Arequipa and Colca Canyon: City, Culture & Condors

This two-day adventure brings together the best of Arequipa and the Colca Canyon. We’ll start in the “White City,” walking through its beautiful plaza, monastery, and colonial streets with the volcanoes watching over us. In the afternoon the road takes us into the Andes, across wide open landscapes and tiny villages, until we reach the Colca Valley where we spend the night.

The next morning is all about the canyon — standing at Cruz del Cóndor as the giant birds soar past, exploring viewpoints with terraces carved centuries ago, and feeling the power of one of the deepest canyons in the world. It’s a short trip, but full of moments you’ll never forget.

Day 1: Exploring Arequipa and heading into the Andes

In the morning at 9 AM we’ll wander through the heart of Arequipa by foot, starting at the Plaza de Armas with its elegant colonial arcades and the cathedral standing proudly against the volcanoes in the distance.

Then a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery feels like stepping back in time, with its colorful alleys and peaceful courtyards. Along the way, we’ll pass churches, old casonas, and some of the most beautiful corners of the “White City.”

Before heading to lunch, we’ll make a stop at the San Camilo Market, one of the liveliest spots in Arequipa. Walking through its colorful stalls is like stepping into the daily life of the city. You’ll see towers of fresh fruit from the valleys, fragrant herbs used in traditional medicine, cheeses, breads, and even the famous Arequipeño chocolates and sweets. It’s the perfect place to feel the local vibe, chat with vendors, and maybe taste something fresh before continuing to the picantería for a hearty traditional lunch.

After the tour, it’s time for lunch in a traditional picantería, one of Arequipa’s most beloved food traditions. Here you can taste local specialties like rocoto relleno, torrejas de verduras, estofado, chupe de camarones or soltero de queso, all cooked with that unmistakable Arequipeño flavor.

In the afternoon, we leave the bustle of Arequipa behind and begin the road trip towards the Colca Valley. The landscapes change quickly: first wide open plains where vicuñas graze, then high-altitude passes where snowcapped volcanoes fill the horizon. At nearly 4,900 meters, we’ll pause to take in the views before descending into the green terraces of the Colca. By evening we arrive in Chivay.

Accommodation  and dinner with folk show.

Day 2: Condors, canyons and villages

Breakfast and departure for reaching  Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the most famous lookout in the valley. Standing at the edge of the canyon, you’ll watch as giant condors rise with the morning thermals, gliding silently just a few meters overhead — a moment that stays with travelers forever. 

Here, we can do a hike for around 50 minutes from Cruz del Cura to Cruz del condor, along the path we will see the amazing canyon.

The journey continues along the canyon’s rim, with stops at natural viewpoints like Antahuilque and Choquetico, where you can see terraces built by ancient civilizations and dramatic drops into the canyon below. We’ll also visit small villages such as Maca and Yanque, where baroque churches and local traditions are still part of daily life.

After lunch in the valley, we begin the return trip across the highlands, once more passing herds of alpacas and volcano landscapes. Arrival back in Arequipa and drop off to the hotel.

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