Come and enjoy a city rich in culture, tradition and history
The Imperial Capital; Arequipa is one of the busiest tourist epicenters in all of Peru, offering its valleys of scenic beauty and its imposing Andean mountains. Those searching for beautiful sights and adventure should look no further and head to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Visit the Yanahuara district to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Mitsi Volcano. Explore and enjoy this beautiful cities stunning landscapes, rich history, and mouth watering cuisine.
Our Favorite TourExplore the impressive Colca Canyon
Aptly nicknamed “the white-city” this beautiful city is surrounded by all white colonial buildings. Its architecture is primarily made from white volcanic stone called Sillar.
The city is flagged by three towering volcanoes. Ampato (6 288ft/ 1 917m) is the second largest volcano in Peru and the highest peak around Arequipa. The name of this volcano originates from the Aymara tribe meaning “fog”. Next is Chachani, this volcanoe has a lot of spiritual significance to the locals as it is believed to have the power to choose the sex of a new born. It’s a moderate 1-day hike to the summit where there used to be an Inca Temple that was later damaged and looted. Finally, the most well-known and famous of all volcanoes is El Misti. Its central to the construction of the city of Arepuipa which is located at the foot of the mountain. Enjoy a 2-day hike to the summit, for the best panoramic views of the entire city of Arequipa, its valleys and lakes.
The main reason people make their way to this city is the Colca Valley. The Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Another popular activity is to hike up to the Condor´s Cross to watch the majestic Andean Condor hover above the canyon in its full magnificence.
There are many other great activities to do in the city. Try the Convent of Santa Cantalina, where Spanish elite gave their second daughter to the church. Therefore, the church had about 150 nuns that lived there with their servants in very strict enclosures. Also, you could make your way to another viewpoint at Antahuilque. It’s a stunning setting with two beautiful lakes, perfect for a small picnic. The food is to die for, and it has influenced a lot of the cuisine that’s enjoyed around the country. Sample local dishes like recoto rellena, adobo or chicharrones. The best thing has to be the weather, it’s pretty temperate all year round, with temperatures ranging between 10°-20° Celsius (50°-70°F). Rainy season doesn’t get really intense, with heavy rainfall only occurring between January to March.
Arequipa is a picturesque and dynamic city with plenty to explore and discover. This city will leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to return.
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There are many places to visit in Arequipa, such as archeological sites, plazas and museums, and imposing mountains.
The full-day tour of Colca Canyon takes you on a magical journey through the Colca Valley. Hike up to the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint for the most expansive views of the Colca Canyon and an out of this world sighting of the imposing Andean Condor. Later enjoy, a relaxing soak in the serene thermal baths close by. Visit an amazing National Park for interaction with llamas, alpacas, and Vicuñas. This comprehensive one-day tour gives you unparalleled views of the Colca Canyon and the valley. Experience incredible fauna and interact with amazing animals and the local people along the way.
from $ / 1Day
Our classic 2-day Colca Tour is a journey that will take you from Arequipa city to the amazing Colca canyon. In this excursion you will discover a place rich in culture and traditions, breathtaking natural scenery, and diveerse wildlife like wild vicuñas, llamas and alpacas. In addition; you’ll get the rare opportunity to observe the spectacular gliding of the Andean Condor between the walls of the great canyon. Our classic Colca Tour 2 days is flexible, allowing you to finish the excursion with a return to Arequipa city or continuing to the City of Puno on Lake Titicaca. We offer also a pick up from Puno city in order that you join our Tour. This is an unforgettable tour you won’t want to miss.
from $ / 2-days
The 2 day Colca Canyon Tour – Cañon de Colca in Spanish – offers travellers the opportunity to get up close and personal to countryside life in Peru, spot soaring Andean condors, bathe in secret thermal baths, uncover jaw-dropping vistas, stay in an oasis, and hike along dusty roads into the depths of one of the world’s deepest canyons.
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The Colca Canyon trek is not easy. The altitude and the steep climb in and out of the canyon make it a challenge. However, it is one of the best things to do in Peru offering stunning views and the chance to see the majestic Andean Condor; one of the largest birds in the world. There are a variety of tours available in Arequipa, but they differ in quality and activities. From one day tours that do not include the Colca Canyon trek to 3 day tours that include two nights inside the canyon.
