STYLE: Extension package
Trip Code: PEKSCCA
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Puno, Peru
Finish: Arequipa, Peru
Peru
3 Breakfasts (B)
Private departure transfer from Arequipa to airport & Shared Tourist Bus from Puno to Chivay & Chivay to Arequipa
Hotel
Colca Canyon – Colca Canyon Cultural Tour & chance to view Andean Condors
Arequipa - Arequipa city tour & visit to Santa Catalina Monestary
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This four day Chimu Adventure tour takes you on a journey from the edge of Lake Titicaca and the town of Puno to the dizzying heights of the Colca Canyon and Patapampa Pass (4,910m). It then winds its way to the city of Arequipa. Departing from Puno, the gateway to the islands that call Lake Titicaca home, you will head for Chivay. Enroute you will stop at Lagunillas Lagoon, as well as Patapampa Pass, the perfect viewpoint of the Cordillera mountains and Volcanoes of the Arequipa Region. Enjoy a restful night before you visit Mirador Cruz del Condor within the Colca Canyon. There you will watch the majestic condors fly, before continuing on to city of Arequipa, which lies on the edge of the altiplano. In Arequipa, you will tour its cobblestone streets and take in UNESCO World Heritage listed sites including a number of its white sillar stone buildings. These earn the city the affectionate title of ‘La Ciudad Blanca’, or ‘the white city’.
This itinerary also runs in reverse. Click here for more info.
On this all-encompassing personalised itinerary, Chimu will provide travel logistics for your travel party for the duration of your journey, plus expert guides for all the major sightseeing as per itinerary. Each night you will stay in superior accommodation, handpicked by our experienced team for their creature comforts, convenient locations, and impeccable service.
Your tour will begin in Puno, a city founded at the site of a now defunct silver mine that acts as the gateway to visit the islands of the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca.
Be sure to rug up as it can get quite cool as you travel by tour bus to the town of Chivay. Enroute you will stop at Lagunillas Lagoon, as well as Patapampa Pass, which offers spectacular views of the volcanos and mountain ranges that make up the cordillera of the Andes.
On arrival to Chivay, you will be taken to your accommodation. Perhaps you might choose to visit a thermal hot spring to relax for the remainder of your afternoon.
This morning you will visit the second deepest canyon in the world, the Colca Canyon.
Second only to Cotahuasi Canyon, which is also located within Peru, the Colca Canyon is 3,400m deep at its lowest point. This is almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States of America by comparison.
Your destination is Mirador Cruz del Condor, considered the best viewpoint to see the majestic Andean condors soar on the thermal drifts that flow between the canyon walls.
There are approximately 6,200 condors remaining in the world and around fifty of these birds call the Colca Canyon home. Afterwards, you will return to Chivay before continuing by bus to the city of Arequipa.
You will arrive late in the city of Arequipa, which lies 2,380m above sea level on the edge of the altiplano.
Today you will tour Arequipa, which is affectionately known as ‘La Ciudad Blanca’ or ‘the white city’ thanks to a number of its buildings being made by a white volcanic stone known as sillar.
Acting as a backdrop to the city are El Misti, Pichu Pichu, Chachani and Ampato, the four imposing volcanos responsible for creating the material for this stone.
Your first tour stop is Mirador Carmen Alto, a viewpoint located on the city’s outskirts near the Chili River. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, Arequipa city and the peaks of El Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
We’ll continue to Yanahuara, a traditional Spanish colonial neighbourhood characterised by narrow, cobblestone streets and visit the town’s main square.
Located at the highest part of the district, Plaza de Yanahuara provides a viewpoint towards El Misti volcano and is home to a number of arches built in the 19th century as well as Parroquia San Juan Bautista de Yanahuara (Saint John the Baptist Church).
From here you will walk to the mysterious Monasterio de Santa Catalina, or the Santa Catalina Convent, where you can wander its narrow streets and alleyways to discover its gardens before continuing downtown to see a number of UNESCO World Heritage listed sites found within and nearby Arequipa’s main Plaza de Armas.
At the plaza you will see the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa and nearby you will visit the Compania de Jesus (Church of the Company) and Capilla de San Ignacio (St Ignatius Chapel).
Your final stop is the Museo Santuarios Andinos (the Andean Sanctuary Museum) which houses a number of Incan artefacts including Juanita, a twelve to fourteen year old Incan girl who was sacrificed to the gods in the 1450’s and found frozen atop Ampato in 1995.
In the evening, why not venture to one of Arequipa’s rooftop bars. There you can enjoy a bite to eat, a cerveza and take in views of the volcanos at a distance at sunset.
You will depart for the airport to fly to your next destination.
Depart from the city of Puno, gateway to Lake Titicaca and its islands
Watch the majestic condor fly on thermal drifts at Mirador Cruz del Condor within the Colca Canyon
Soak in one of the many hot springs in the Colca Canyon
Explore Arequipa, affectionately called ‘La Ciudad Blanca’ or ‘the white city’
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service
4 Days FROM NZD 1,200 Enquire NowTried & tested upmarket properties with above average facilities and service
4 Days FROM NZD 1,608 Enquire NowLuxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
4 Days FROM NZD 1,767 Enquire NowPrices are based on per person, twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Private departure airport Transfer
Shared bus transfers as part of itinerary
Accommodation with breakfast daily
Other meals where stated
Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide as detailed in the itinerary
International and internal flights not indicated
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Beverages
Personal expenses
Gratuities for tour guides/drivers
Any items not mentioned as included
A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Seasonality and availability at time of booking.