Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Arequipa between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. From there, you'll embark on a scenic drive towards the Colca Canyon. Along the way, you'll pass through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, where you may spot wild camelids such as vicuñas and alpacas. Continuing on, you'll reach the highest point of the route, Patapampa, at about 4,910 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes.
After descending to Chivay, located at 3,635 meters above sea level, you'll enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local restaurant. Following breakfast, the journey continues towards the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, one of the best places in the world to observe the majestic Andean condors soaring on thermal currents. On the way, you'll stop at the charming villages of Yanque, Maca, and Antahuilque to admire colonial churches, traditional terraces, and local culture, all nestled within stunning Andean scenery.
At Cruz del Cóndor, you'll take a short walk along the canyon’s edge for exceptional views of the deep gorge and the condors in flight, enhancing your connection with this natural wonder.
On the return journey, we stop at a scenic viewpoint where you can enjoy the famous Colca Sour cocktail, a refreshing local drink made from the fruit of a native cactus. Afterward, there is an optional visit to the thermal baths, where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by the stunning Andean landscape — perfect for unwinding if you choose to go.
After the optional thermal baths, enjoy a buffet lunch in Chivay with local dishes made from native ingredients. On the way back, stop at Patapampa (4,900 m.a.s.l.) to admire and photograph the stunning high-altitude scenery. Then visit the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve to see vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas in their natural habitat. Before heading to Arequipa, take a short break at Patahuasi for bathrooms and to stretch. Arrival at your hotel is expected between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic.
