lake of crystal-clear glacier water in the middle of a barren setting. This lake is locally known as the world’s largest spring. With some luck, we may get a glimpse of the elusive otter that makes this lake its home.
Later today after lunch, we continue our expedition through canyon country headed for the famed Cañon del Colca. After our arrival we may choose to rest or soak the medicinal powers of hot springs.
- Accommodation: Basic, Standard, Plus or Premium options available (click/tap here for more info)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 - MIRADOR CRUZ DEL CONDOR - AREQUIPA
Today holds our grand finale. We make our way to the viewpoint known as Mirador de la Cruz del Condor with plenty of time to position ourselves in the best location to see the humbling Condor of the Andes gliding past.
After witnessing this gift of nature we make our way to the town of Chivay for lunch. Then, take some time to enjoy the hot springs (if they were not visited the previous day).
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
What's included
- Meals
4 lunches, 3 breakfasts, 3dinners - Accommodation
3 nights - Transportation
Transportation by private vehicle (no local buses) from Arequipa to Arequipa - Activities
All places and activities as indicated in the itinerary - Staff & experts
Certified bilingual guide (English-Spanish)
What's not included
- Soft/fizzy and alcoholic drinks
- Optional tips/gratuities (suggested)
- Anything not mentioned under What’s included
Is this trip right for you?
- This is the ideal trip for you if you want to get to know a region unspoilt by mass tourism
- Accommodation is very basic
- You need to be willing to stay at a local family’s home, share meals with them, learn about their culture and share yours
- A good level of fitness is ideal in order to enjoy hikes. While they are not very demanding, they can be if you so wish.
- The region is not very far from Arequipa distance-wise, but the geography of the region does not allow for straight roads. This means that the roads available are very windy, up and down. This makes travel time quite long but with plenty of scenic stops
- The weather and temperature vary considerably from place to place. From mild to warm temperature near the cost on Day 1, to cool to very cold below 0 Celsius at 4000m on the last day. It is advisable to pack for warm and cold weather