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Arequipa and Colca Canyon

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  • Duration4 days / 3 nights.
  • InclusionsAccommodation, Guide, Airport Transfers, Permits.
  • Tour TypeGroup.
  • Meals3 Breakfast, 2 Lunch.

Use the Enquiry Form to get in touch for:

  • Children discounts upto the age of 10 years.
  • Private Tour rates.
  • Large Group rates.

Experience at a glance

Discover the charm of Arequipa, Peru’s vibrant second city, on an immersive four-day tour. Stroll through its colonial downtown filled with elegant churches and historic sites. Venture into the surrounding pampas and take in breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. Experience the majestic flight of the Andean condor in the stunning Colca Valley, and encounter native camelids in their natural habitat. This captivating journey blends the beauty of nature with rich Peruvian culture for an unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

Arequipa City Tour – Explore Arequipa’s historic Plaza de Armas, the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery, the ornate Church of the Company, and enjoy stunning views of the Misti volcano from the picturesque Yanahuara and Carmen Alto neighborhoods.

Colca Canyon Adventure – Visit the breathtaking Cruz del Condor viewpoint to see one of the world’s deepest canyons and spot soaring condors, then explore charming Andean towns, ancient terraces, and the archaeological site of Uyo.

Pampa Cañahuas Reserve: Journey through Yura’s rugged landscapes, spotting vicuñas in the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve. Ascend past volcanic craters to reach the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, offering breathtaking views of surrounding volcanoes at 4,800 meters above sea level.

Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN AREQUIPA / CITY TOUR AND MONASTERY OF SANTA CATALINA

On arrival in Arequipa you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a comfortable transfer while a guide will inform you about the attractions and services the city offers and will assist you with the check-in at your hotel.

Start your journey in the main square, called ‘Plaza de Armas’. Admire its elegant neo-Renaissance basilica cathedral and the sensational Monastery of Santa Catalina, which for centuries was a ‘forbidden city’ in the heart of Arequipa.

Continue until you reach the Church of the Company, perhaps the greatest masterpiece of Peruvian baroque, where you can analyze its fascinating facade. The sacristy is exceptionally beautiful, thanks to its dome and walls covered with murals that show tropical flora and fauna. The Jesuit seminary is well known for its beautiful main cloister.

Finally, head to the neighborhoods of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Misti volcano, which rises above the city. In the end, you will be transferred to his hotel in Arequipa.

Overnight at the selected hotel in Arequipa

DAY 2 | AREQUIPA - COLCA CANYON

Charge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel before leaving the city via Yura, a district characterized by its rugged scenery, hills and cliffs.

Then enter the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, an extensive grassy plain where vicuñas (an Andean camelid and a national symbol) can be spotted. Head through Vizcachani and Pampas de Toccra up to the crater of the Chucura volcano.

From there, continue one last leg of the way to reach the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, a stunning viewpoint 4,800 metres above sea level with impressive views of the volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. Lunch is served in the town of Chivay, and in the afternoon you can rest in the hotel.

Overnight at the selected hotel in Colca. Breakfast and lunch included.

DAY 3 | COLCA CANYON: CONDOR CROSS - AREQUIPA

After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for a day of high drama with a trip to the breathtaking Condor Cross lookout. Take a deep breath and appreciate the sheer vastness of the Colca Valley, which is one of the world’s deepest canyons with a maximum depth of more than 4,160 metres – twice that of the Grand Canyon.

The thrill of the experience is enhanced by the natural spectacle of huge condors flying over the canyon. Watch in awe as these graceful birds of prey glide over the canyon, patrolling it with military discipline.

Descend to the valley floor to discover some of the rustic towns on the banks of the River Colca such as Chivay, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque, where quaint colonial churches are as much as part of the scenery as the peaks of the Andes. There are also stops at the lookouts of Antahuilque and Choquetico to admire majestic views of the valley. After lunch, return to Arequipa.

