Itinerary

Day 1 Cuzco-Arequipa
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Arequipa (not included). Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin your exploration of this lovely colonial city. Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 2 Arequipa
After breakfast you will be you will enjoy a tour of the “White City” of Peru. The modern city of Arequipa was founded on August 15, 1540, by Garci Manuel de Carbajal, an emissary of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. One year later, King Charles V of Spain gave it the rank of “City” and the coat of arms that it still keeps. The arrival of Spanish influence left many relics and colonial architecture, which reminds the visitor of the city’s colonial past, when it was the city with the highest proportion of Spanish population in the whole of Peru. You will see the Arequipa Cathedral which stretches the entire length of the north end of the Plaza de Armas. It was originally constructed in 1656. In 1844 the Cathedral was gutted by fire, rebuilt shortly thereafter and then destroyed in the earthquake of 1868. The Cathedral which stands today was rebuilt following the quake. You will also see the La Compania Church and Cloisters, one of the oldest churches in Arequipa and located on the southeast corner of the Plaza de Armas. It was completed in 1698 and boasts an elaborate sillar stone facade. Of note inside the church are the carved cedar main alter and the two chapels, Capilla Real and Capilla de San Ignacio. Next to La Campania are the Jesuit cloisters which remain much the same as they were during the colonial period. Next on the tour is a visit to the Andean Shrines Museum which focuses on the Inca Empire and high altitude finds. The most significant find displayed in the museum is the body of the young girl known as, Jaunita, the Ice Maiden of Mount Ampato. The girl, approximately 12 or 13 years old at the age of her death, is thought to have been a ritual sacrifice in Inca priests. In the afternoon you will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a cloistered convent built in 1580 and was enlarged in the 17th century. Built in the Mudejar style the convent is known for its vividly painted walls. There are approximately 20 nuns currently living in the northern corner of the complex, the rest of the complex is open to the public. The founder of the convent was the rich widow, Maria de Guzman. The tradition of the time indicated that the second son or daughter of a family would enter religious service, and the convent accepted only women from high-class families. Each nun at Santa Catalina had between one and four servants and invited musicians to perform in the convent, gave parties and generally lived a lavish lifestyle. Each family paid a dowry at their daughter’s entrance to the convent. The nuns were also required to bring 25 listed items, including a statue, a painting, a lamp and clothes. The wealthiest nuns may have brought fine English china and silk curtains and rugs. Although it was possible for poorer nuns to enter the convent without paying a dowry, it can be seen from the cells that most of the nuns were very wealthy. Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 3 Arequipa-Colca Canyon
This morning early drive to the Colca Canyon. You will take the road that passes between the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. On the way to the canyon you have the opportunity to visit a vicuna reserve before arriving to the picturesque towns of Callalli and Sibayo. Continue to the town of Chivay. Box lunch included. Remainder of the day is free to relax or visit the town. The Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is in the province of Caylloma and provides an incredible view of the majestic Andean condors soaring in their natural habitat. Overnight and dinner in a local lodge.

Day 4 Colca Canyon-Lima
Early departure to the “Cruz del Condor” site, the best place to admire the Colca Canyon and the famous Condor’s flight. On the way, you will visit archaeological remains, Inca terraces which are still in use and charming villages such as Maca, Achoma, and Yanque. You will also visit the hot springs at La Calera. Lunch included. Afternoon return to Arequipa and your flight to Lima (not included). Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel for overnight in Lima.

Day 5 Lima-End of Tour
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or you can extend your stay in Peru or continue to Ecuador or Bolivia.

Additional nights available

This tour can be combined with our Lima and Cusco tour