OVERVIEW

This tour is specially designed for those who want to experience unique natural beauty amidst a lunar landscape, like the Valley of the Volcanoes. We descend by van from 4,200 meters above sea level to 1,800 meters above sea level, into the heart of one of the deepest canyons in the world: the Colca Canyon.

Here in the Volcanoes valley, you will find more than 80 dwarf volcanoes; the tallest, Pucamauras, reaches 350 meters.

During the visit, you can touch dried lava and remnants of eruptions from the Quaternary period. You can also admire giant cacti.

You will visit one of the largest freshwater springs in the world, home to the pink river otter.

We will also witness the flight of the condor in the Colca Canyon and explore the Colca Valley and Andagua Geological Park.

The advantage of this tour is that while most tours to the Colca Canyon reach an altitude of 4,850 meters above sea level on the first day, this tour only reaches 4,200 meters above sea level.

On the third day, we can end the tour in the city of Arequipa or in the city of Puno (extra charge).

During the three days, we will take short hikes wherever you like.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy, the only factor increasing the difficulty is the altitude.
DURATION: 3 days

TRIP SUMMARY

DAY 1.- Arequipa - El Pedregal -Colca canyon - Ayo

- 5:00 AM, We depart from Arequipa (2300 meters above sea level) in a 4x4 vehicle, passing through El Pedregal (1400 meters above sea level), then ascend to 4200 meters above sea level.

We descend in a 4x4 vehicle to the heart of the Colca Canyon (1800 meters above sea level).

We spent the night in the village of Ayo (1950 meters above sea level).

We hike for 1-2 hours.

Distance by truck: 233 km

DAY 2: Andagua - Valley of the Volcanoes - Mamacocha Lagoon - Cabanaconde

At 5:00 AM, we travel by truck from Ayo (1950 meters above sea level) to Andagua (3570 meters above sea level) - Valley of the Volcanoes. We hike towards Shankillay Waterfall and then to the summit of one of the dwarf volcanoes, about 300 meters high, reaching its dome.

We hike from Ayo to the Mamachocha Spring.

We travel by 4x4 from the canyon (1800 meters above sea level) to the town of Cabanaconde (3300 meters above sea level), passing at an altitude of 4100 meters above sea level along the way.

We hike for 3 hours.

Distance by 4x4 : 138 km

DAY 3: Achachihua Great Viewpoint - Condor's Cross - Colca Valley - Chivay - Arequipa or Puno

5:00 AM: Start of the hike to the best viewpoint of the Colca Canyon.

Visit to the Condor's Cross to see the condor in flight. Hike along the edge of the Colca Canyon.

Visit to the best viewpoints of the Colca Valley.

Enjoy the hot springs of the Colca Valley.

Return to the city of Arequipa. If you wish, you can take the tourist bus from Chivay to Puno (additional cost).

we walke 2 hours

Transport route:

Cabanaconde-Chivay-Arequipa: 220Km

Cabanaconde-Chivay-Puno: 350km

ITINERARY:

DAY 1.-AREQUIPA - PEDREGAL - HUAMBO - AYO

At 5:00 AM, we pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa (2300 meters above sea level) and, in our 4x4 vehicle, head towards the Majes Valley, arriving at El Pedregal (1400 meters above sea level). There, we'll have breakfast at a local restaurant.

We gradually ascend by vehicle until we reach 4200 meters above sea level.

Along the way, we'll observe an arid landscape with many varieties of cacti. We'll gradually see the geography change as we enter the Andes Mountains.

This part of the journey is special because there are no tourists, and it's a part of the reserve that remains untouched.

During the trip, we may observe groups of guanacos in their natural habitat, which are very difficult to spot.

Guanacos are South American camelids that live freely.

Then we descend by 4x4 to the town of Huambo (3300 meters above sea level).

We'll have lunch in Huambo.

Then, we go by truck into the heart of the Colca Canyon, reaching an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level.

This feeling is incredible because in a single day we'll descend by truck from 4200 meters above sea level to 1800 meters above sea level.

We'll cross multiple ecological zones and different geological formations until we reach the Ayo Valley at 1950 meters above sea level.

