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Your Peruvian adventure unfolds in Arequipa, the “White City.” Breathe in the crisp mountain air and soak in the city’s architectural wonders. Explore the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery, a vibrant tapestry of colonial splendor. Delve into the bustling Plaza de Armas, the heart of Arequipa, and immerse yourself in the local rhythm. As the day winds down, settle into your comfortable hotel nestled within the scenic Colca Valley, ready for tomorrow’s exploration.
Rise with the sun and embark on a thrilling journey to the awe-inspiring Cruz del Condor (Condor Cross). Perched at a staggering 15,000 feet, this viewpoint grants you a breathtaking panorama of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on Earth. Hold your breath as the majestic Andean Condor, with its 10-foot wingspan, gracefully soars against the backdrop of the canyon walls, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Beyond the condors, delve into the region’s rich tapestry. Explore nearby pre-Inca ruins, remnants of ancient civilizations whispering stories of a bygone era. Interact with local residents and gain a deeper appreciation for the Colca Valley’s unique culture and traditions.
Embrace the Early Rise: Your exploration begins with an invigorating early start, allowing you to witness the Colca Valley awakening under the golden hues of sunrise.
Traverse Enchanting Landscapes: Our journey takes you through the captivating landscapes of Yura-Pampa Catahuas and La Pulpera. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of wild vicuñas, graceful relatives of the llama, roaming freely in their natural habitat. A touch of local excitement might await you as we witness the unique spectacle of “combatant cattle” – a display of dominance within the herds.
Unveiling the Past: Step back in time at the Mollepunco Caves, where ancient petroglyphs etched onto the rock walls whisper stories of civilizations past. Imagine the lives that unfolded here as you decipher the enigmatic symbols.
Callali’s Fairytale Charm: Next, we venture into the quaint town of Callali. Marvel at the whimsically sculpted rock formations, sculpted by nature into shapes resembling mystical castles. These natural wonders will spark your imagination and create lasting memories.
Relaxation Under the Stars: As the day draws to a close, indulge in a rejuvenating soak in the thermal baths of La Calera. These steaming pools offer a tranquil escape, where you can unwind under a canopy of stars before retiring for a restful night in Chivay, a charming village nestled within the Colca Valley.
Witnessing the Majesty of the Colca Canyon: After a delightful breakfast at your hotel, embark on the highlight of the trip – a thrilling expedition to the Cruz del Condor (Condor Cross). Perched at a staggering 15,000 feet above sea level, this viewpoint grants you a breathtaking panorama of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on Earth.
A Moment of Awe: Hold your breath as the majestic Andean Condor, with its 10-foot wingspan, gracefully soars against the backdrop of the canyon walls, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Spend ample time here, soaking in the vastness and grandeur of the canyon and capturing this awe-inspiring scene with your camera.
Exploring the Canyon’s Edge (Optional): For those seeking an extra dose of adventure, join our expert guide on an optional one-hour hike along the rim of the canyon. (Please note this activity is weather permitting and requires a moderate level of fitness.)
Return Journey with Cultural Gems: Our return trip to Chivay is brimming with cultural discoveries. We’ll make a stop at the picturesque village of Pinchollo, offering a glimpse into traditional Andean life. Next, marvel at the Antahuilque viewpoint, showcasing ancient agricultural terraces crafted by the pre-Incan Collaguas culture over 1,500 years ago.
A Glimpse into the Past: Continue to the Choquetico lookout point, where intriguing hanging tombs, a testament to pre-Inca burial practices, cling to the cliffsides. We’ll also visit the communities of Maca and Yanque, known for their traditional architecture and the valley’s most exquisite church.
Savoring Local Delights: After a delicious lunch in Chivay, we’ll begin our return journey to Arequipa. Sit back and relax as you reminisce about the day’s experiences. Arrive in Arequipa by approximately 5:00 pm, where a transfer to your hotel awaits, ensuring a smooth conclusion to your unforgettable adventure.
The first activity on Day 1 is an early start to witness the Colca Valley awakening under the sunrise’s golden hues.
During the journey, you might witness the unique spectacle of “combatant cattle,” which is a display of dominance within the herds.
The highlight of Day 2’s excursion to Cruz del Condor is witnessing the majestic Andean Condor soaring against the backdrop of the Colca Canyon’s canyon walls.
The optional activity during the return journey to Chivay is a one-hour hike along the rim of the canyon, weather permitting and requiring a moderate level of fitness.
During the return journey to Chivay, cultural discoveries include visits to the picturesque village of Pinchollo, the Antahuilque viewpoint showcasing ancient agricultural terraces, the Choquetico lookout point with hanging tombs, and visits to the communities of Maca and Yanque known for their traditional architecture and churches.
My journey began with an early rise, offering the opportunity to witness the stunning sunrise over the Colca Valley, painting the landscape in golden hues. As we traversed through enchanting landscapes, I marveled at herds of wild vicuñas and the unique spectacle of “combatant cattle,” immersing myself in the natural beauty of the region. Exploring the Mollepunco Caves unveiled ancient petroglyphs, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich history. The whimsically sculpted rock formations of Callali added a fairytale charm to our adventure, while a relaxing soak in the La Calera thermal baths under the starlit sky offered a perfect end to the day.
After a delightful breakfast, we embarked on the highlight of the trip – a thrilling expedition to the Cruz del Condor. The panoramic view of the Colca Canyon from this vantage point was simply breathtaking, and witnessing the majestic Andean Condor soar against the canyon backdrop left me in awe. Exploring the canyon’s edge and discovering cultural gems like the Pinchollo village and Antahuilque viewpoint enriched my understanding of the region’s heritage. Savoring local delights and reminiscing about the day’s adventures, our return journey to Arequipa concluded with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the unforgettable experiences.