OVERVIEW

Arequipa desert + the prolongation of the volcanoes valley + trek into the colca canyon + visit of the colca valley and condor cross + the national park of salinas and aguada blanca with Lamas , alpacas and vicuñas.

This Colca canyon tour and trek is the most attractive for visitors and tourists. We go by private transport from Arequipa to the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto (170 km) crossing the dunes of the Atacama desert (one of the most beautiful deserts in the world). we will visit Toro Muerto petroglyphs (500 m.h.s.l) on this place will see a variety of more than 5000 volcanic stones(gravures) belonging to pre–Incan times. Here we will trek from 45 minutes to 1 hour trek.

After lunch We travel 240 km more to Cabanaconde village (colca canyon) passes through the Valley of Volcanoes, providing us a view of two dwarf volcanoes this is the prolongation of volcanoes Valley (Andagua).

On this day we cross an altitude of 4200 m.h.s.l. Is very important inform you that in the normal way, from Arequipa -Chivay village -Colca Valley (clasical route offer by the classic travel agencies), they cross on the first day 4912 m.h.s.l. with the colca tour mixed of Pablo tour we cross on the first day only 4200 m.h.s.l. That is better.

Also remember that on this trip on the first day ,we start from Arequipa 2300 m.h.s.l. then we descent at 500 m.h.s.l. ( Arequipa desert and majes valley ) then with the private transport we go to 4200 m. then we descent to Cabanaconde village 3300 m.h.s.l. with this option tour we cross diferents altitudes with diferents panoramas and views.

On the second day of the program we explore the Colca canyon , we trek into the colca canyon (to the bottom of the canyon),we will meet Quechua people ,we will sleep in an Oasis with palm and swimming pool. (Basic rooms).

On the third day, early in the morming we will trek from Oasis to Cabanaconde ,then with our private transport we will explore the colca Valley and the national park of salinas and aguada blanca with lamas, alpacas and vicuñas.

we think our tour is the perfect combination:

Arequipa desert + the prolongation of the volcanoes valley + trek into the colca canyon + visit of the colca valley and condor cross + the national park of salinas and aguada blanca with Lamas , alpacas and vicuñas.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Day 2 and 3 is not a technical trek but it is physically difficult
DISTANCE OF THE TREK, DAY 1 AND DAY 2 :  22.5Km
DURATION OF THE TOUR: 3 days
ELEVATION DIFFERENCE OF THE TREK: 1200m

TRIP SUMMARY

Day 1

-5:00 AM, pick-up from your hotel

-Visit to the Toromuerto petroglyphs

-Visit to the extension of the Atacama Desert

-We pass through the extension of the Valley of the Volcanoes

-Visit to the Colca and Andagua Geological Parks

-We pass very close to two dwarf volcanoes

-We reach an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level

-Overnight in Cabanaconde

Day 2

-7:00 am, Hike into the Colca Canyon

-Explore the Colca Canyon

-Reach the lower part of the canyon

-Lunch in San Juan de Chuccho

-Pass through the villages of Malata and Coshñirhua

-Arrive at the San Galle oasis

-Swimming pool at the oasis

-Overnight at the oasis

-6-7 hours of hiking

Day 3

-4:00 AM, start of the hike out of the canyon

-After a 4-hour hike, we arrive at the town of Cabanaconde

-Breakfast in Cabanaconde

-We travel by transport to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to appreciate the flight of the condor

-Visit the Colca Valley with all its viewpoints and typical villages

-Enjoy the hot springs in the town of Yanque in Chacapi

-Andean buffet lunch at a local restaurant

-For those who wish to take the connecting bus to Puno (extra charge) instead of continuing to the city of Arequipa, this can be done after lunch at 1:00 PM

-Visit to the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the Mirador de los Volcanes (Volcano Viewpoint) or Patapampa (485 meters above sea level), where we stop to see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and Andean birds. The bus to Puno makes the same stops.

Arrive in Arequipa at 5 PM

Arrive in Puno at 7:30 PM

THIS TOUR IS IDEAL FOR

People who like to explore different routes, with a good walk inside the canyon with a mix of cultural and adventure circuit.

 TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER

Between May and November the mornings and afternoons are sunny, the temperature during the day is 30-35 degrees Celsius and 12 degrees Celsius at night.

Between December and April it rains during the afternoon and in the mornings partly sunny, during the day 18-28 degrees Celsius at night 12 degrees Celsius.

HIGHLIGHTS

Toromuerto Petroglyphs: Over 5,000 petroglyphs with diverse representations dating from 500-1500 AD, Wari culture.

Extension of the Valley of the Volcanoes: We can observe two dwarf volcanoes that practically cross the Colca Canyon, originating in the Valley of the Volcanoes in Andagua.

