AREQUIPA 2D/1N

programme QOLQA CANYON  2D/1N

Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, is located 1,024 km. (640 miles) south of Lima. It was founded in 1540 and is one of the country’s most attractive cities. Full of colonial churches and mansions, including Santa Catalina, a restored convent established in 1579 and now open to the public after being closed for 400 years, Arequipa is known as the White City because much of it is build of ashlar, the smooth white building stone carved from volcanic lava quarries.

Three volcanoes dominate the skyline: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. North of Arequipa lies the spectacular Colca Valley, a picturesque andean valley dotted with towns founded in colonial times

DAY 1 / AREQUIPA - COLCA
Early pick up from the hotel for a scenic bus ride passing between the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. On the way to the picturesque towns of Callalli and Sibayo, passengers will ride through a vicuña reserve, and then continue via the hot springs of La Calera to a local lodge for overnight. (BoxL, D)

DAY 2 / COLCA - AREQUIPA
Early departure to the `Condor Cross´, the best vantage point to admire the Colca Canyon and the majestic condor in flight. On the way back to the lodge, you will visit the picturesque towns of Pinchollo, Achoma and Yanque. After lunch, return to your hotel in Arequipa visiting Patapampa and the `volcanoes lookout´ on the way. (B, L)
* Daily departures.
* SIB also available with tour restrictions.
* Itinerary subject to change depending on weather conditions. Not recommended during rainy season: January and February.