Cusco, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lagoon and 7 Colors Mountain Tour
The Colca Valley Arequipa 5-Day Tour is a unique experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, local culture, and nature at its finest. During this journey, we will discover wonders such as the Sillar Route, the impressive Colca Canyon, and picturesque Andean villages, while enjoying the hospitality and traditions that make this destination unforgettable. In addition, each day offers the opportunity to explore new routes, observe the majesty of the Andean condor, and immerse yourself in the cultural richness that defines this region of southern Peru.
Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Arequipa
- Reception at the Arequipa airport.
- Transfer and accommodation at the hotel.
- Free time to acclimate and rest.
Day 2: Sillar Route
- Excursion to the Añashuayco quarry to learn about the Sillar Route.
- Explanation of the extraction and carving process of the sillar, the typical white volcanic stone of Arequipa.
- Visit to the Culebrillas Ravine, where pre-Inca petroglyphs can be found.
- Return to the hotel and free time.
Day 3: Arequipa – Chivay (Colca Valley)
- Departure to Chivay, passing through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
- Stop at viewpoints to observe volcanoes and vicuñas.
- Arrival in Chivay and accommodation at the hotel.
- Free time to visit the La Calera Hot Springs.
Day 4: Chivay – Colca Canyon
- Visit to the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint to observe condors flying over the Colca Canyon.
- Stops at scenic viewpoints to enjoy panoramic views of the canyon.
- Visit to traditional villages such as Yanque and Maca.
- Return to Arequipa.
Day 5: Return Trip
- Transfer to the Arequipa airport for your return flight to Lima.
🌍 Travel Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival to Arequipa
- Day 2: Sillar Route
- Day 3: Arequipa - Overnight in Chivay
- Day 4: Chivay - Colca Canyon
- Day 5: Travel from Arequipa to Lima.
📅Day 1: Arrival in Arequipa
Upon your arrival in the city of Arequipa, our staff will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name to give you a warm welcome to the White City of Arequipa and transfer you to your hotel, where you’ll be greeted with a complimentary coca tea.
📅Day 2: Sillar Route
We start our tour from the historic center heading toward the quarries. Along the way, our professional guide will share details about the construction techniques using volcanic rock (Sillar). Our first stop will be at a volcano viewpoint located between the towns of Cayma and Zamacola, where we can admire the three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, and take stunning 360° panoramic photos.
Continuing our journey, we’ll visit the Sillar Quarries the very place where the White City was born. We’ll enter the site to observe the enormous rock formations carved by hand.
Next, we’ll have a hands-on experience learning from local stonemasons about the ancestral technique of sillar extraction, preserved since colonial times.
We then board our transport to visit the Virgen de Culebrillas Quarry, where we’ll take a fascinating 20-minute walk through a mysterious and unique environment surrounded by pink walls. Here, we’ll see pre-Inca petroglyphs that reveal the spiritual life and beliefs of ancient peoples. You’ll also learn about the symbolism of the traditional “apachetas” (stone offerings) and even build your own.
After the walk, we return to the city center by bus.
📅Day 3: Arequipa – Overnight in Chivay
At 8:00 a.m., we begin our trip to one of the deepest and most beautiful canyons in the world. Our base will be the town of Chivay, which we will reach in approximately 4 hours, including all scenic stops along the way.
Our first stop is Pampa Cañahuas, where we can observe wild vicuñas roaming freely. Nearby, we’ll stop at Patahuasi to enjoy a traditional coca tea an essential drink to prevent altitude sickness (soroche).
We’ll then make a brief stop at the Toccra wetlands to see large herds of alpacas grazing. A must-see stop is the Volcanoes Viewpoint, the highest point of the route at 4,800 meters above sea level, offering a breathtaking view of the western mountain range. From this point, it’s just about 40 minutes to reach Chivay.
Around 12:30 p.m., we’ll arrive in Chivay to enjoy a delicious lunch (not included). After lunch, we’ll check into our hotels.
In the afternoon, you can relax in the La Calera Hot Springs (optional entrance, not included), where the thermo-medicinal waters range between 35°C and 38°C.
📅Day 4: Chivay – Colca Canyon
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint, located about 30 minutes away. It’s the main observation point of the Colca Canyon and the perfect spot to watch the spectacular flight of the Andean condor. We’ll spend about 45 minutes here to fully enjoy the view of the canyon.
On the return trip, we’ll stop at several scenic viewpoints to admire the impressive agricultural terraces of the valley, and we’ll visit the town of Maca, where you can see its beautiful church and optionally taste local drinks such as the Colca Sour, made from regional ingredients.
📅Day 5: Travel from Arequipa to Lima
After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Lima.
Includes
- Private transportation service
- One night of accommodation in Arequipa
- Entrance to the Sillar Route
- Entrance to the La Calera Hot Springs
- Buffet lunch and dinner show in Chivay
- Tourist transportation
- Professional guide
- Entrance to the Colca Valley
Not Included
- Breakfast at the hotel
Recommendations
- Thermal clothing for cold weather
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain poncho
- Hat and sunscreen
- Personal medications
- Camera
- Extra money in Peruvian soles
Colca Valley tour frequently asked questions
What clothes should I bring for the tour?
Is it necessary to acclimatize before visiting the Colca Valley?
Although not strictly necessary, it is recommended to spend at least one day in Arequipa to adapt to the altitude (2,335 meters above sea level) before heading to the Colca Valley, which is at a higher altitude.
Is this tour suitable for people of all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for people of all ages. However, people with mobility problems or specific health conditions should inform us in advance in order to adapt the activities.
What is the best time of the year to take this tour?
The tour can be done all year round, but the best time is between April and October, during the dry season, when weather conditions are ideal for visits to the Colca Valley and the Colca Canyon.
Why Choose Machu Picchu Wayna?
- ✅ 100% authorized and reliable local agency
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