Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Our adventure begins in the morning in the city of Arequipa, as we embark on an exciting 160 km journey to the city of Chivay.On the way, we will pass through the charming village of Yura, whose streets and squares have been declared historical monuments.We will continue our journey through Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Cañahuas, home to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve in the Colca Canyon, where majestic vicuñas roam freely. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of these creatures while admiring this incredible landscape.
Patahuasi - Volcano Viewpoint
We will make a brief stop in Patahuasi so you can enjoy a refreshing coca tea, a traditional hot drink of the Andes that is very helpful for altitude sickness. You will have the chance to admire beautiful birds, such as flamingos, during our short stop at the Tocra wetlands. We will continue along the route, passing by the crater of the Chucura volcano, and stop at a fantastic volcano viewpoint.We will continue visiting charming picturesque villages and enjoying impressive views of the volcanoes from a lookout point, doing a cultural tour in the villages of the Colca Valley.
Chivay
Finally, we will arrive in Chivay, where you will have free time for lunch (optional). We will transfer you to your hotel for a short rest.Afterward, we will explore the town of Chivay and its market, immersing ourselves in the Andean culture high in the Colca Canyon. Then, we will visit the La Calera hot springs.At the end of the day, we will take you back to your hotel in Chivay, Yanque, or Coporaque, depending where your hotel is located.
3 Comments
4.6
From the moment we set off, the enchanting landscapes drew us in, as we wound through the rugged Andean terrain. Each village we visited felt like a step back in time, with locals welcoming us with smiles and showcasing their crafts. The highlight was definitely the breathtaking moment we watched majestic condors glide effortlessly against the backdrop of towering cliffs; it’s a sight that’s hard to forget. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing stories that brought the culture alive, though we wished there had been more time for our meals, which were simple yet hearty. The accommodation was cozy and offered a chance to connect with fellow travelers, but the limited hot water could be a bother after a long day of exploring. Overall, this adventure was a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural immersion, leaving us with memories we’ll cherish for years to come. We’re already dreaming of our next escape into the wild!
4.6
The overnight stay in a quaint village near the canyon was a highlight of my trip, allowing me to immerse myself in local culture. Waking up to the sound of roosters crowing and the smell of fresh bread was the perfect way to start my day. One unforgettable moment was watching a majestic condor glide effortlessly through the sky, its massive wingspan casting shadows over the rocky canyon. The guided trek through the Andean villages offered insight into the vibrant traditions of the locals, though I wished there had been more opportunities to engage with them directly. Overall, this adventure was well worth it, despite the occasional challenge of altitude adjustments.
4.4
Our experience exploring the stunning landscapes of Colca Canyon was a delightful surprise; we didn’t expect the blend of adventure and cultural immersion to be so enriching. Each Andean village we visited revealed its unique charm, and the moment we spotted condors soaring overhead was truly breathtaking. However, the overnight accommodations could have been a bit cozier, but the breathtaking views made up for it as we settled in for the night.