Peru · Wildlife

4-Day Arequipa and Colca Canyon Tour with Condor Viewing

4 Days Round trip from Arequipa Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina and the Plaza de Armas
  • 02 Marvel at Arequipa's Spanish-style constructions and ancient churches built in white volcanic ashlar stone
  • 03 Discover the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca and Pampa Cañahuas
  • 04 Witness vicuña, llamas, alpacas, and birds such as flamingos, herons, and Andean geese
  • 05 Take in the snow-covered mountains from Patapampa
  • 06 Explore Chivay and the villages of Yanque and Maca with their colonial churches
  • 07 Meet and interact with friendly local people in traditional embroidered costumes
  • 08 Appreciate the depth of the canyon and the flight of the majestic condor

Explore Arequipa's city highlights and the amazing Colca Canyon, a rewarding journey for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts amid the rugged mountain terrain of southern Peru. Visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina and the Plaza de Armas, and marvel at Arequipa's Spanish-style constructions and ancient churches built in white volcanic ashlar stone. Discover the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca and Pampa Cañahuas, where you can witness vicuña, llamas, alpacas, and birds such as flamingos, herons, and Andean geese. Take in the snow-covered mountains at Patapampa, explore Chivay and the villages of Yanque and Maca with their colonial churches, and appreciate the depth of the canyon and the flight of the majestic condor.

From the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, appreciate the depth of the canyon and the flight of the majestic condor.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arequipa, Colca Canyon
Languages English, Portuguese

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arequipa City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery

  • Reception, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

  • In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that includes a visit to the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Opened to the public in 1970, the Santa Catalina Convent is one of the most notable buildings in the city, and its walls preserve 400 years of Arequipa's history.

  • Arequipa is known for its Spanish-style constructions and ancient churches built from white volcanic ashlar stone.

  • Visit the Plaza de Armas, one of the most spectacular attractions in all of Peru. No traveller can ignore the imposing Cathedral and the magnificent views of Misti Volcano.

  • Overnight stay at the hotel.

2
Day 02

Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve, Pampa Cañahuas and Chivay

  • At 8:00 am, depart from Arequipa, taking the northern route to Yura.

  • The tour includes a visit to the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca.

  • Observe vicuña, llamas, and alpacas in the wild.

  • In Pampa Cañahuas, see different types of birds such as flamingos, herons, Andean geese, ducks, Andean eagles, and caracaras.

  • Arrive at the volcano viewpoint, where you will enjoy a privileged view of the snow-covered mountains at Patapampa (4,800 m / 15,000 ft).

  • Continue to Chivay, the capital of the valley.

  • Check in and have lunch at the hotel.

  • In the afternoon, you may optionally visit the hot springs of La Calera. The water here reaches a temperature of 40° and is said to have medicinal properties. Entrance to the hot springs is not included and costs approximately $3 per person.

  • Overnight stay at the hotel.

3
Day 03

Colca River, Cruz del Condor, Yanque and Maca

  • After breakfast, start the tour along the left bank of the Colca River.

  • Visit the traditional and beautiful villages of Yanque and Maca, as well as their colonial churches.

  • Meet and interact with the friendly local people, who still dress in traditional costumes embroidered by themselves.

  • Observe hundreds of pre-Inca terraces that are still in use today, where corn, quinoa, amaranth, and more are grown.

  • Arrive at the Flight of the Condor. From the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, appreciate the depth of the canyon and the flight of the majestic condor. You will also observe black lithic models and pre-Inca tombs.

  • After lunch, return to Arequipa at approximately 18:00 hrs.

4
Day 04

Departure Transfer

  • After breakfast, receive assistance and transfer to the airport or bus terminal for your onward journey.

Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, Arequipa, Plaza de Armas de Arequipa, Colca Canyon

Where this trip takes you

Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, Arequipa, Plaza de Armas de Arequipa, Colca Canyon

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arequipa 2 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All hotels based on double sharing.

  • All ground transport specified in the itinerary.

  • All transfers.

  • All scheduled excursions.

  • All entrance fees.

  • Meals specified in the itinerary.

  • English-speaking Peru tour guide.

What's Not Included

  • Domestic and international flights.

  • Taxes in general, excess baggage charges, and additional nights due to flight cancellations.

  • Local, national, and international calls.

  • Personal services such as laundry, and anything else not specified in the itinerary.

Know before you go

  • Mineral water and hiking sticks will be provided if requested.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arequipa, Peru
Tour start
Arequipa, Peru
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Arequipa.

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