Wonderful Arequipa and enigmatic Puno

06 Days / 05 Nights

Experiencing the beauty of one of the deepest canyon in the world, the Colca Canyon and its valley, its gorgeous landscapes and beautiful flora and fauna will surround you. You will stay overnight at the most charming and very-well located hotels in Arequipa, Colca canyon and close to the Lake Titicaca.

This tour also includes visits to the main tourist attractions in Arequipa city and Puno, one of the highest cities in Peru, where you will visit the Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. It’s also included a visit to the Sillustani Pre-Inca ruins.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arequipa – City tour

Transfer to the airport to board your flight to Arequipa.

Upon your arrival to Arequipa’s airport, reception and assistance by our staff. Then, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel.

After some time to rest, we will pick you up from the hotel and visit Carmen Alto (where you can see the gually and the Chili River), Yanahuara viewpoint, San Lazaro Village, Santa Catalina Convent (the most important and wonderful religious monument of Peru, founded in 1579), main square (it is the scenery of the most important incidents about the White City’s history, since the foundation of Arequipa, in August 15th, 1540. The Cathedral is located in this place), Company of Jesus church and Company Cloisters (outside). Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 2: Arequipa – Colca

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you will be met at your hotel and taken on an incredible four hour journey to Chivay.

Our first stop will be the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, which is home to many exotic andean animals including vicunas, alpacas, llamas, flamingos, ibis and the andean eagle. You will see astonishing landscapes as you drive past lakes, glaciers and some magnificent volcanoes, such as Ampato, Sabancaya, Huallca and Misti. During the journey we will reach the highest point of 4910 m.a.s.l. Afterwards, we will head down the canyon to Chivay and transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight in Colca.

Day 3: Colca – Puno

Around 06:00 am – 06:30 am, we will meet you at your hotel and you will start your tour.

On the route, we will stop in differing viewpoints like Peña Blanca, Antahuilque, Choquetico and Huayra Punku viewpoint to see the Valley and Colca Canyon.

Arrival to “Mirador Cruz del Condor ” which is the best viewing point where you can look into the depths of the Colca Canyon and the condor’s flight. Also, we will visit “Mirador de Tapay”, from here you will most likely always see a few condors flying with an amazing scenery in the background. Return to Chivay.

On the way, we will visit Maca village (where you can visit the church or Temple of Santa Ana of colonial origin, and enjoy a refreshing juice of sancayo or the traditional Colca Sour) and Yanque village (where you can enjoy the typical dances and visit the Santísima Concepción church).

Arrival to Chivay for lunch (not included) and transfer to Puno city. On the way you will see different andean landscapes, such as stone forests, huge lagoons with a variety of birds, small villages in the area, the villages of Imata and make a shortcut in Lagunillas where you can see beautiful landscapes of the area (4444 m.a.s.l). After six hours of travel we will be arriving in Puno and we will drop you off at your selected hotel.

Overnight in Puno.

Day 4: Uros & Amantani – Lake Titicaca

Early breakfast and transfer to the local harbor, then we will visit the floating islands of Uros. Main Activities in these Islands -made of totora- are fishing, hunting, and taxidermy.

We will then continue towards Amantani island where we will stay overnight in local families’ houses. After lunch we will visit Pachamama and Pachatata ceremonial centers, where we will enjoy the beautiful fauna and flora of the Lake Titicaca Reserve. At night, a typical dinner and folk show is offered by the villagers.

Overnight Amantani.

Day 5: Amantani Island – Taquile Islands – Puno

After breakfast, we will leave Amantani at 8:00 am to take a boat ride for about an hour and 45 minutes to Taquile where you will visit the main village and ruins. You will leave Taquile island at about 14:00 pm, arriving back in Puno at approximately 16.50 pm.

Overnight Puno.

Day 6 : Puno – Sillustani – Lima – Out

Breakfast and visit to the archaeological center of Sillustani. We will observe impressive funeral tombs belonging to the Kolla culture (1200-1450). Their noble class (Caciques, priests) were buried in funeral towers called chullpas. Their corpses were previously mummified and placed in the fetus position together with some of their belongings, such as gold and silver objects, jewelry, ceramics, and food.

At a fixed time, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Lima, and connect with your international flight or stay in the city of Lima.

**Prices may vary depending on travel dates. For more information, fill in the form to get in contact with a Travel Advisor.

What’s included:

01 overnight in Arequipa with breakfast included.
01 overnight in Chivay with breakfast included.
03 overnights in Puno with breakfast included.
Private transfer Chivay – Puno.
All tours described in the program in private transportation.
All meals mentioned in the program.
Entrance fees.
All transfers mentioned in the program.

Not included:

Meals unless mentioned.
Tips.
Flight tickets.

Important information:

What to bring?

Sunscreen:
No matter what season you travel, the radiation in Peru is high and you need constant sun protection.
Insect repellent Basic first aid kit with your medicines:
As in any trip, you need to have specific medicines on hand if you have allergies or a special condition.
Camera or a smartphone that takes good pictures:
You will see spectacular landscapes and scenes and you don’t want to miss them.
Voltage adapters for electrical equipment.
Water bottle:
Peru is applying important measures to reduce the use of plastic, so you should travel with your water bottle to preserve the environment.
Trekking shoes:
For long walks in the jungle or the mountains.
Sunglasses:
Protect your eyes from the intense light, especially in the higher cities.
Lipstick:
The higher areas like Arequipa, Puno and Cusco are very dry, so your lips will appreciate all the extra hydration possible.
Small bag:
For your most used belongings such as passport, cell phone and cash.
Trekking poles and sports equipment:
They are very useful for mountain trips like the one to the Colca Canyon.

What to bring to Peru according to the season?

The seasons in Peru are not as intense as in Europe or in the extreme south of Latin America. However, its internal climates are very variable. So much so that, in the same city you can feel very hot during the day and very cold at night.

In addition, the intermediate seasons such as autumn and spring are not so defined, so you can feel cold at the end of September, when the winter is over.

Remember that the seasons in the southern hemisphere are:

Summer: December to March.
Autumn: March to June.
Winter: June to September.
Spring: from September to December.

How to pack for summer?

In Lima the temperature ranges from 20° to 27° degrees without rain, while in Cusco it reaches a maximum of 17° but it does rain, so, apart from light clothing, you should pack waterproof clothes and shoes, as well as rain boots.

On days when you are walking in Lima during the summer, it is advisable to take a fine jacket with you for windy nights. Remember that Lima faces the Pacific Ocean and the sea breeze can be cold at night. You can wear shorts but, if you go to the jungle, you should take the same precautions as in tropical climates and protect yourself against mosquitoes, especially in the rainy season.

What to bring to Peru in winter?

In Puno, at almost 4000 m.a.s.l. the winter is relentless, with temperatures below zero. However, in the rest of the country it is tolerable if you travel with a good coat. A plush, hooded, long-sleeved jacket may be sufficient. However, you should also pack thicker pants and sweaters, closed shoes and some headgear. Since these clothes take up a lot of space in your backpack, consider the option of thermal clothing that comes with built-in winter heaters.