Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Arequipa

Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa is located 640 miles south of Lima.  It was founded in 1540 and is one of the country’s most attractive cities.  Full of colonial churches and mansions, including Santa Catalina, a restored convent established in 1579, Arequipa is known as the White City because much of it is built of ashlar, the smooth, white building stone carved from volcanic lava quarries.

Colca Canyon - Cañón del Colca

Day 1 - Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA, and set amidst high Andean volcanoes.  Depart from Arequipa and enjoy stops along the way to observe the magnificent Peruvian highlands, pre-Inca agricultural terraces, and peaceful, rural villages.  The journey to the village of Chivay will take you upwards of 12,000 feet above sea level.  Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch, hot thermal baths, and relax and take in panoramic views of the canyon.  

Day 2 - After an early rise and breakfast, set out for the Cruz del Condor lookout point, a nesting place for a large family of Andean condors.  With a little luck, you will observe the condors gliding effortlessly on thermal air currents as they rise out of the canyon in search of food.  The wingspan of an adult Andean condor ranges between 9 and 10 feet.  Opt for a mid-morning hike around the canyon rim, and have lunch in Chivay before returning to Arequipa.