Condors in the Colca Canyon

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Arequipa - Coporaque - Cruz del Condor - Arequipa/Puno
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £ 280.- pp (excluding flights)

Around twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon slices through the Andes and affords some of the most spectacular views on the continent. Home to communities which have barely changed over the years, as well as one of the world's largest flying birds - the Andean condor - there's more to this place than just photo opportunities. Spend a couple of days exploring with a small group, stay a night with a local family and experience life in the canyon.

Day 1 – Arequipa – Coporaque

Leaving Arequipa you’ll wind your way into the mountains, passing by the three giant volcanoes which overlook the city and the tiny villages dotted along the road. As you ascend further into the altiplano you’ll be looking out over still lakes, snow-capped mountains and grazing llamas and alpacas. At around lunchtime you’ll arrive in the small village of Coporaque, where you can grab a bite to eat and take a stroll before heading to your lodge. The afternoon is free to relax, or perhaps join your guide for a hike through this beautiful landscape.

Day 2 – Cruz del Condor

This morning you’ll set off to Cruz del Condor – the deepest point in the canyon and a nesting spot for the huge Andean condors. Most mornings, if the thermals are right, these majestic birds soar and swoop close overhead whilst you rest on a rock and take it all in. After the viewpoint, you’ll continue to the small town of Yanque, and on to Chivay where you can buy some local food before returning to Coporaque. In the afternoon you’re free to decide if you’d like to visit the nearby hot springs, explore the town or head out on another hike with your guide.

In the early evening, you’ll meet Josefina and Oswaldo, who live in the valley and will be your hosts for the night. They’re always happy to meet visitors from around the world, and hosting allows them to earn some extra income for their family. They speak very little English, but you’ll get by with sign language and a phrasebook! You’ll have a simple, private room with a shared bathroom, where you can settle in before heading out with your group for dinner, and maybe a drink or two to celebrate the day.

Day 3 – Lend a hand & Departure

Today you’ll rise bright and early for a tasty breakfast prepared using ingredients from the farm, and once you’ve had your fill you’ll lend a hand with whatever needs doing that day. You may be milking the cows, feeding the horses or sorting through the corn – just do your best, they’ll always appreciate the effort! After a couple of hours, you’ll wave goodbye to your hosts and continue your journey, either back to Arequipa or onwards to Puno.