Colca and Andagua Geological Park: Nestled between the Andes Mountains, the Valley of the Volcanoes, and a gradual ascent by transport.

Pure nature without tourists on the first day: After visiting the petroglyphs between El Pedregal and Cabanaconde, we will cross a geological park with wild nature.

Cruz del Condor , the best place to see the condor in flight

Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Park, where you can see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, birds, and the Andes viewpoint at 4850 meters above sea level

The village of Tapay, a unique destination with a stunning view of the Colca Canyon

Sangalle Oasis, the natural paradise of the Colca Canyon, with palm trees and warm hot spring pools

Yanque Hot Spring, with temperatures up to 38 degrees Celsius, rich in minerals that help relieve muscle contractions and are excellent for stress relief; we bathed there after the trek.

Peruvian Buffet Lunch: On the last day, you can enjoy Peruvian cuisine at a restaurant in the town of Chivay, featuring a variety of traditional dishes.

Local Villages and local people: This part of the canyon is special because we can see local people along the way.

Nature and canyon: During the trek, you can appreciate different varieties of cacti and volcanic rock formations.

Hiking inside the Colca Canyon: It is one of the deepest canyons in the world, and we will descend to the bottom of the canyon.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

Pablo Tour Guides: Only the Pablo Tour team`s guides can lead our groups. Our are continuously trained and officially certified.

We are a tour operator; we don't send our clients to other travel agencies. This guarantees our quality and safety.

We have a physical office in Arequipa`downtown , You can visit us with any questions.

Tour information 1-2 days before the tour, we provide more information at our office. We are located in the city center.

All-inclusive: no hidden costs.

Private rooms, you'll only share with the person you know.

Better food, you'll always feel your food is better than other groups'.

We are Pablo Tour, with top service ratings and recommended in all the travel books worldwide.

Please see the map of our colca mixed tour

ITINERARY:

We leave from Arequipa at 5:00 am, we pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa city, then we take The Pan american highway , we pass for el pedregal then we visit the petrogliphs of Toro Muerto 500 m.h.s.l. Lunch in Punta Colorada.

Then we back to el pedregal and then we continue to Cabanaconde.

On the way from Pedregal to Cabanaconde we will cross an altitud of 4200 m. and also we will see the prolongation of the volcanoes valley (two dwarf volcanoes ).

if you like you can trek to top of one of this small volcan ( 1-2 hours)

On the way we can take pictures of the differents views , before arrive to Cabanaconde we will have great view of Ampato mountain.

we will arrive to Cabanaconde village 3300 m.h.s.l. at 5:30 -6:00 pm.

Here we will sleep in a hotel with clean rooms and private bathroom.

From Arequipa to the petroglifos of toromuerto: 170 km.

from petroflifos of toromuerto to Cabanaconde: 240 km.

Total : 410.00 km.

Inside the 410 km there are 170 km not asphalted route (bumby and dusty)

Meals included: Lunch and dinner.

Hotel: with private bathroom, hot water, and heating.

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Accommodation altitude: 3287 meters above sea level.

Difficulty: Easy but the sun and the desert terrain make it slightly more challenging.

Area: Extension of the Atacama Desert, Colca and Andagua Geological Park, Colca Canyon.

7:am We begin the Colca trek, we trek into the colca cayon , descending 1357 meters in 4 hours, 9 Km of trek path. We lunch in “Casa de Rivelino,” situated in the town of San Juan de Chuccho. We then pass coshñirhua village 2700, Malata village 2700 m. and then we trek down to the Oasis (2100 m), arriving in 2 hour and 10 km of path. Enjoy the thermal springs and we sleep in very basic bambu huts, inside these huts there are beds. we will spend the night in “Oasis paradise or “Oasis lodge” . Dinner

On this day we trek 4 hours down , and 2 hours (up-flat and down)

The temperature into the canyon (during the trek) in grados centigrados:

In the day : 30

in the night: 12

Important. - On this night you will sleep in bamboo cabins, in Oasis (Sangalle) there are 4 places where we can sleep, the 4 places are really very basic. But all the 4 places (pseudo lodges) informed us that have the best service but we have checked it and for us the 4 places have the same services.
And there are not differences.
In each room there are: Beds and blankets. you will share the room only with the person that you know , you can choose between matrimonial room, double room , triple room and quadruple.
Each hostel has their own swimming pool.
Inside the rooms there are not electricity only on the front desk you can charge batteries.
Remember the Oasis is located inside the Colca canyon , on the bottom of the canyon, some customers think that the rooms are dusty. Remember you are on the nature ¡ For this night we recommend you carry a trek liner, on the bamboo huts you will have blankets but if you like to have only your personal scent on the bed please carry your own trek liner.
We can offer private rooms but you need to share the toilets and showers
All the swimming pools and hostel take the water from the only one spring that exist in the Oasis , the temperature of the water is 23 grados centigrados they use the same water for the showers, there are not hot water for the shower.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Small eco-lodge with private bathroom

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Accommodation altitude: 2200 meters above sea level meters.

