Arequipa Imperial and Coolca Canyon- History, Volcanoes and Living Nature in the White City 7D/6N

Upon arrival at the airport or bus terminal of Arequipa (2,335 m.a.s.l.), our representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals area holding an identification sign to welcome you and accompany you during the transfer to your hotel, in comfortable and safe tourist transportation.

During the journey, you will receive a first orientation about the city of Arequipa, known as the “White City,” as well as general recommendations for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will have free time to settle in, rest, and adapt before beginning the scheduled activities.

Likewise, our representative will provide detailed information about the itinerary for the following days, confirm pick-up times for the tours, meeting points, included services, and answer any questions you may have. You will also receive practical recommendations for your stay, such as nearby options, weather, safety, and useful tips to fully enjoy your experience in the city.

Overnight in Arequipa.

14:00 hrs – Start of the tour through the White City:
 We will begin our tour of charming Arequipa, known as the “White City” due to the use of sillar, a light-colored volcanic stone that adorns most of its colonial buildings.

Yanahuara Viewpoint:
 We will head to the traditional neighborhood of Yanahuara, famous for its sillar arches with poetic inscriptions. From this viewpoint, we will enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city and of the three giants that watch over it: the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.

Santa Catalina Monastery:
 One of the most important jewels of Arequipa, founded in 1579. This cloistered monastery is truly a city within a city, with cloisters, cobblestone streets, galleries, and colorful plazas that transport us to the splendor of the colonial era.

Cayma District:
 Known as the “Balcony of Arequipa,” this district preserves its colonial church and is famous for its picanterías, traditional restaurants where the most typical dishes of Arequipa’s gastronomy are still prepared.

Sabandía Mill:
 We will visit this 17th-century construction, surrounded by nature, where it is still possible to observe the old hydraulic system that used the force of water to grind grains. A true journey into the past.

Paucarpata Terraces:
 Finally, we will tour these impressive agricultural terraces of Inca and colonial origin, which to this day continue to fulfill their productive function and also offer a panoramic view of great beauty.

18:00 – Return to the hotel:
 We will conclude the tour by returning to your hotel, with the opportunity to enjoy the Arequipa afternoon on your own, perhaps tasting a coffee or a queso helado in the Main Square.

Overnight in Arequipa.

Deep adventure, ancestral villages and a natural oasis in the heart of the Colca Canyon

This program has been designed for travelers who want to experience the Colca Canyon from the inside, walking along ancient trails, visiting traditional villages, and resting in a natural oasis surrounded by palm trees. An experience that combines nature, living culture, physical effort, and relaxation in one of the deepest canyons on the planet.

Day 1: Arequipa – Cruz del Cóndor – Cabanaconde – San Juan de Chuccho – Sangalle Oasis

Pick-up and journey to the Colca Valley-  Very early, at 03:00 a.m., our tourist transport will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa. Accompanied by our professional guide, we begin the journey to the Colca Valley, crossing high-Andean landscapes, volcanic zones, and natural areas where it is possible to observe South American camelids such as llamas and alpacas.

Breakfast in Chivay-  After approximately 3 hours of travel, we arrive in the town of Chivay (3,635 m.a.s.l.), the capital of the valley. Here we will enjoy a traditional breakfast, ideal for acclimatization and preparation for the trekking day.

Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint –  We continue to one of the most iconic points of the Colca Canyon: the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint. We will have approximately 45 minutes to observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor, a sacred bird of the Andes, as it soars using the thermal currents of the canyon.

Start of the trek in Cabanaconde- Afterwards, we head to the village of Cabanaconde (3,287 m.a.s.l.), the starting point of our hike. From here we begin the descent into the Colca Canyon, passing through the natural viewpoints of Pampa San Miguel, from where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the route we will follow.

Descent toward the Colca River –  We start the hike along the edge of the canyon, enjoying spectacular views of the Colca River and the surrounding geological formations. The descent lasts approximately 3 hours until reaching the bottom of the canyon, where we cross the river via a suspension bridge.
During the trek, we will observe native flora, fruit trees, and traditional crops, reflecting how Andean people have adapted to this extreme environment.

Lunch in San Juan de Chuccho –  Arrival at the village of San Juan de Chuccho, one of the traditional settlements within the canyon. Here we will enjoy a local lunch prepared with regional products, at the previously coordinated time.

Walk through the canyon villages – After lunch, we continue our walk visiting the villages of Cosñirhua and Malata, small communities where the rural lifestyle of the Colca is still preserved, until reaching the spectacular:

Sangalle Oasis – Overnight stay – Arrival at the Sangalle Oasis, a true natural paradise located at the bottom of the canyon. Accommodation at
Hotel Paraíso Las Palmeras Lodge.

Free time to rest and enjoy the natural swimming pool (20°C), surrounded by palm trees, mountains, and a unique environment.
Dinner included.
At night, a group campfire is offered, ideal for sharing experiences under the starry canyon sky.
Overnight at the Sangalle Oasis.

Day 2: Sangalle Oasis – Cabanaconde – Chivay – Hot Springs – Arequipa

Early ascent to Cabanaconde –  Very early, at 05:00 a.m., after coordination with the guide, we begin the ascent from the Sangalle Oasis to Cabanaconde. This hike is demanding but offers breathtaking views of the canyon illuminated by the sunrise, becoming one of the most memorable moments of the tour.

Breakfast in Cabanaconde- Upon reaching the top again, we enjoy breakfast at the previously arranged restaurant, an ideal time to rest and regain energy.

