PIE05: DISCOVERING THE COLLAGUAS CULTURE AT THE COLCA VALLEY ( 2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT)

DESTINATION

Arequipa

Starts in:	Arequipa
Ends in	Arequipa

MIN:	MAX:
2	8
LEVEL:	Easy
PRICE:	US$ 100
IS IT FOR ME?
This trip is recommended for people with some level of Spanish, who desire to share their experiences with the locals.

Map: DISCOVERING THE COLLAGUAS CULTURE AT THE COLCA VALLEY ( 2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT)

SUMMARY

It also provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Colca Canyon, spending a cherished night with a local family, who will honor you by sharing their food and culture. Many of the villagers here who are from Indian decent, have barely traveled outside the region and will be just as interested to see you as you them.

ITINERARY
FIRST DAY As you continue by road to the highest point Patapampa (4,800m), the first thing that strikes you may well be the high volcanoes which surround you. But don´t worry only some of them are still active! You will arrive at Yanque in the beginning of the afternoon. That´s 3,400 meters above sea level but will be able to catch your breath, while staying in a private residential house owned and run by a family from the area. Here you will also have lunch while practicing your Spanish with a captive audience! In the afternoon, we will take a small walk, visiting the ruins of Uyo-Uyo, the pre-Inca terraces, the "colcas" themselves (caves in the rocks where food was stored and conserved in pre-Inca times) and end the day in style with a refreshing and invigorating bath in the thermal pools of Yanque. In the evening, you will be served with a traditional dinner by your host family before hitting the pillow. SECOND DAY Very early on on the second day we will have breakfast made with fresh and natural products from the local area. We will then head to the famous Mirador del Condor (the Condor Viewpoint) to watch the soaring flight of these magnificent birds of prey as they ascend on the thermals from the depths of the canyon. In case you have to identify one in a hurry, they have three meter wingspans, look a bit like vultures, with a vicar’s collar and a white stripe under their wings. From here one can also appreciate the depth and expanse of the Canyon itself, making the Grand Canyon look like a trench. Starting in the Andes about 100 miles north west of Arequipa, its vast green, fertile plains and plunging cliffs, contrast with the snow-capped peaks in the distance, which should produce an impressive frame for a photograph. On the way back, we shall make several stops in the small villages, which are characteristic of the Colca Valley. We arrive at Chivay- the provincial capital for lunch-and then return to Arequipa by bus in the afternoon. As you continue by road to the highest point Patapampa (4,800m), the first thing that strikes you may well be the high volcanoes which surround you. But don´t worry only some of them are still active! You will arrive at Yanque in the beginning of the afternoon. That´s 3,400 meters above sea level but will be able to catch your breath, while staying in a private residential house owned and run by a family from the area. Here you will also have lunch while practicing your Spanish with a captive audience! In the afternoon, we will take a small walk, visiting the ruins of Uyo-Uyo, the pre-Inca terraces, the "colcas" themselves (caves in the rocks where food was stored and conserved in pre-Inca times) and end the day in style with a refreshing and invigorating bath in the thermal pools of Yanque. In the evening, you will be served with a traditional dinner by your host family before hitting the pillow. SECOND DAY Very early on on the second day we will have breakfast made with fresh and natural products from the local area. We will then head to the famous Mirador del Condor (the Condor Viewpoint) to watch the soaring flight of these magnificent birds of prey as they ascend on the thermals from the depths of the canyon. In case you have to identify one in a hurry, they have three meter wingspans, look a bit like vultures, with a vicar’s collar and a white stripe under their wings. From here one can also appreciate the depth and expanse of the Canyon itself, making the Grand Canyon look like a trench. Starting in the Andes about 100 miles north west of Arequipa, its vast green, fertile plains and plunging cliffs, contrast with the snow-capped peaks in the distance, which should produce an impressive frame for a photograph. On the way back, we shall make several stops in the small villages, which are characteristic of the Colca Valley. We arrive at Chivay- the provincial capital for lunch-and then return to Arequipa by bus in the afternoon.
INCLUDED		NOT INCLUDED
Private transport Official tour guide Accommodation in the family house One lunch, one dinner, and one breakfast Three hours walk with guide Entry to the hot springs		Tourist ticket to the Colca valley US$10.00 Last lunch in Chivay US$5.00 Tips
NOTES		TESTIMONIALS

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PIE05: DISCOVERING THE COLLAGUAS CULTURE AT THE COLCA VALLEY ( 2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT)