Classic & Colca Canyon Trek 4 days

This is a beautiful valley loaded with history, a lukewarm sun and amazing geography, which holds one of the deepest canyons on the planet in its territory, and keeps alive the traditions of a handful of towns of ancestral origins. The Colca Canyon is the second deepest in the world, after that of Cotahuasi, both located in the Department of Arequipa, and it is situated along the homonymous valley. Its depth reaches up to 3180 metres, becoming a natural wonder worthy of admiration.

One of the first places you will visit is Chivay, the most important town within the valley, which is reached after a three-hour trip from the City of Arequipa. There are tours departing from here bound for the other towns, created as “Indian Reductions” in the XVI century as instructed by Viceroy Toledo to house the christened descendants of the Collagua people, of Aymara origins, and the Cabanas, of Quechua origin. The population has managed to keep intact many of their customs, such as the use of farming terraces and some of their ancient traditions as well, reflected in the diversity of their feasts and in their flashy costumes.

ITINERARY
Day 01: Arequipa - Chivay
Around 7:30 and 8:00am we pick you up from your hotel and departure by bus on your excursion towards the Colca Valley across Yura, Pampa Cañahuas, habitat of herds of vicuñas and stopping at the marshes, to have a sight at birds, as Flamenco. We will stop in the volcanoes point of view, which is also the highest point of our trip (4.800 mts), to appreciate a big part of the occidental mountain range. Arrival to Chivay around 13:00 to have lunch. In the afternoon we have a hike of 2 hours from the beautiful village of Coporaque, in the other side of the river. From there you will have nice views on the other side of the Valley and on a pre-Inca cemetery. Then, if you want, you can relax in the Calera thermal baths.
Meals: Including Lunch and dinner

Day 02: Chivay - Cruz del Condor - 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.
Meals: Including breakfast, Lunch and dinner

Day 03: San Juan de Chuccho - Sangalle
After breakfast the trek begin long ascent to our next village called Tapay (3000 meters high). Visit Cosñirhua and Malata (2600 meters above sea level) its church of mixed racial ancestry, sights of the local landscape, very old terraces, snow-capped summits, varieties of flora and fauna.
At 13:00 am Descend again to the Colca River and arriving to the Oasis or Sangalle Valley (2100 meters above sea level) and accommodation in the cabins or camping, relax at the swimming pool, lunch and exploration to the abandoned mines, waterfalls and fish for trout in the Colca river, time to relax and enjoy the natural resource. Camping in Sangalle 2225m, a beautiful oasis.
Meals: Including breakfast, Lunch and dinner

Day 04: Sangalle and Back to Arequipa
After breakfast, you will ascend the "ladder" of the Colca Canyon and head towards the town of Cabanaconde at 3230m. A visit to the thermal spa in Calera before returning to Chivay and private transport back to Arequipa.
Meals: Including breakfast, Lunch

Prices per person:

	2 pax	3-4 pax	5-6 pax	7-9 pax	up to 10 pax
Prices	$350	$320	$290	$260	$230

What is included:
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
- Private transport from your hotel to the start of the trail (Chivay - Cabanaconde) and back to Arequipa. 
- Entrance fee to Colca Canyon
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 9 persons).
- 2 nights in a familiar lodge into the Colca Canyon
- 1 one hostal in Chivay
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food)
- Teatime (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
- First aid kit.

What is not included:
- US$4 entrance for hot spring LA CALERA in Chivay.
- Tips for the guide (A good rule of thump is anywhere from $5-10 dollars per day).

You should bring:
- Sleeping bag - Small Ligth Backpack - Trekking shoes - Water bottle - Flash light, - hat - Personal Clothing - Insect repellent - Day pack - Toilet paper - some pocket money - camera with extra rolls - Sandals, Swimming cloth - Sunglasses.

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