Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Puno - Crucero Alto - Lagunillas - Pampas Cañahuas - Chivay - Hot Spring. At 7am pick from your hotel and journey in our private 4DW or tourist van, on the way will stop at Crucero Alto this is the highest pass between Puno and Arequipa, is above 4490m - 14457ft situated in the Santa Lucia province.
Lagunillas Viewpoint situated on the half way between Puno and Arequipa, there series of beautiful small lagoons called Lagunillas, where is possible to see Andean Flamingos, others Andean birds and trout farms fishing on their artisan boats. Here stop to enjoy our delicious snack include the spectacular views and peaceful atmosphere. Stone Forest of Imata the giant stone forest have been eroded over millions of years by the wind, rain and humidity to form the shapes of trees, animals and human figures.
Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve located at more than 4000m - 12900ft, inside this reserve is Pampas Cañahuas, almost behind the Chachani Volcano, where the Vicuñas (Vicugna) are protected is, is one of two wild South American camelids along with the Guanaco, which lives in the high Andes. It is a relative of the Llamas and the Alpaca. Vicuñas produce small amounts (about a pound per year) of extremely fine wool. It is understood that the Incas raised Vicuñas for their wool, and that it was against the law for any but royalty to wear vicuña garments.
From the Aguada Blanca and Salinas Reserve we drive up to the highest pass between Puno and the Colca canyon, the pass is named Patapampa (4850m) considerate highlands viewpoint, from where is possible to see snow caps and volcanoes, will stop every place to get short break getting pictures from all each place you like. At 2pm we will arrive in Chivay town, located over 3600m, there you can choose any restaurant to get your lunch, after that we supply your room, leaving our stuff and ready to a short hike for two hours to the pre-Incas ruins called Uyo Uyo and then continue driving to the thermal pools, two hours enjoying the hot spring.
At 7pm visit the Maria Reiche Planetarium, we invite you to immerse in the mysteries of the Colca Valley sky and enjoy the performance "Colca deep Canyon, deep sky". You can learn how the ancient inhabitants of the Andes interpreted the night sky according to their myths and beliefs. The performances include projecting constellations in the Planetarium dome as well as observing the stars of Colca`s sky through a professional telescope. Over night at this town, in a selected lodging.
Optional: Before or after lunch you can combine horseback riding around the canyon or downhill bike trip, both tours are additional cost. Also is possible to spend the night at Yanque village is so much quiet of Chivay, please let us know at booking time.
Day 2: Chivay - Condor Cross - Cabanaconde - Huambo - El Pedregal - Arequipa. At 6am is the breakfast and travel 2 hours on our transport through nice views from the river and Colca valley, colony churches, handicraft markets, green villages on the both banks of the canyon and local people working the ancient pre-Incas terraces. At 8am arrive to the famous Condor Cross, at this place is possible to appreciate the fly of Condors or sometimes seating on the big rocks, two hours spending looking this amazing and biggest bird in the world, also there are many villages at the deep part of this spectacular Canyon.
After 2 hours at this impressive place we continue driving entering to Cabanaconde town located over 3280m. Cabanconde is considerate the home of the Cabanas people based in the agriculture activities. Driving we get another pass between Cabanconde and Chinini, from this point we can have nice view of the majestic Colca canyon and the mountainous range. Descend on dirt serpentine road to Huambo town (3100m) surrounded by pre-Inca terracing and protected by huge mountain. Stride down of Huambo valley is the deepest and arid part of the Colca canyon. At 1pm we drive up to 4300m, from here spectacular view of Ampato snow capped (20700ft - 6310m), Hualca Hualca Mountain and part of Solimana volcano, stop for delicious picnic surrounded by pure nature and amazing landscaped.
After pleasant time viewing Ampato continue Off Road Tour through small volcanoes valley and then descent the coastal area denominated El Pedregal (1600m). 2 hours of transfer from to Arequipa by the Pan-Americana highway.
Optional: You can have privet transfer from El Pedregal to Nasca or Lima, another option is to catch a public to Lima or Nasca, please let us know at the booking time.
Price Includes:
- Private 4DW or tourist van
- Experienced English speaking tour guide
- 1 night in the selected lodging
- Entrance fee to the National Park - Colca Canyon (some tour operators doesn’t include this ticket)
- 2 hours of short trekking
- 1 breakfast - 2 buffet lunches - 1 dinner with life music show
- Visit the Planetarium Maria Reiche/Projecting constellations
- First aid kit for all participants and our cam staff
- Food and accommodation for our camp staff
- Tour price include government taxes
- A present of our agency
Price Excludes:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Breakfast on the first day
- Tips for guide and camp staff
- Horseback riding or bike tours (this option are able to do between Chivay and Yanque on the first day)
- Fishing gear
- Entrance to the hot spring in Chivay US$4 per person
Rain Season: November to April, some high passes are covered with snow. This tour leave every day even the rain season.
Best Time for Travel: After rain season (April to June) the mountains are completely covered with snow and the slops are cover with new vegetation and wildlife amazing and spectacular views for photos lovers.
Advice for Travelers: On the rain season take you rain gear and some medicines for altitude, some of this medication are Coramina or Soroche pills both can be buy in the local pharmacies. Take swimsuit to enjoy thermal baths on the first day (Chivay or Yanque). We strongly recommend to choose Yanque for spend the night at this quiet town.
What You Need to Bring/Carry:
- Small backpack
- Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Puno/Peru)
- Tennis shoes
- One complete change of clothing
- Water bottle during the travel between Puno and Colca valley
- 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 the hot springs in la Raya pass)
- Extra money (soles)
According the program you will not go back to Puno, which means to bring all stuff with you.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Private VIP service (private 4DW):
2 participants US$297 each
3-4 participants US$227 each
5 to more participants US$200 each
Discounts:
10% - Tour Operators only
5% - South American Explorers Club Member and children (till 14 years old)
3% - Student with valid green ISIC card
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
|
