TERRACED-COUNTRY, CONDORS AND VOLCANOES

165 km north of Arequipa lies the spectacular Colca Valley, a picturesque Andean terraced-valley dotted with towns founded in the early colonial period. Leaving Arequipa, the road crosses the ‘Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve’, where alpacas and lamas pasture. Besides the reserve houses and protects several species threatened of extinction like guanacos, vicuñas and more than 70 varieties of birds.

The towns of the Colca Valley were built by the natives of that area, under the supervision of the Spaniards. The difficult topography of the land that doesn't allow an appropriate agriculture impelled the natives to build enormous terraces. Through an intelligent system of aqueducts and reservoirs, they could channel the huge quantities of water from the thaw of the perpetual snow capes, and through the irrigation techniques that they applied it was possible to cultivate big areas.

Practically the whole region of the valley is covered with thousands of hectares of staggered terraces, incrusted in the hillsides of the mountains. Colca is one of the most spectacular tourist destinations in Peru. The contrast of the countryside with the granite walls, volcanoes and snow capes, the wild life and the persistence in own cultural ways, are an unforgettable experience.

*Due to the short distance between the Colca Valley, Arequipa and Puno it’s posible to combine itineraries

*If you are interested in one of these tours, go to our contact form

COLCA VALLEY 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
DAY 1 / AREQUIPA - COLCA
Early departure from the hotel for a spectacular journey by bus to the Colca valley passing between the Misti and Chachani volcanoes, crossing immense high plateaus where vicuñas pasture. Overnight at a local lodge. (Boxl, D)
DAY 2 / COLCA - AREQUIPA
Early departure from the lodge to the ‘Condor Cross’ to admire the Colca Canyon and observe the majestic flight of the condors. After lunch return to the hotel in Arequipa. (B, L)
* Daily departures.
* Private bus.

From The Colca Valley you can continue your trip to Puno

*If you are interested in one of these tours, go to our contact form

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