Cotahuasi Canyon Trek is the deepest canyon in the world, situated in the northern of Arequipa, in the Union province. The Cotahuasi canyon, which extends from the foothills of the Solimana snowcapped mountain until the confluence of the Ocoņa River, has 3535m deep in the Marpa sector, being the deepest part of a wonderful trip where you can enjoy revitalizing thermo medicinal waters, white glaciers and a great variety of flora and fauna. The canyon is full of a great variety of sceneries that increase its beauty thanks to the vigilant presence of the Snow-capped Coropuna and Solimana Mountains.
The weather diversity in this region has helped creating the adequate habitats for a variegated flora and fauna. Species such as the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), the vicuņa (Vicugna) and the millenarian natural treasures have found in the depths of the Canyon, which added to the archaeological and cultural attractions in the zone, collaborated on it being declared National Tourist Reserved Zone in 1988.
we offer the experience of enjoying the wonders Coatahuasi canyon has, trekking along dazzling settings, crossing two hanging bridges that cross over the Cotahuasi River. The Cascade of Sipia is an impacting waterfall 150 meters high. Thanks to it you will be able to appreciate the power of the River and the depth of the Canyon. The water drops jumping everywhere form a constant rainbow that fills the place with magic colors. The place is ideal for the practice of mountain biking, canoing, rafting, rock scaling, trekking, fishing, horseback riding, etc.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arequipa / Toromuerto / Chuquibamba / Cotahuasi. At 6am we leave from Arequipa in our private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser going northwest; after 3 hours traveling we will arrive at the agricultural valley of Majes (600m) where we will visit the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto, located in the desert walls of this canyon. We will have 2 hours to locate more than a hundred of carved masses of volcanic rock with human, animals and plant figures, that were work by the old civilizations of Peru over 1200 years ago. We will also visit the pre-Inca cemetery of Cochate.
At 1pm arrival to the agricultural town of Chuquibamba, located over 3000 meters where we will be able to have lunch. Continuing with the 4x4 off road we will get the highest part of all the trip, 4700m, between the snow-caps of Coropuna (6450m) and Solimana (6325m). After 3 hours traveling over 4000 meters of height, we begin to descend to the canyon, until arriving at the colorful town of Cotahuasi (2600m). The town is surrounded by much flora and fauna. Hotel or camping at the border of Cotahuasi river.
Includes: (L, D).
Day 2: Sipia Waterfall / Visbe / Taurisma / Luicho. At 7am after breakfast in the hostel, we prepare for the trek to the waterfalls of Sipia. We take a picnic lunch and walk 3 hours downhill to the falls, hiking along green valleys (Piro - Toro) on the both side of the river, crossing hanging bridge on the Cotahuasi river, we will arrive to Sipia village, after 15 minutes more hiking we will be where the Cotahuasi river with its water volume fall from a height of 150m, giving origin to a permanent rainbow that form in steam clouds. Picnic there getting nice view of the deepest part of this canyon.
At 2pm we begin the return, taking 5 hours to climb back uphill. There is also the option to do the whole trip on horseback. Returning to our 4WD vehicle and travel up hill exploring Visbe and Taurisma, we will arrive to Alca (2900m) and very near we get to the thermal baths of Luicho, enjoy the swimming pools and stay in hotel or camping. Overnight.
Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 3: Return To Arequipa. We will get ready to one hour opportune for the return to Arequipa, not without before happening same stops in the way back. After 8 - 9 hours arrival to Arequipa, transfer to your hotel and end of service.
Includes: (L, D).
Price Includes:
- Official English speaking guide
- Private 4WD vehicle whole trip
- 2 nights camping
- 3 breakfast - 3 lunches - 2 dinner
- Camping gear (four season tents - sleeping pads)
- Entrance to Toro Muerto petroglyph and hot spring of Luicho
- Oxygen and first aid kit for all participants and our camp staff
- Tour price include government taxes
- Food and accommodation for our camp staff
- Present of our agency
Price Excludes:
- Soft and alcoholics drinks
- Sleeping bag can be hired in our local office in Arequipa US$5 per day (-15ēC)
- Not mentioned food or snack
- Tips for guide and camp staff
What You Need to Bring/Carry:
- Backpack 40lt
- Sleeping bag can be hired from our office for US$5 per day (-15ēC)
- Rain jacket or poncho (December - April)
- Strong comfortable and waterproof footwear
- One complete change of clothing
- Sweater and jacket (something warm)
- Bottle of water and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Arequipa/Peru)
- Flashlight and batteries
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
- Sun block (sun protection cream)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
- Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc
- Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit for hot springs of Luicho
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Private VIP service (private van):
2 participants US$689 each
3-4 participants US$640 each
5 to more participants US$580 each
Discount 5%: South American Explorers Club Members
Discount 10%: Tour Operators or Travel Agencies Only
Students: US$5 discount only with valid green ISIC card
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Mountain/Rock Climbing
Ecotourism
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