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3 Days
50 miles
Moderate
3500 msnm
Classic Tour
Up to 8 people
Department: Arequipa
Location: The Colca Canyon is located in the northeastern region of Arequipa, in the province of Caylloma, 165 kilometers from the city of Arequipa and Chivay 40 km from main town and capital of the province of Caylloma.
How to get to Colca: You must hire a Colca tour from the city of Arequipa, or take a city bus to Chivay (160 km) from the bus terminal in Arequipa.
Routes of access: The Colca Valley can be reached from the city of Arequipa, to the capital of Valle, Chivay, passing 160 km. paved road travel approximately 3 hours.
Weather in the Colca Valley: From December to March rainy all year sunny during the day and cold at night, average temperature 10 º C.
ATTRACTIONS IN COLCA CANYON
The canyon is home to the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), a species that has seen world-wide effort to preserve it. The condors can be seen at fairly close range as they fly through the canyon walls and are an increasingly popular attraction. ‘Cruz del Condor’ is a popular tourist stop to view the condors, the pass where condors soar gracefully on the rising thermals occurring as the air warms. The condors are best seen in the early morning and late afternoon when they are hunting. At this point the canyon floor is 3,960 ft (1,200 m) below the rim of the canyon.
The La Calera natural hot springs are located at Chivay, the biggest town in the Colca Canyon.
You can enjoy a 2 day tour, seeing the nice flight of the Condors and enjoying the great Hot Springs and the local culture.
Between 03:00am to 3:30am we collect you from your Hotels in Arequipa to travel to the Colca valley. We travel by bus approximately 4 hours to Chivay (the main town of the Valley). Here we stop for a late breakfast and to stretch our legs and then we continue towards Cabanaconde 3,287mts (approx 2 hours) After lunch we begin our 4 hour descent to the floor of the Colca Canyon. We will be able to appreciate the diverse Andean and tropical vegetation and also the geological formation of the Canyon, from the formation period of the mountain range of the andes. Once at the heart of the Canyon we will cross the San Juan de Chuccho suspension bridge to arrive to the town. Here we will spend the night with a local family in basic rustic accomodation. Time to interact with the locals and enjoy their hospitality and dinner.
Meals:BLD
Accommodation:with local family accomodation (Hospedaje Familiar)
Maximum Altitude:3,287mts
Distance Travelled:6-8 kms
Approximate Walking Time:3-4 hours
After breakfast we re-commence our trek climbing gradually to the andean village of Tapay which is located at 2,900 mts . We will visit Coshñirhua and Malata Villages located at 2,600 mts and then we will visit an authentic church and way of life of the locals which are proud to preserve their traditions in a very rustic environment. Their customs lie very close to the “Pachamama” “mother earth”. You will appreciate very beautiful landscapes, ancient farming terraces to cultivate potatoes and other crops, snow-capped summits and a variety of flora and fauna. At 13:00 pm we descend again to the Colca River and arriving to the Oasis or Sangalle Valley 2,100 mts we settle into our cabins of our chosen family or camping, relax at the swimming pool. After lunch there is time for exploration of the abandoned mines, waterfalls and opportunity to fish for trout in the Colca river, time to relax and enjoy this beautiful site.
Meals:BLD
Accommodation:with local family accomodation (Hospedaje Familiar)
Maximum Altitude:2,900 mts
Distance Travelled:6-8 kms
Approximate Walking Time:3-4 hours
At 4.00am we start our 3 hour walk out of the canyon.. Once in Cabanaconde we will have breakfast at (7:45) and then head off for the Cruz del condor. We will stay for approx 1 hour here, to be able to appreciate the majestic flight of the Andean Cóndor. Soon we will continue on to arrive at Chivay at arrival 10:30 am. Once there we will have the opportunity to visit the thermal baths of medicinal waters with a temperature of 35 to 40ºC and opportunity for lunch in Chivay. At approx 1.30pm we will return to Arequipa arriving approx 17:00 pm. Transfer to your hotel. ( stay in hotel in Arequipa )
Meals:B
Maximum Altitude:journey from Chivay to Arequipa over 5600 mt pass
Distance Travelled:6-8 kms
Approximate Walking Time:3-4 hours
IMPORTANT NOTE :
CLIMATE
From December to March rainy all year sunny during the day and cold at night, average temperature 10 º C.
Rainy season in the Colca Canyon extends from December to March. April to November is sunny and dry. Temperatures remain cool throughout the year, but can drop down to freezing at night in the dry season months of June-August. For current weather conditions in Arequipa, Colca Canyon, and other destinations in Peru.
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