Your Travel Experience with Argentinien Pro
Day 1
Journey to Colca Canyon
Early in the morning, around 4:00 a.m., you’ll begin your approximately four-hour drive to the Colca Valley. Along the way, with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to spot vicuñas, the rarest species of South American llama. You’ll also enjoy the unparalleled views of the valley and see various villages typical of this region. To help you acclimate to the altitude (highest point 4,850 m), you will be served a cup of coca tea. This is a traditional Peruvian beverage believed to have many health benefits. When weather conditions are favorable, condors often take flight from the canyon just a few meters away from you to go hunting. Afterward, you’ll take a short hike along the edge of the canyon and continue to the “Antahuilque” viewpoint, from where you’ll have an excellent view of pre-Inca terraces dating back more than 1,500 years. After returning to the village of Chivay, where you’ll have time for lunch, you’ll head back to your hotel for a short rest.
In the afternoon, feeling refreshed, you’ll visit the natural hot springs nestled among the picturesque mountains. Overnight stay at the Casa Andina Colca Hotel. Overnight stays at the El Refugio Hotel or the Colca Lodge are available for an additional fee.
Day 2
Condor's Cross and Thermal Springs
Today you’ll need to get up early to marvel at the king of the Andes, the condor—one of Peru’s national symbols—in its natural habitat. When weather conditions are favorable, the condors often take flight from the canyon just a few meters away from you to go hunting. Afterward, you’ll take a short hike along the edge of the canyon and continue on to the “Antahuilque” viewpoint, where you’ll have a great view of pre-Inca terraces that are more than 1,500 years old. After returning to the village of Chivay, where you’ll have time for lunch, you’ll head back to your hotel for a short rest.
In the afternoon, feeling refreshed, you’ll visit the natural hot springs nestled among the picturesque mountains. You’ll stay at the same hotel as before. Overnight stay at Hotel Casa Andina or similar. For an additional fee, an overnight stay at Hotel El Refugio or Colca Lodge is available.
Day 3
Drive to Cusco
After breakfast, a full-day overland drive through the Andean highlands to Cusco. Arrival in Cusco in the early evening.