Colca Discovery 2D/1N

We begin our journey between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m., picking you up from your accommodation in downtown Arequipa. Leaving the city behind, we set off on the road that climbs gradually into the vast Andean highlands. Soon, we arrive at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a high-altitude protected area rich in biodiversity and sweeping landscapes.

Here, at around 3,800 m.a.s.l., you’ll have the chance to observe herds of vicuñas—the smallest and most graceful of the South American camelids—grazing freely in the wild. These elegant animals, once endangered, are now a symbol of Andean conservation efforts. The setting is unforgettable: open plains backed by towering volcanoes such as Misti, Chachani, and Ubinas.

Before reaching Patahuasi, we take a scenic detour off the main highway toward a little-known natural wonder: the Stone Forest of Puruña, located at roughly 4,000 m.a.s.l. This surreal landscape of wind-sculpted rock formations offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience. We’ll take a 1-hour soft hike through the forest, where silence reigns and strange stone figures rise like ancient sentinels. This active pause not only reveals a hidden side of the highlands—it also helps your body begin to acclimatize gently to the altitude.

We then return to the main road and continue to Patahuasi (4,000 m.a.s.l.), a traditional rest stop where we pause to enjoy a cup of coca tea or a local herbal blend like muña or chachacoma—natural remedies known to support the body’s adjustment to high elevations.

As we continue ascending, the landscape opens into the Tocra wetlands (4,400 m.a.s.l.), a plateau crisscrossed by streams and dotted with native flora. Here, you may spot grazing alpacas, wild ducks, and even Andean flamingos, all living in harmony in this remote ecosystem. The quiet is only broken by the occasional breeze or the soft movement of water.

Next, we arrive at the Mirador de los Andes, also known as Patapampa, the highest point of the journey at 4,900 m.a.s.l. From this panoramic lookout, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of several volcanoes—including Ampato, Sabancaya, and Misti—standing tall across the horizon. Take a moment here; you are literally standing on the rooftop of the Colca Valley.

From the heights, we descend into greener valleys and terraced farmland carved by ancient civilizations. While many travelers stop in the town of Chivay, we venture further into the heart of the valley to the village of Coporaque (3,575 m.a.s.l.), one of the oldest and most authentic settlements in the region.

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a local host family, where a lovingly prepared home-cooked lunch awaits—fresh ingredients, Andean recipes, and heartfelt hospitality. Your accommodation tonight is in their family home, offering you a genuine cultural experience and a window into traditional highland life—simple, slow, and deeply rooted in community.

In the afternoon, we head to the nearby thermal baths, natural hot springs nestled between volcanic hills, where you can soak and unwind after a full day of exploration.

To end the day, you'll share a warm, homemade dinner with your host family, exchanging stories and learning about their way of life in the high Andes. The simplicity of this moment—far from the crowds and closer to the heart of the valley—makes for a truly memorable experience. Afterward, rest peacefully in your cozy room within the family home, under the vast, starlit Andean sky—ready for an early start the next morning.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast with your host family in Coporaque, we begin our journey with a visit to the charming town of Yanque, renowned for its legendary colonial church and the vibrant Wititi dance, a traditional performance declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture, witnessing how ancient traditions come alive through music and movement, reflecting the spirit of the Colca Valley communities.

Next, we stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the expansive Colca Valley, where you can marvel at the intricate agricultural terraces carved into the mountainsides, still in use after centuries. This is a perfect moment to appreciate the valley’s unique flora and fauna, as well as its rich pre-Hispanic heritage preserved in the landscape.

We then continue to Cruz del Cura, the starting point for a breathtaking trek that leads to the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Along the way, the trail offers numerous chances to spot Andean condors gliding gracefully above the canyon’s steep walls, as well as other native wildlife and panoramic vistas of the deepest canyon in Peru. This approximately 1.5-hour walk allows for a close connection with the raw beauty of the Colca Canyon and its dramatic geology.

After spending time at the Cruz del Condor—admiring the majestic flight of the condors and soaking in the awe-inspiring views—we return by vehicle. On the way back, we stop at a picturesque lookout where you can taste the local specialty, the Colca Sour, a refreshing cocktail inspired by the classic Pisco Sour but infused with native flavors.

Following this, we arrive at Chivay for a generous buffet lunch, featuring traditional Andean dishes that showcase the flavors of the region.

On our return trip to Arequipa, we make a short technical stop for those who wish to freshen up before continuing. We expect to arrive back in Arequipa around 4:00 to 4:30 p.m., concluding an unforgettable day filled with culture, nature, and breathtaking landscapes.