The condor is a species that has been the focus of worldwide conservation efforts. The condors can be seen at close range as they fly past the canyon walls, and are a popular attraction. The Andean Condor typically lives about 60-70 years, and has a wingspan of about 2.1–2.7 meters (7–9 ft). It is commonly referred to as the "Eternity Bird," as the bird is a symbol of long life and eternity. 'Cruz del Condor' is a popular tourist stop to view the condors. At this point the canyon floor is 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) below the rim of the canyon.
The Trail to the Colca Canyon in Perú is part of an extensive Inca system of trails of more than 23,000 kilometers that integrated the Tahuantinsuyo Empire “The Inka Country” (which means four regions) that covered many South American countries such as Colombia, the west of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, to the center of Chile and the north of Argentina. These trails tended to be principally on the coast or in the mountains but in a few cases, they reached the tropical edge of the jungle at the Amazon Jungle.
The trails varied in quality and size, they could be 6 to 8 meters wide on the coast but, in the mountains the paving was only one meter wide but the path was audaciously steep and climbed over the difficult Andean mountains.
Maximum Altitude: 3,287mts
Distance Travelled: 6-8 kms
Approximate Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Calibri - Private room with bathroom and shower.
Between 03:00am to 3:30am we pick up you from your Hotel in Arequipa to travel to the Colca valley. We travel by bus approximately 4 hours to Chivay (the main town of the Valley). Here we stop for a late breakfast and to stretch our legs and then we continue towards Cabanaconde 3,287mts (approx. 2 hours) after lunch we begin our 3- 4 hours descent to the floor of the Colca Canyon.
We will be able to appreciate the diverse Andean and tropical vegetation and also the geological formation of the Canyon, from the formation period of the mountain range of the Andes. Once at the heart of the Canyon we will cross the San Juan de Chuccho suspension bridge to arrive to the town. Here we will spend the night at Hotel Colibri -Private room with bathroom and shower. Time to interact with the locals and enjoy their hospitality and dinner.
Meals: BLD
Maximum Altitude: 2,900 mts
Distance Travelled: 6-8 kms
Approximate Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Tropical -Private room with bathroom and shower.
After breakfast we recommence our trek climbing gradually to the Andean village of Tapay which is located at 2,900 mts. We will visit Coshñirhua and Malata Villages, located at 2,600 mts then we will visit an authentic church and see the way of life of the locals which are proud to preserve their traditions in a very rustic environment. Their customs lie very close to the "Pachamama" "mother earth".
You will appreciate very beautiful landscapes, ancient farming terraces to cultivate potatoes and other crops, snow-capped summits and a variety of flora and fauna. At 13:00 pm we descend again to the Colca River and arriving to the Oasis or Sangalle Valley 2,100 mts, relax at the swimming pool. After lunch there is time for exploration the abandoned mines, waterfalls and opportunity to fish trout in the Colca river, time to relax and enjoy this beautiful site. Accommodation in private room at Hotel Tropical.
Maximum Altitude: journey from Chivay to Arequipa over 5600 mt pass
Distance Travelled: 6-8 kms
Approximate Walking Time: 3-4 hours
At 4.00am we start our 3 hours walk out of the canyon. Once in Cabanaconde we will have breakfast at (7:45) and then head off for the Cruz del condor. We will stay for approx. 1 hour here, to be able to appreciate the majestic flight of the Andean Condor.
Soon we will continue on to arrive at Chivay at arrival 10:30 am. Once there we will have the opportunity to visit the thermal baths of medicinal waters with a temperature of 35 to 40ºC and opportunity for lunch in Chivay. At approx. 1.30pm we will return to Arequipa arriving approx. 17:00 pm. Transfer to your hotel
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