In the village, we'll spend the night in home stay, which have been adapted for tourists.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Local guesthouse (basic) in a private room

Hiking duration: 1-2 hours; the guide will tell you where to hike

Difficulty: Easy

Distance traveled by 4x4 : 233 km

Lodging altitude: 1950 meters above sea level

Area: Geological park, desert, canyon

Temperature: 35°C during the day and 15°C at night

DAY 2.- VOLCANOES VALLEY (ANDAGUA) - MAMACOCHA SPRING - HUAMBO -CABANACONDE

5:00 AM, After breakfast, we'll depart by transport for the Valley of the Volcanoes. Along the way, we'll see volcanic lava, cacti, and dwarf volcanoes.

Welcome to the Valley of the Volcanoes!

We'll enjoy this beautiful lunar landscape, where nature's whims have allowed cacti to grow amidst ancient volcanic eruptions.

On the way, we'll visit the Antaymarca Volcano Viewpoint, located on the hill of the same name.

From here, you can contemplate the entire Valley of the Volcanoes, comprised of more than 80 dwarf volcanoes dating back to the Quaternary period.

We'll arrive in Andagua (3570 meters above sea level) and then travel by transport to the Shankillay Waterfall.

To reach this spot, we'll walk for 30 minutes through pre-Incan agricultural terraces until we arrive at the waterfall viewpoint.

Then we return to the transport and head towards the base of the twin dwarf volcanoes. We hike for an hour round trip to reach the summit of one of the dwarf volcanoes.

From the summit, we can observe the perfect volcanic dome.

Then we return to the van to go back to the village of Ayo (1950 meters above sea level) for lunch.

After lunch, we take a beautiful one-hour hike from Ayo to the Mamachoccha spring.

The Mamachoccha Lagoon is considered the largest freshwater spring in the world.

Then, we descend by transport to the Colca River, reaching an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level.

This is one of the deepest points in the Colca Canyon.

Very close to this spot is the geodetic marker that confirms the Colca is one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Then we drive up to the village of Huambo (3300 meters above sea level).

We continue towards the village of Cabanaconde (3300 meters above sea level), passing through an altitude of 4100 meters above sea level.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Hotel with private room and hot water

Hiking duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy+

Distance traveled by 4x4 : 138 km

Accommodation altitude: 3300 mhsl

Area: Canyon, lunar landscape, deep part of the Colca Canyon

Temperature: 35°C (95°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night

DAY 3: ACHACHIHUA GREAT VIEWPOINT - CONDOR CROSS - COLCA VALLEY - SALINAS AND AGUADA BLANCA NATIONAL RESERVE -AREQUIPA OR PUNO

5:00 AM One-hour hike to 3300 meters above sea level towards

THE GREAT ACHACHIHUA VIEWPOINT
To see the sunrise over the Colca Canyon, we depart very early at 5:00 AM. We will appreciate the sunrise from the best viewpoint in the Colca Canyon.

This is an ideal moment to recharge and appreciate nature in all its splendor, and best of all, without tourists at the Achachihua viewpoint.

From our perspective, this is one of the best viewpoints in the Colca Canyon. From here, we can observe an oasis at the bottom of the canyon, as well as villages that are literally suspended in the Andes Mountains, pre-Incan trails, and the Huaruro waterfall (on the other side of the river).

We will stay here for about twenty minutes because we need to arrive early at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
Depending on the season and the weather, we will see the sunrise .

7:00 After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Cruz del Cóndor (15 min. by car). We'll be among the first to arrive, and you and the guide can choose the best spot to see the condors. We'll stay here for about an hour to try and spot the condors in flight.

The next hike is an hour at 3700 meters above sea level.

HIKE ALONG THE COLCA CANYON, VISITING NATURAL VIEWPOINTS

This hike is breathtaking because it allows us to visit and explore natural viewpoints overlooking the Colca Canyon, increasing our chances of seeing the condors in flight.

After the hike, we'll continue to Chivay by transport, making stops along the valley until we reach Chivay. We'll visit the Collagua hanging tombs, the ceremonial stone (a lithic model), and the Choquetico and Antahuilque viewpoints.

HOT SPRINGS IN YANQUE

These pools are located right next to the river, offering beautiful views and, above all, tranquility and peace.

The temperature of the hot springs ranges between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius.

