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Colca
Canyon
A
two or three day trip to the Colca Canyon can be made from
the city of Arequipa and is a popular excursion for those
passing through this area. On the way to Colca, reputedly
the deepest canyon in the world (this is contested with the
Cotahuasi which is the next canyon over), you firstly pass
through a national reserve where you will see the very rare
vicuna. The vicuna has the most expensive wool in the world
and is small and very timid member of the camel family. There
are many shops in the city selling garments made from this
very rare wool at good prices compared with what you would
pay at home.
After
leaving the vicunas behind the tour climbs up through the
volcanoes to a viewpoint at 5000 meters above sea level, the
highest point of the tour and the highest that many people
have ever been. From here you have great views of the volcanoes
including Ambato where the mummy Juanita was found sacrificed.
She is now in a museum in Arequipa which you can visit when
there.
Dropping
down you travel into the Colca Valley where we have a range
of hotels and lodges for your overnight stay/s at the head
of the canyon. Click the Our Hotels link
or send us an email to find out more. The afternoon is normally
spent taking a gently walk around the local area to get a
taste of local life. In the evening you will have chance to
go to the hot thermal springs and enjoy the warmth of the
water with spectacular views.
The
next morning is an early start to get the chance to see the
majestic Andean Condor swooping on the thermals over the canyon,
this is the largest land-living bird and normally you will
see at least 3 or 4 birds together, sometimes more. Apart
from the encounters with wildlife, simply walking around this
lovely place and meeting local people going about their business
is a real pleasure.
At
the end of your time in Colca you have the option of continuing
straight to Puno by bus or van if you are on a private tour
or if there are several people doing the same thing. Our fixed
departure tours do this. Many tours travel back to Arequipa
for the night before moving onwards to Puno, Nazca or Cusco.
Included:
Transport
from Arequipa to Colca and return. Plus all excursions in
the canyon.
Accommodation
in the Colca Valley, one or two nights.
Entrance
fees to Colca.
Expert
guides and drivers for your visit.
Price:
From US$ 200.00
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