Overnight at the selected hotel in Arequipa. Breakfast and lunch included.

DAY 4 | AREQUIPA DEPARTURE

During the morning you will be transferred to Arequipa’s airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast included

Price
From$315
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Accommodation

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Useful Bits

What's Included

  • Spanish and English speaking guide.
  • Two nights of accommodation in Arequipa, and one night of accommodation in the Colca Canyon.
  • Daily breakfast in the hotel from day 2.
  • Lunch on day 2 and day 3 in the Colca.
  • Private transfers from and to the airport.
  • Transfers from/to hotel in shared services.
  • All the visits mentioned in the above itinerary: Andahuaylillas, Racchi and Pucara on the route Cusco/Puno, and excursion to the Uros and Taquile Islands.

What's NOT Included

  • Expenses of a personal nature, beverages and meals not stated in the programme.
  • Tips for driver and guide.
  • Additional optional visits.
  • Mandatory supplementary for special dates like Easter Holidays, Inti Raymi, National Holidays, Christmas and New Year´s mentioned separately.
  • International & Domestic flights.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Other things to know

  • Church dress code: During the visit sleeveless and / or low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, and miniskirts are not permitted, otherwise their entrance will be denied.
  • It is recommended to purchase a Travel & Medical Insurance to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
  • While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. 

Recommendations for environmentally and cultural responsible travel

  • Do not feed wild animals, always try to keep your distance. 
  • Avoid buying endemic plants and products derived from endangered species. 
  • Minimize water use; do not leave faucets or showers running. 
  • Reduce energy use: turn off lights, air conditioning, and unplug your charger when not in use. 
  • Reduce plastic use: Choose refillable water and recycle your disposable bottles. 
  • Ask permission before taking someone’s picture. 
  • Do not include minors in the photos. 
  • Respect local beliefs and traditions. 
  • Respect the indications for the preservation of the material heritage. 

Cancellation Policy

  • All primary deposits are 100% non-refundable since we use this money to book your permits.
  • If you cancel the tour 7 days before departure, you will be refunded the total of your payment minus the deposit.
  • Refunds are only processed to the original form of payment used to make the booking.
  • Click Here for detailed Terms & Conditions.

FAQs

Are permits required for the Salkantay Trek?

No specific permits are required for the Salkantay Trek itself, but a permit to enter Machu Picchu is needed if the trek concludes there. Most trekkers book through a tour operator who handles permits and logistics.

Can I do the Salkantay Trek independently?

While it is possible to trek independently, many opt for guided tours to ensure safety, navigation, and support. Guided tours also handle logistics such as permits, transportation, and meals.

What is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?

The best time to trek is during the dry season, from May to September, when weather conditions are more stable. The trek can be done year-round, but conditions can be wet and challenging during the rainy season (October to April).

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip’s receipt of credit card statements with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

The trek is considered moderate to challenging due to the high altitude and varying terrain. Proper acclimatization and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.

What should I bring on the Salkantay Trek?

Bring comfortable hiking boots, warm clothing (layers), a rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a reusable water bottle. Trekking poles can also be helpful.

Is the Salkantay Trek suitable for beginners?

The trek is suitable for those with a basic level of fitness and hiking experience. Beginners should prepare for the physical demands and high altitude by training and acclimatizing properly.

How can I prepare for the high altitude?

To prepare, spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals before trekking, and consider taking altitude sickness medication if needed.

Why book with Kynd Erth

  • Support LocalWe have partered with locally owned businesses for this experience, helping grow local communities and their economy.
  • Fair LabourThis experience includes fair wages to the staff supporting a healthy work culture where they are treated kindly and fairly.
  • Reduce WasteWe avoid using single-use items on this experience wherever possible. We also encourage bringing reusable water bottles, bags, and containers.
  • Local CultureYou will learn about local cultures and customs on this experience, and engage and interact with local communities where possible.
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