Difficulty: Physically challenging

Area: Canyon

We begin our walk very early up to Cabanaconde, 8 Km. 3-4 hours (1400 meters up). Upon arriving in Cabanaconde we have breakfast and then we continue by car to the Cruz Del Condor to see the condors in flight. After that we’ll visit the Colca Valley, where we’ll have a commanding view to the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, Yanque and Chivay. Other viewpoints, such as Antahuilque and Mollepunku, provide views to pre-Incan terraces and above-ground graves that belong to the Collagua period. Lunch in Chivay (optional hot springs, “La Calera”), and then back to Arequipa (4912m), stopping at the viewpoint of Los Andes along the way. Before arriving in Arequipa, we pass by the national reserve of Aguada Blanca y Salinas, where we’ll observe llamas, alpacas and vicuńas. Passing around the backs of volcanoes Misti and Chachani, we arrive in Arequipa between 5 and 6 pm of the third day.

On this day we trek : 3-4 hours up to Cabanaconde village.

And we ride with our private transport 220 km. to Arequipa city.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Physically challenging

Area: Canyon, valley, National park of aguada blanca and salinas

Colca canyon trek difficulty / how difficult is the Colca canyon trek

If you compare the Colca canyon trekking Vs Inca trail trek
First, during the Colca canyon trek you cross maximum 3300mhsl and in the inca trail trek 4200mhsl.
We thought the Inca trail trek is harder than the Colca canyon trek
Colca canyon trek Vs Salkantay trek
We thought Salkantay trek is harder than the Colca canyon trekking, the Colca canyon trek cross an altitude of 3300 and salkantay trek 4650mhsl.
And remember the altitude of Cuzco city is 3300 mhsl Yessssss the same altitude of the maximum altitude of Colca canyon trekking.
Puno city and Titicaca Lake: 3800mhsl
And the maximum altitude for Colca canyon trekking is 3300mhsl and the bottom of the canyon is at 2100mhsl.
-The Colca canyon trekking is not technical is only very  physical
-The temperatures on the canyon are from 12 to 30 grados centigrados
-Rain season is from December to April but most days in the morning are blue sky and from May to November every days is blue sky.
-If you are tired on the last day of the trek you can hire mules or horse to trek up hill to    Cabanaconde
-Yes, some of our customers found  the Colca canyon trek harder but other not
-Remember the start point trek for Colca canyon (inside the Canyon) is from Cabanaconde) and you need to travel by transport from Arequipa to Cabanaconde.
From Arequipa to Cabanaconde you need to travel 6 hours and you cross an altitude of 4850mhsl but is only by transport.

Example of difficulty for us: From number 1 to 5

Difficulty 1.- When you are on the beach and you walk on the coast with ice cream a  one the hand.
Difficulty 2. - When you trek only 3 hours per day from   0 m. to 2500 m.
Difficulty 3.-When you trek till 3700mhsl and 4-6 hours per day ,
Not technical experience needed, very physical and at the end of the trek most of our customers are very tired.
Difficulty 4.-Technical experience is required, you will use rope and crampons, hiking over 5000mhsl, but sometimes at this altitude in the Andes you don`t need to use crampons or rope, just a really very good physical shape.
This trek is for people that like to improve every year the maximum altitudes in treks
Difficulty  5. - For crazy people and professional hikers
We thought the Colca canyon trek has a difficulty of 3

Prices per person in American dollars

Departure: Any day 

Observation.-In the last day if you do not want to return to the city of Arequipa, we can customize this tour and we can go in the same car to the city of Puno for a few dollars more.
ECOLOGICAL  BAGS FOR THE  RUBBISH.-   Pablo tour is an ECO RESPONSIBLE COMPANY , Pablo tour`s team  take care the nature and during our tours, treks and expeditions our guides carry a bag for the plastic  bottles . Please if you buy plastic bottle of water   during the trek put the empty plastic bottle inside our ecological bags, the guide will transport it to our office in Arequipa city. Our guides will provide you this ecological Rubbish Bag.
Important: the rain season in Arequipa region is from December to March But during these months is possible to trek, the only month that sometimes we have many rain is on February .
On the rain season except February in the morning is blue sky, please during the rain season we recommend carry your rain jacket