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Arequipa is a tranquil and beautiful city in southern Peru. Often called the White City for its gleaming architecture built from white volcanic stone (called sillar), Arequipa enjoys almost 300 sunny days a year. The city sits at the foot of the majestic volcano El Misti on the western range of the Andes. Breathtaking scenery is only one of Arequipa’s treasures; it is also home to many other attractions such as the gigantic Santa Catalina convent, where nuns lived in complete seclusion for over 400 years.

Only a few hours from Arequipa is the majestic Colca Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world. The region is full of pre-Columbian terraces and soaring condors - massive birds with wingspans that can measure up to 18 feet. Unlike many other canyons, Colca is fertile and inhabited. With this tour, you’ll have a chance to venture out to the most remote villages of the canyon and observe local life.

Day 1 : Arrival to Arequipa & Arequipa Tour
Day 2 : Colca Canyon Tour & Overnight
Day 3 : Colca Canyon Tour & Return to Arequipa
Day 4 : Departure from Arequipa

Day 1 : Arrival to Arequipa & Arequipa Tour

• You’ll be met at the airport by a representative and taken to your confirmed Arequipa hotel to relax and acclimatize to the altitude (the city sits at 7,625 feet above sea level).
• In the early afternoon, an expert English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel for your Arequipa city tour. Starting at the main square, you’ll visit the town hall and the neo-classical Cathedral. You’ll continue on through the old colonial housing area to see the area’s famous mansions, many of which are intricately decorated with Baroque façades.
• The second part of your tour takes you to the local market were you’ll be able to mingle with the locals as they do their daily shopping. From here, your guide will leave you to explore further on your own.
• After your city tour you may return to your hotel, but we strongly recommend visiting the Santa Catalina Monastery.This beautiful building is a labyrinth of colorful walls and hidden rooms. From the top deck, there is an incredible panorama of the cityscape with snow-covered volcanoes and mountains in the background.
• For dinner, make sure you try the delicious Arequipeña cuisine, the pride of the region. Check out our Arequipa Travel Guide for great restaurant ideas. 

Day 2 : Colca Canyon Tour & Overnight

• Start the day early as you set off on a scenic drive to the Colca Canyon, by way of Chivay. This ride takes you through spectacular highland landscapes, making the journey just as important as the destination. As the road climbs up to Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca, keep your eyes open for wild vicuñas and visacahas, small rodents similar to rabbits.
• As you descend from the Patapampa, the highest pass on this journey at a staggering 4,820 meters (15,814 feet), you’ll begin to see pre-Colombian agricultural terraces as you get close to the town of Chivay.
• You’ll be taken to your Colca Canyon hotel and have the afternoon to relax amidst the pastoral beauty or soak in the nearby hot springs.

Day 3 : Colca Canyon Tour & Return to Arequipa

• This morning, you’ll depart for the Mirador Cruz del Condor. This is one of the best places to see condors, which are massive birds that soar gracefully on the wind current created by the canyon. Upon arrival to the lookout point, you’ll have to divide your time between tilting your head back to see the birds, and tilting it down to peer toward the canyon’s bottom, some 4,000 feet below.
• After you’ve had your fill of the scenery—on clear days, you may even see smoke billowing from the active volcano Sabancaya—you’ll head back to the town of Chivay.
• After some free time in Chivay, you will return to Arequipa, passing through the same lovely landscapes you experienced the day before. You’ll be taken back to your hotel in Arequipa and will have the evening to spend at your leisure. 

Day 4 : Departure from Arequipa

• After breakfast at your hotel, a representative will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport or bus station for your return journey home or on to your next destination.
• If you want to keep exploring this beautiful area, feel free to schedule an extra day in Arequipa. Alternatively, browse our full range of Peru tours to further explore this diverse country. 

Included

• 2 nights in Arequipa and 1 night in the Colca Canyon in hotels based on US standards
• All tours stated in the itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
• All transfers and entrance fees
• All breakfasts