After lunch, you have two options:

1. Continue to the city of Arequipa.

2. At 1:00 PM, take a tourist bus from Chivay to the city of Puno, arriving at 7:30 PM.

You can bring all your luggage on the tour; we have plenty of space on the bus. We can also arrange and book transportation to Puno for you. Of course, this has an additional cost.

We continue to the city of Arequipa. The approximate arrival time is 5:00 PM.

PATAMPAMPA ANDEAN VIEWPOINT

On this trip, we pass through an altitude of 4,850 meters above sea level (Volcano Viewpoint), where it is possible to appreciate the different volcanoes: Sabancaya, Walqawalqa, and Ampato. The presence of these volcanoes is known as the volcanic belt of southern Peru. We also see the central Andes mountain range and the Mismi snow-capped peak, the source of the Amazon River, the longest and most abundant river in the world.

TOJRA PAMPA WETLANDS

Next, we head towards the Tojra Pampa wetlands, where we can observe different birds such as the Andean booby, the black-headed guan, the Andean duck, Andean geese, Andean gulls, flamingos, etc.

RAMSAR SITE
In Peru, there are 14 Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance. These protected wetlands are distributed throughout the country and cover a total area of ​​more than 6.7 million hectares.

The wetlands of the Aguada Blanca and Salinas “Tojra Pampa” National Reserve are designated as a Ramsar site, protecting various species of endemic and migratory birds.

The most important resource is the water that emerges from the water table.

AGUADA BLANCA AND SALINAS NATIONAL RESERVE
In this area, known as Pampas Cañahuas, we can observe vicuñas, undomesticated South American camelids that roam freely within the Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve.

We will find family groups of vicuñas led by an alpha male and groups of bachelor males vying to dethrone the alpha: Welcome to the wild nature of this reserve.

From here, we can also appreciate the north face of the Misti volcano.

The Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve covers an area of ​​3,669 square kilometers.

We will visit the northern part of the reserve, which is practically divided in two by the road. Along the way, we will be able to observe the diverse flora and fauna of this reserve on both sides, with breathtaking panoramas and views. Since we are traveling in small groups, we will have time to stop and visit the best spots, not only within the reserve but also in the Colca Valley and Canyon, taking our time and enjoying the culture and nature.

During this tour, you can take advantage of the restrooms located in Patawasi. There is a small restaurant there, and you can purchase coca tea, coffee, or sandwiches if you wish.

If you take the bus to Puno:

TOURIST BUS COLCA TO PUNO

Departs at 1:15 PM from ChivayArrives in the city of Puno at 7:30 PM.

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.

We can arrange this for you.

If I take the connecting bus to Puno, will I miss any of the stops on the tour? No, because this tour also includes a visit to the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
The tour includes:
- Patapampa (Andes viewpoint) 4912 meters above sea level
- Tojra Pampa for birdwatching
- Stops to see and photograph llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas
- Lagunillas to appreciate the beauty of a lake in the heart of the Andes.

Is there enough space for my luggage?
Yes, there is enough space on both modes of transport.

How much does the connection to Puno cost?
195.00 Soles per person

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Hike duration:2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Distance by 4x4 to Arequipa: 220 km

Distance by 4x4 and tourist bus to Puno: 350 km

Temperature: 23 °C during

INCLUDED

- Official expert guide , English/Spanish
- 4x4 transportation
- Professional driver with experience and knowledge of the Valley of the Volcanoes and Colca Canyon
- Oxygen tank in the vehicle
- Meals, from breakfast on the first day to lunch on the last day
- Accommodation: first night in a local's home, second night in a hotel
- Entrance and tour tickets to the national reserve, the Condor Cross viewpoint, the Colca Geological Park and Andagua, and the hot springs of the Colca Valley
- Satellite phone for emergencies
- First-aid kit

NOT INCLUDED

-Water: During the tour you can buy bottles of water in some places, the guide will tell you where.

What to bring?

Flashlight
Sunscreen
Small backpack for your personal belongings during the trek
Insect repellent
Towels, shampoo, soap, toilet paper
Snacks
Water (you can buy it in the villages and use a water purifier)
Hat or cap
Reusable water bottle
Personal medications
Trekking poles (optional) or we can tell you where you can rent them
And most importantly: ENTHUSIASM

* There is no risk of malaria in these areas