TREK CROSSING THE ANDES MOUNTAINS TO THE COLCA CANYON:

BONBOYA TREK - 4 DAYS

Bomboya is the name of a mountain in the Andes Mountains. This mountain marks the beginning of the Colca Canyon.

This trek begins on the right bank of the Colca River.

There are no other tourists on this trek.

We will hike towards the snow-capped Bomboya peak and then descend into the lower part of the Colca Canyon.

This trek starts at 3,262 meters, ascends to 4,800 meters, and descends to 2,100 meters.
Along the way, we will visit an Inca archaeological site known as the Chimpa Fortress. We will cross the Andes Mountains with views of mountains and volcanoes. We will descend into one of the deepest canyons in the world and arrive at an oasis with palm trees, where the temperature remains at 35 degrees Celsius year-round. Wildlife and Flora

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Departure from the city of Arequipa (2320 m.a.s.l.). At 6:00 a.m. or between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m., depending on the service chosen.
In a shared bus, the wait time is between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. to pick up passengers. There are more than 20 people on board.
In private transportation, there is no waiting for anyone, and it departs at 6:00 a.m.; of course, the tour is more expensive, but the service is better. Maximum 4 people.

At the end of the program, we will explain the difference between both services.

We travel from Arequipa to Chivay. Breakfast. Then, we continue by other transport to the town of Madrigal (3262 m.a.s.l.), where we begin the hike.

During the hike, we can visit the archaeological remains of the Chimpa Fortress. This site was a military center, and from here we can enjoy the best view of the Colca Valley.

We will hike from 3262 m (10,000 ft). We will have lunch and then ascend to 3900 m (12,000 ft).

Here we will enjoy a hot dinner and camp.

This day's hike will take 4 to 5 hours.

DAY 2

Today we will cross the Andes Mountains. Remember that we began the hike in the Colca Valley, and today we will cross the Andes Mountains and enter the Colca Canyon.

On this hike, there is a main peak called Bomboya (5400 m/13,000 ft).

Don't worry, we will not reach the summit of Bomboya.

Today we begin the hike at 3900 m (13,000 ft). Then we will cross the Andes Mountains (4800 m/14,000 ft).

Then we will descend to 4200 meters above sea level, where we will camp.

During the hike, you will appreciate the different colors of the mountains, the geological formations, and the magnificent view of the Andes and the volcanoes that surround the valley.

This day: 6 to 7 hours of hiking.

DAY 3

We will hike from 4200 meters to 2100 meters to reach the San Galle Oasis.

This day we will enter the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. We will pass through the towns of Tapay and Malata, and then arrive at the Oasis at the bottom of the Colca Canyon, with a temperature of 35°C, palm trees, and a natural pool.

This day we will hike for 6 to 7 hours.

DAY 4

Hike from the Oasis (2100 meters above sea level) to Cabanaconde (3300 meters above sea level) in 4 hours. After a good night at the Oasis, we'll say goodbye to the canyon.

Then, we'll visit Cruz del Cóndor.

Is it a difficult hike?

Our answer is yes... It's just a high-altitude hike, NOT CLIMBING.

Remember that we'll have mules to carry your belongings and camping equipment.

We'll have another mule available in case any of the clients need help with the altitude. For example, if you're a couple, you can use one of your mules for the most difficult part, but only in case of emergency.

On this hike, you'll be able to observe the local flora and fauna, wonderful natural viewpoints, rock formations, a small forest of queñua trees (Polylepis pauta), and you might also see Puya raimondii (Pourretia gigantea).

This plant blooms only every 80 years with more than 8,000 flowers and produces more than 6 million seeds. After this entire process, it dies by spontaneous combustion. It is only found in Peru and Bolivia between 3,000 and 4,300 meters above sea level and is endangered.

ABOUT THE CONDOR

First: Observing condors at La Cruz is not like observing a common eagle; it depends on many natural factors. During the hike, we will have the opportunity to see condors in the canyon itself.

On the last day, we continue to the town of Chivay to enjoy the hot springs, have lunch, and return to Arequipa. We arrive by private transport at 5:00 PM or around 6:00 PM by tourist bus.

IMPORTANT: Pablo Tour is a travel agency that practices fair and responsible tourism, which we guarantee.

BAGS FOR THE MULE: Remember, on the treks we provide bags to carry your personal belongings (15 kilos per person), so during the trek you only need a small backpack to carry sunscreen, a water bottle, a camera, etc.

ECO-FRIENDLY TRASH BAGS Pablo Tour is an eco-responsible company. Our team cares for nature.

During our tours, hikes, and expeditions, our guides carry a bag for plastic bottles. If you buy a bottle of water during the hike, please place it in one of our reusable bags. The guide will take it to our office in Arequipa. Our guides will provide you with this reusable bag for your trash.

IMPORTANT: The rainy season in Arequipa is from December to April. However, hiking is still possible during these months. The only month with heavy rain is February.
During the rainy season, except for February, the sky is clear in the mornings. We recommend bringing your rain gear.

INCLUDED

Transportation
All transfers
Oxygen equipment (during the trek)
First aid kit
Entrance to Cruz del Cóndor and the National Park
Trekking to the canyon
Official guide
All meals
2 nights in tents and 1 night in rooms with private bathrooms
Entrance to La Calera (hot springs)
The muleteer will be happy if you ask him to speak Quechua; he can also teach you a little Quechua.