Cultural tour through the Colca Valley
 We board our tourist transport and head toward Chivay, making strategic stops at:

• Antahuilque Viewpoint
• Observation of the impressive Inca agricultural terraces of the Colca
• Natural lagoons that change color depending on the sunlight
• Traditional village of Maca
• Visit to its colonial church
• Photos with Andean camelids and birds
• Time to purchase local handicrafts
• Optional tasting of Colca Sour, a typical drink made from cactus fruit
  

La Calera Hot Springs – Arrival at the thermo-medicinal hot springs of La Calera, where we will enjoy approximately 1 hour in its relaxing waters at 38°C, ideal for relieving muscle fatigue after the trek.

Lunch in Chivay – Return to the town of Chivay, where we will have time to enjoy lunch at the time previously coordinated with the group.

Return to Arequipa –  After lunch, we begin the return journey to Arequipa, making stops at:

• Mirador de los Andes: panoramic view of the southern Peruvian volcanic mountain range
• National Reserve: observation of wildlife, especially vicuñas
• Domesticated camelids such as llamas and alpacas
• Arrival in Arequipa
• Arrival in the city of Arequipa at approximately 05:00 p.m.

 High-Andean landscapes, wildlife, and the most impressive salt flat in southern Peru

Hotel pickup in Arequipa:
 We will begin the experience very early with pickup from your hotel located in the historic center of Arequipa. On board our tourist transportation, the local guide will welcome you and provide a brief introductory talk about the route, the altitude we will reach (up to 4,300 m.a.s.l.), the day’s weather conditions, and important recommendations to enjoy the tour safely and comfortably.

Route to Chiguata – Andean sunrise and guardian volcanoes
 Our journey will take us toward the traditional village of Chiguata, passing through rural landscapes, agricultural terraces, and vast high-Andean plains. Along the way, we will enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, especially beautiful at sunrise. Brief photo stops will be made to appreciate the golden light over the mountains and the natural surroundings.

Ascent to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
 We will continue ascending along a mountain road until entering the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, one of the most important protected natural areas in southern Peru. This high-Andean ecosystem is the natural habitat of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, as well as birds and small mammals adapted to high altitude. The guide will explain the ecological importance of the reserve and its role in biodiversity conservation.

Arrival at Salinas Lagoon – The salt flat of Arequipa
 Upon arrival at Salinas Lagoon, the landscape transforms into a unique setting.

• Dry season (May to November): the salt flat appears as a vast white plain of salt, creating an almost surreal environment.
• Rainy season (December to March): the lagoon fills with water and becomes a natural mirror reflecting the sky, volcanoes, and clouds—ideal for artistic photography and infinite perspectives.

This is one of the most emblematic points of the tour and one of the most photographed landscapes in Arequipa.

Light walk and observation of high-Andean wildlife
 We will take a gentle walk around the lagoon, ideal for acclimatization and for enjoying the surroundings at a relaxed pace. During the walk, you may observe Andean flamingos, parihuanas, high-Andean gulls, and, with some luck, vizcachas among the rocks. The guide will explain the geological formation of the salt flat and the natural balance of this fragile ecosystem.

Free time for photography and contemplation
 You will have free time to explore the area, rest, connect with the silence of the high plateau, and capture unforgettable photographs. The vastness of the landscape and the natural reflections make this moment one of the most special of the day.

Lunch en route or in Chiguata (not included)
 During the return journey, we will stop in a traditional town where you may optionally have lunch. Here you will find typical regional dishes such as fried trout, alpaca chicharrón, or Andean quinoa soup, prepared with local ingredients and authentic flavors.

Return to Arequipa – Natural viewpoint of the Misti Volcano
 On the way back, we will make a final stop at a natural viewpoint to admire the imposing Misti Volcano from a privileged angle, ideal for the last photographs of the day and to conclude the experience with unforgettable views.

Arrival in Arequipa (approx. 3:00 p.m.)
 Arrival in the city and transfer to the historic center of Arequipa or to your nearby hotel. End of our services, leaving as a memory a day full of nature, extreme landscapes, and connection with the Andean highlands.
Overnight in Arequipa.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 hrs – Start of the Route of the Sillar tour
 Our tour begins with the transfer to the Añashuayco quarries, located a few kilometers from the city. Here we will admire enormous walls of sillar—the white volcanic stone characteristic of Arequipa—which reach up to 30 meters in height. It is still possible to observe master stonecutters working in an artisanal manner, just as they did centuries ago, allowing us to appreciate the importance of this craft in the construction of the city.

We will then continue to the Culebrillas Ravine, a natural volcanic formation with narrow passages over 20 meters high, creating a true stone canyon. We will walk along its paths discovering petroglyphs, sculptures, and reliefs carved in sillar, which narrate episodes of Arequipa’s history and culture.

During the tour, we will learn about the importance of sillar in the identity of Arequipa, a city that, thanks to this volcanic stone, was named the “White City” and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12:00 hrs – Return to the hotel

At the scheduled time, we will provide the transfer from your hotel to the airport or bus terminal in Arequipa, offering assistance until the moment of your departure and ensuring a comfortable and well-organized conclusion to your trip.

We would like to sincerely thank you for choosing us to accompany you during these 7 days and 6 nights in Arequipa, during which we shared unforgettable experiences—from the majesty of the Colca Canyon to the cultural, scenic, and human richness of this wonderful region. For us, it has been a true honor to be part of your journey and to take care of each of your tours.

This is not a farewell, but a see you soon. Peru is a country full of fascinating destinations to discover, and we hope to have the opportunity to meet again to continue exploring together new routes, cultures, and wonders that this beautiful country has to offer.

Have a good trip, and we look forward to welcoming you again.