Arequipa / Chivay / Colca Canyon – 3 days / 2 nights
Highlights:Arequipa city and its incredible central plaza, Santa Catalina Monastery, views of Misti volcano, the Colca Canyon (second deepest canyon in the world), Condor viewpoint.
Departures: Daily
This extension can be added to any tour package – this includes any of our standard tour itineraries, or as part of a unique itinerary to suit your travel plans.
Day 1, Arequipa City:
You will go on a city tour of Arequipa, also known as the “White City”, which is Peru’s second city. The tour visits the Plaza de Armas, with its beautiful arched walls, and the beautiful Santa Catalina monastery. The monastery was closed to the public for hundreds of years and is like a city within a city, beautifully painted with a religious art collection and tranquil relaxed atmosphere. You will also visit a look-out point with incomparable views over Arequipa city and of the famous “Misti” volcano on the horizon, before returning to your hotel. The afternoon will be free to spend at your leisure, however Go Andes recommend you try to visit “Juanita”, an incredibly well preserved Inca sacrificial mummy that was only recently discovered and is now housed in a museum near the central plaza in the city. Overnight accommodation in a hotel in Arequipa.
Meals: None
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Day 2, Crossing the Altiplano to Chivay:
After breakfast in your hotel you will set off early in the morning towards the Colca Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world. The journey will take you through a high altiplano, where you may be able to see wild herds of vicuñas – a wild relative of the llama. The journey will continue past the crater of Chucure volcano, before reaching its highest point at Patapampa, 4800 metres above sea level, from there you will have breathtaking views of many of the volcanoes that are dotted throughout the Arequipa area. Upon arrival at the town of Chivay, the gateway to the Colca canyon, you will check into your hotel and have the afternoon free to buy some lunch, admire the views, and stroll through the town. An optional visit to “La Calera” natural thermal baths can be arranged.
Meals: Breakfast, Evening Meal
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Day 3, Colca Canyon and Condor Viewpoint:
After an early breakfast you will depart to “Cruz del Condor”, an impressive viewing point 3400 metres above the base of the valley where it is possible to see condors gliding on thermals rising from the valley floor. The view of the Colca Canyon stretching down for more than a mile below you is incredible and awe-inspiring. You will visit local traditional Andean villages of Yanque and Macavillages, which both have colonial churches, before returning to Arequipa by bus across the stunning Andean plateau. Upon arrival in Arequipa you will be transferred to the bus terminal or airport so you can continue your Peru holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
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