- The mule will carry 15 kilos per person for 4 days.
- The muleteer will take care of your belongings and the mule. Private service only.

- One mule for emergencies. Private service only.

NOT INCLUDED

Water
Snacks
Tips

WHAT TO BRING?

Swimsuit
Flashlight
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent (Especially if you have sweet blood)
Towel
Toilet paper
Snacks
Water (The mule carries the bottles)
Hat or cap
Personal medications
Trekking poles (Can be rented in Arequipa)
Cash, there are no ATMs during the trek
Small backpack for your personal belongings
And most importantly: enthusiasm!

COLCA BUS TO PUNO

If you want to save time, instead of continuing to Arequipa, you can take a connecting bus to Puno.

Departs at 1:15 PM from Chivay
Arrives in Puno around 7:30 PM

If you take the tourist bus for the trek, you can keep your luggage on the bus to Chivay, and we will pick you up on the last day to continue to Puno.

This transport arrives in Cabanaconde at 9:45 a.m. and returns immediately to Arequipa with the passengers who have completed the canyon hike.

Therefore, you cannot leave your luggage on the transport.

There is a secure luggage storage service in Cabanaconde.

After the hike, you can retrieve your luggage and continue your trip.

If you choose the private transport option, you can leave your luggage on the transport.

The tourist bus to Puno makes restroom stops and visits the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Park. A guide is included.

During the tour, you will visit:

1. The Patapampa viewpoint (4,912 meters above sea level) to admire the Andes Mountains and volcanoes;

2. Pampas Cañahuas to observe llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, and also to use the restroom;

3. Lagunillas to observe birds and flamingos.

Don't worry, there's plenty of room for your luggage.

The price of the transfer from the Colca Canyon to Puno by tourist bus is 195.00 soles per person (20-30 people per bus).

We can arrange this for you.

If I take the connecting bus to Puno, will I miss any of the visits on the tour?

No, because this service also includes a visit to the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. The tour includes:
- Patapampa (Andean viewpoint) 4912 meters above sea level
- Tojra Pampa for birdwatching
- Stops to see and take photos of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas
- Lagunillas to appreciate the beauty of a lake in the middle of the Andes.

Can I bring my luggage and leave it in Cabanaconde and pick it up after the trek? No problem, we can transport your luggage to Cabanaconde, and when you arrive in Cabanaconde, for a small fee, you can store your luggage in a safe place and retrieve it upon your return from the trek.

How much does the connection to Puno cost?

195.00 Soles per person

You have just read about the Classic Colca Trek. We call it the classic version because this route is one of the oldest in the Colca Canyon and is the most well-known.

Another drawback is that the Classic Colca Trek involves less walking. However, the non-classic Colca Trek offered by Pablo Tour involves more walking. And on the second day of this tour, we have customized trek options. Pablo Tour doesn't limit itself to offering only the Classic Colca Trek (the trek offered by all travel agencies).

IMPORTANT: At the Oasis, you will sleep in wooden cabins. There are six lodges there, each with its own swimming pool. For us, all six places are in the same category. They are surrounded by nature and are acceptable.
Each room has beds with sheets, pillows, and blankets. Sleeping bags are not necessary. Electricity is available both within the canyon and in the rooms.
Remember that Oasis and Tapay are located within the Colca Canyon; don't expect to find luxury hotels.

In San Juan de Chuccho and Llahuar, they also have the same amenities as Oasis.

The rooms are very basic, and if the hostel is closed, we have to camp.

We offer private rooms that you will only share with people you know.

We also have upgraded rooms with private bathrooms and showers (extra cost). If you want the upgrade, you must make your reservation several months in advance.

TOURIST BUS SERVICE VS. PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

TOURIST BUS SERVICE

This service is exclusively for tourists, usually a bus with 20 passengers.

The same bus picks up passengers at each hotel. Imagine if there are 20 people on the day of departure; this same bus will pick up 13 hotels.

That's why we always advise clients to be there between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM waiting for the tour bus. You should wait without knowing the exact pick-up time.

In conclusion, the bus departs Arequipa at 4:00 am and continues towards Cruz del Cóndor with two stops along the way. The first stop is for breakfast, and the second is to visit Cruz del Cóndor at approximately 8:30 am. This bus stays at Cruz del Cóndor for 30 minutes and arrives in Cabanaconde between 9:30 am and 10:00 am.

This same bus returns at 10:00 am from Cabanaconde to the town of Chivay, making only one stop at a viewpoint overlooking the Colca Valley, another stop at the hot springs, and a final stop for lunch.

After lunch in Chivay, the bus continues to the city of Arequipa and makes four stops in the Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve:

- Patapampa (Andes Viewpoint) 4912 meters above sea level

- Tojra Pampa for birdwatching

- Llama, alpaca, and vicuña viewing

- A stop for restrooms

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

On the outbound and return journeys, the vehicle will stop at restrooms and photo spots whenever you wish. Transportation is available at 6:00 AM.
Private transportation is much more comfortable and more expensive.

This service is for those interested in also exploring the Colca Valley, as the trek takes place in the Colca Canyon.

This service is for those who value comfort. On this tour we visit the Colca Valley, making numerous stops such as terrace viewpoints, pre-Inca tombs, volcano viewpoints, the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve: Llamas, vicuñas, alpacas, colonial towns, etc.