To the north of Arequipa is the higher course of the Colca
river valley which deep canyon is renowned among rafters.
The section previous to the canyon consists of an encased
valley that runs from east to west, beginning in the cold
puna and running down to warmer regions, showing its great
scenic beauty and cultural attractiveness.
Colcas; One of the survival skills of
the ancient Colca people was the ability to store large
amounts of grain for hard times the warehouses, known as
'colcas', gave name to the valley. In the 'cool' caves of
Pumunuta, it is possible to see circular colcas a meter
(3.28 feet) in diameter, mad of mud and straw.
Cruz del Condor; Usually, in such a deep
valley, the rising winds are surprisingly strong which big
condors take advantage of to soar into the sky easily. Between
Maca and Cabanaconde, where winds are even stronger, is
the Cruz del Condor, an observation point, perfect for watching
the condors while they fly majestically.
Day 01: Arequipa - Chivay Valley.
We will pick you up at your hotel at 8am. We journey to
the Colca Valley in the way we several stops in the Salinas
and Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve (4400m), a natural habitat
for the Vicuñas, Llamas, and Alpacas. We will have
views of the Papa Pampa (4850m) highlands, Snow capped mountains
and volcanoes. Around 1:00pm arriving to Chivay (3600m)
where you will be served a wonderful buffet lunche on and
perhaps be surprised by an Andean music group to accompany
the meal. After a brief refreshing stop in your hotel, we
visit amd enjoy the Hot Springs. A folkloric show will accompany
your dinner at 8:00pm (L+D).
Day 02: Condor Cross - San Juan de Chuccho
After breakfast, at 8:00am, you will arrive to the “Condor’s
Cross” from where this great Andean bird, the Condor,
may be spotted flying in circles above still farmed green
pre-Hispanic terraces. At 09:30am, we will continue our
journey to the Tapay point of view (Quetchua word that means
with a nest). This is a strategic view point of the canyon
and of various small villages situated inside the canyon.
After, you will start the trek in las Pampas San Miguel
at 3300m. From here you will walk down into the canyon close
to Tapay. Set up camp at San Juan de Chuccho 2400m. (B+L+D).
Day 03: San Juan de Chuccho - Llatica Canyon, Fure
Village.
At 7:00am after breakfast we start ascent to our next village,
Tapay (3000m). We continue into Cosñirhua and Malata
(2600m). We might stop into a small in to taste some of
the local produce or enjoy a cool drink, or simply relish
the local landscape, Wary built terraces, snow-capped summits,
and rich varieties of flora and fauna. We continue from
the Colca Canyon to the less traveled Llatica Canyon. We
ford small rivers, pass through cactus forests (sometimes
covered by delicious tunas), and enter dry and dusty zones.
After a number of bends in the mountains, we arrive at Fure
(3100m), located on the left rim of the Llatica canyon.
At 2:00pm lunch is prepared in the family lodge which is
located over on a small hill, supported by pre Incas terraces
and worked by local villagers. The views of the verdant
valley can be breathtaking. (B+L+D).
Day 04: Fure Village - Waruro Waterfall & Llahuar
Lodge.
After the breakfast, we start our short trek to
an incredibly little visited, waterfall, Waruro (80m). Our
hike in the mysterious mist of the morning, takes us along
the right bank of the Llatica River. We follow a narrow
animal path in the midst of cactuses, around cliffs and
past foliage-covered ancient tombs. Waruro is a most powerful,
thunderous waterfall, forming an oasis in all seasons. We
take our leave and continue our trek going down to Llatica
village. We cross the river by a hanging bridge over rushing
water and explore this quiet place. Around 2:00pm within
the deepest area of the Colca canyon. Llahuar Lodge (2100m)
presents a haven situated between the Colca and Llatica
Rivers. We enjoy lunch while we relish views of both canyons.
We can enjoy the thermals pools below the lodge offer a
wonderful reward and a quiet place within a lush garden
for the day's efforts. Occasionally has been known to pull
out his guitar and add additional atmosphere to the evening's
delicious dinner. (B+L+D).
Day 05: LLahuar Lodge - Soro Valley, Toro muerto
Petroglyphs
We breakfast as we watch the sunrise light up the
canyon. A short (two hour) relatively level trek along the
left bank of the Colca river, takes us across abandoned
terraces completely covered by cactus through a small valley
called Soro (2050m). It’s a breathtaking drive back
up the canyon along a serpentine road smoothly executed
by our experienced drivers. The views beckon us to make
several photographic stops because it’s hard to imagine
that what’s to come can quite match the current scene.
At the highest point of our journey in the Andean range,
at the "Mirador del “Ampato" we have a good
view of the Ampato, a snow covered mountain. In 1995 the
mummy of 14 year old "Juanita" was found by climbers.
We travel to the coast. In way back we'll visit to the mysterious
Toro Muerto Petroglyphs on a desert plain (2 hours = 600m)
found within green fields of reclaimed dessert, and then
continue to Arequipa (4 - 5 hours).(B+L).
B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
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