Itinerary
Day 1: Arequipa – Cabanaconde – Llahuar
This excursion starts from the city of Arequipa. We will start our journey to the Colca Valley at 3:00 AM. You will be picked up from your hotel, and then you will be driven to the tourist bus station to travel to Cabanaconde, a town located on the banks of the Colca Canyon. During the bus ride, we will be able to appreciate the beautiful high Andean landscapes, including the Aguada Blanca reserve, where it is possible to observe herds of Vicuñas and Alpacas. Later, we will pass an cove that sits 4800 meters high, and then we will descend to the banks of the Colca Canyon, passing through the community of Chivay. From here, our journey continues through the left bank of the Canyon, which means that the participants will be able to appreciate a beautiful landscape along the route until we reach the town of Cabanaconde. We will arrive at the town of Cabanaconde around 1:00 p.m., just in time for lunch. Later, we will begin to descend to the depths of the Colca, using a winding path that will take us to the bottom of the canyon, until we reach a small community called Llahuar. We will be arriving at the Llahuar community at approximately 5:00 p.m. In this place we will have free time to explore the area and then we will have dinner with our group in the light of the stars. We will spend the night in this community.
Day 2: Llahuar – Paclla – Sangalle
After breakfast, we will continue with our walk through the Colca canyon, until we reach the community of Paclla. At this spot, we will find an unique viewpoint of Apachetas (piles of stones placed vertically, used by the people of the Andes as a sign to mark the way). Continuing with our excursion, we will walk for about 4 hours until we reach the town of Sangalle, where we will rest and eat our lunch. In the afternoon, we will take a well-deserved bath in the natural pools of Colca, in a beautiful place called the Oasis. We will stay overnight in this place.
Day 3: Sangalle – Cruz del Cóndor – Chivay – Arequipa
We will start the day’s journey very early at 4:00 AM since the path to follow is very steep, and it is better to do it early in order to avoid the sun’s rays and the worst of the heat. This ascending walk will take us about 3 hours, and will lead us to the famous natural viewpoint known as Cruz del Cóndor. Here, we can appreciate the wonderful flight of the condor, a spectacular type of scavenger bird that lives on the cliffs of the Colca canyon. Later, we will take a public bus to the town of Chivay, where we will have lunch, and then we will visit the thermal baths of La Calera. In these baths, we can relax for about an hour in warm waters of 30 degrees Celsius, enjoying the outdoor pool and a unique landscape that only the Colca Canyon can offer. In the afternoon, we will take a local bus back to Arequipa, and will be arrive there around 6:00 p.m, at which point the excursion will end
Included/Not Included
Included
Professional guides: Highly trained guides for high mountain terrain and Inca history
Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
Permits: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, bus from the point of departure to the point of return.
Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, and two person dormitory tents
Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike.
Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
First aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this hike are included in the list price.
Satellite phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.
Not included
Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest:
Inflatable air mattress: $ 15
Walking sticks: $ 10
Sleeping bag: $ 20
Daypacks: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.
Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps
Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek.
Price
Group Tour: 650 $ per person, This means the journey is open for other Altitude travelers to join you. Our guide is prepared for different walking rhythms.
Note: If you want a private tour you can contact our representative to set the prices
