DESCRIPTION:

The Colca Valley and the river which bears the same name are located just a few hours north of the city of Arequipa. On the way, we´ll be able to see interesting natural landscapes, condors, llamas, alpacas, guanacos, vicuñas and vizcachas. The Collaguas; the region´s ancient inhabitants who lived there before the Incan Empire, left traces of their presence, which can be seen through their architectural remains, petrogliphs and caves where they stored their cereals. On the banks of the Colca River, there are fourteen 16^th century Spanish colonial style villages, with their traditional celebrations and profusely ornamented churches, all preserved, as if time had stopped there. In Chivay, a natural vantage point, from where one can see the condors flying in their natural habitat, as well as two volcanoes called Ampato and Coropuna stand out. That area of the Colca Valley is propitious for adventure sports and treks, since it is the world´s deepest canyon and the habitat of the great South American condor.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: AREQUIPA (ARRIVAL)

Reception, transfer to your hotel and free time for other activities.

DAY 2: AREQUIPA - CABANACONDE

In the morning, we´ll leave the city of Arequipa, to head towards the Colca Valley, visiting Chivay and other places of tourist interest. Overnight at an inn, in Cabanaconde.

DAY 3: CABANACONDE - LLAHUAR

We´ll start the trek going down to the Colca River, crossing hanging bridges and appreciating the landscape and geological formations. Then, we´ll get to the Huaruro River, where we´ll enjoy a refreshing bath in a rustic pool with thermo-medicinal water. Overnight stay at an inn, in Llahuar.

DAY 4: LLAHUAR - FURE

During today´s walk, we´ll visit beautiful villages and places, observing the ecological changes. Finally, we´ll get to the village of Fure, where we´ll spend the night at a campsite.

DAY 5: FURE - SANGALLE

On the way, we´ll get to some of the Huaruro and Tocallo rivers´ waterfalls. Then, we´ll keep on walking on an ancient trail, all the way to the Colca River´s canyon and there, we´ll go down to the Sangalle Oasis, where we´ll spend the night at the campsite.

DAY 6: SANGALLE - AREQUIPA

Today, we´ll go up the Colca Canyon, to get to the village of Cabanaconde, where we´ll board the bus that will take us to the city of Arequipa. On the way, we´ll stop at the Cruz del Cóndor, to observe the condors´ flight (if the weather allows). Transfer to your hotel.

DAY 7: AREQUIPA (DEPARTURE)

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport and/or bus station.

INCLUDES:

• Transfers and transportation
• Professional guide
• Support staff
• Cook and assistant
• Entrance fees
• Food
• Lodging facilities with breakfast 2^nd and 3^rd day
• Full camping gear
• Full first aid gear.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Sleeping bag
• Breakfast 1st day
• Dinner 1st, 6th and 7th day
• Lunch 1^st and 7^th day
• Extra support staff.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Personal care kit
• Sufficient changes of clothes: Light and warm
• Photo and/or video camera with spare batteries and film
• Sunscreen lotion and repellent
• Hat and/or cap
• Trekking shoes
• Sleeping bag and flashlight with spare batteries
• Sunglasses
• Passport and valid student ID (not over 25 years of age)
• Water for the first day
• Water purifying tablets.