2D/1N Tour in the Colca Canyon From the Roof to
the Bottom of the Canyon 2Days / 1 Night
Price per person: U$135 Overnight at the Hotel Colca In 3*** Chivay (dwb / mat )
A brief History of Colca Canyon.
The Colca Canion is located on the southern Peru in the Andes mountain range exist the second deepest canyon in the world, It is more than twice as deep as the Apurimac Canyon( Peru) and the Grand Canyon in the United States, the canyon's walls are not as vertical as those of the Grand Canyon. The Colca River birth in the Andes between Condoroma and Crucero Alto (above 4500-5000m), drops the water down to Pacific Ocean, this river have 4 names as Colca River, Andamayo River, Majes River and finally Camana River. The Colca Canyon register hard rain during December to April and the rest of the year is dry, sunny and cold weather... The deepest part of the Colca Canion is register between AmpatoMountain (6310m) and Coropuna snow-capped (6377m), on the left bank of the canyon exist a small town named Huambo and straight down of this town is located Cancco Valley (1720m) which is the greatest deep point that reaches a depth of 4590 meters...The name Colca refers to small holes in the cliffs in the valley and canyon. These holes were used in Inca and pre-Inca times to store food, such as potatoes and other Andean crops. They were also used as tombs for important people... The geography of the Colca Canyon are habitable, and Inca and pre-Inca terraces are still cultivated along the less precipitous canyon walls; they build stepped terraces to cultivate the ancestral potatoes, maize and other products of this region. The Colca Valley is a wonderful and colorful Andean valley with many small and remotes towns on the both side of the Canyon founded by Spanish conquers.
Itinerary of 2 Day Colca Canion
Day01: Arequipa - Colca Valley-Chivay.-Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 am to start our trip to the Canyon taking the highway from Yura, bordering the snow-covered Chachani mountain towards Cañahuas Pampas; we stop for Coca leaf tea at the Aguada Blanca National Park the habitat of the beautiful South American Cameloidaes, the vicuñas, alpacas, waris and llamas.
In the lake of Tocra we will be able to appreciate a variety of migratory birds, including flamencos. We will pass the crater of an extinct volcano (Chucura) and then stop at the famous volcanoes panoramic viewpoint, at a high 4.800 meters above sea level. From here we will appreciate a great part of the western mountain range. About 13:30 to 2:00 pm, we will stop for Lunch which is by your own...In the afternoon our transport will take you to the town" of Coporaque, from where we will initiate an walk of approximately 2 hours, to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nature of this side of the valley. Around 5pm you will have the opportunity to enjoy the thermal baths which is thermal medicinal waters oscillate between 35º to 38º degrees Celsius of temperature in the swimming pools.(Entrance fee US$ 3.In the evening about 8pm Dinner accompanied of a show folkloric; be ready for the Peru Andean dances. Accommodation at the Hotel Colca IN in Chivay. (Meals : Lunch and Dinner )
Day02: Chivay - Cruz Del Condor – Arequipa.-Early in the morning After our the delicious breakfast , we continue the trip in our private transport to the view-point called " Cruz del Condor " about 1.5 hour drive into this National Park where you have a beautiful view on the Colca Canyon.
This is also the place where you'll be able to observe several flying of condors, passing very close to you just a few meters. Your tour guide will show you the Pre-Inca tombs hanging in the mountains. Plenty of time to spend in this natural region for pictures and gentle walking around the San Pedro cactus area.
On the return we will stop in the towns of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque; with their beautiful colonial churches, as well as in the viewpoints of Choquetico and Antahuilque, from where we will observe impressive terraces of the valley.
Afternoon you will return to Arequipa arrives about 5pm and transfer to your hotel ( Meals: Lunch , except Dinner )
Includes to Colca Canion:
- Pick up from your Hotel in Arequipa
- Official English-speaking guide
- Shared touristic transport during 2 Days.
- 01 Night Lodging at The Hotel COLCA IN 3*** in CHIVAY ( Double or Matrimonial room )
- 02 Lunches and 01 Dinner .
- Full Tourist ticket for the sites .This is the unique entrance to the Colca national park
It does not Included:
- Soft or alcoholic drinks
- Hotel in Arequipa or Puno
- Breakfast on the first day/Dinner on the last day
- Tips for guide and camp staff
- Entrance to the Hot Springs in Calera ( Cost aprox: 10 Soles per person )
Best time to Visit: April to June is the best season to visit Colca canyon, is complete new vegetation and mountains look covered with snow, new wildlife and less tourist in the most popular attraction.
Advice for Tourism:If plan to visit Puno and then to do the Inca trail this tour is the best option for acclimatization. This tour doesn't require any camping gear as tent, sleeping bag or trekking boots. Drinking water you can buy in each town according the program. Before make photo of local people we strongly recommend to coordinate with your tour guide. If you like to give some present for kids we advise to bring pencils, toys and fresh fruits
Rain Season:December to March hard rain on the mountainous range.
What you need Bring / Carry:
- Windproof jacket for rain season
- Strong comfortable shoes / Hiking Boots
- A small Day Back pack
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
- Sweater and thermal pants (something warm)
- 4Lt of water per person, minimum
- Flashlight and batteries
- Sun block (sun protection cream)
- Toilet paper
- Swim suite for the hot spring on the second (LA CALERA)
- Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, etc
- Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
- Binoculars
- Your personal first aid kit
- Optional: Walking sticks or poles