In this post you can learn all about the Colca Canyon trek and some advice to consider when booking your Colca Canyon tour. “Is the colca canyon trek necessary?” “How many days do I need for the Colca Canyon trek?” “Can I do the Colca Canyon trek on my own?” Read this article to answer these and any other questions you may have.
from $ / Full Day
Some of you may not have heard of Arequipa, but it is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Arequipa is the second most populated city and is located in the south of the country between the Peruvian sierra and the coast. The city is a fabulous mix of old and new and has a beautiful history of struggle and courage in the country to learn. And with so much to know and experience, it is normal to wonder where to start. That is why with the travel experts at SAM Corporations have prepared an article about the many things to do in Arequipa. Learn about all the many forms of tours and day trips around this fantastic city.
Tell anyone that you traveled to Arequipa, and the first thing people will ask is, “did you try the food?”. Don’t miss your chance to sample what many consider to be the best local dishes in all of Peru at one of the best restaurants in Arequipa. While walking around the city, don’t miss the historic Santa Catalina Monastery, spend time in the beautiful central plaza, and learn about Juanita, the Inca Ice Maiden, at Museo Santuarios Andinos.
The city of Arequipa is located in the department of Arequipa in the south of Peru, sharing borders with the departments of Ica, Ayacucho, Cusco, Apurímac, Puno, and Moquegua. Its longest border is with the Pacific Ocean.
For Arequipa city, one or two days should be enough to cover the city highlights, but you can easily spend a week or more here visiting museums, eating great food, and venturing out to explore the countryside. To visit Colca Canyon, you’ll need an additional one to three days.
Arequipa is at 7,660 ft (2,335 m) above sea level – about 3,280 ft (1,000 m) less than Cusco or Puno – and very few travelers experience altitude sickness here. However, the road between Arequipa and Colca Canyon can reach strenuous altitudes of 13,100 ft (4,000 m). You’ll notice the difference if you get out of the car and try any strenuous activity, such as climbing or sprinting. Luckily, these activities are not part of a standard tour of Colca Canyon. Stick to the comfort of your car, bus, or van, and you should have no problem.
The following are popular inbound bus routes to Arequipa:
The following are popular outbound bus routes from Arequipa
May to November is the high season for tourism to Colca Canyon. The weather is warm during the day and cold at night. Be sure to make reservations for accommodation in advance. The end of the rainy season (April and May) is also a great time to visit because the terraces will be brilliantly green with crops and flowering plant life.
Many towns of Colca Canyon are higher in elevation than Arequipa (2,335 m or 7,661 ft) and about the same as Cusco (3,400 m or 11,150 ft). Take the same precautions as you would in Cusco – stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals or alcohol on your first days at altitude, and drink the local remedy coca leaf tea. Take a few days to acclimate before attempting any strenuous activity.
The average distance from the peaks of the mountains to the river below is 10,200 feet (3,109 meters). This distance makes Colca one of the world’s deepest canyons. Nearby Cotahuasi Canyon is a few hundred meters deeper.
For a taste of high altitude Andean trekking, many travelers choose a Colca Canyon trek as a less expensive, less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail. The most popular route departs from Cabanaconde and descends to the oasis resort town Sangalle. It’s an unrelenting slope whether you are going up or down – usually 3 hours for the descent and 5 hours for the ascent. Mules are available for hire from any of the lodges in Sangalle.
Choices for dining in Colca Canyon are limited but adequate for one or two nights. Most Colca Canyon hotel offer on-site restaurants serving a la carte or buffet style meals. Nearby towns such as Chivay and Yanque offer a greater selection.
From within Peru, direct flights to Arequipa are offered to and from Lima, the capital of Peru, and Cusco city.
Sam Corporations is a 100% Peruvian family-owned company with no shareholders. We offer a highly exclusive personalized service of the highest quality. Our treks are operated by our regularly trained and highly experienced SAM CORPORATIONS staff and guides. We strive to be environmentally sustainable and a responsible tour operator by incorporating the most important universal principles of tourism. Our team has been trained within these principles.
We have put together packages that include locations that we have personally experienced. Traveling the great length of our country we have compiled the most compelling, must visit location in Peru. Sam Corporations will take you on an unparalleled journey in our modern vehicles, in small intermate groups, whilst upholding our reputation as an outstanding service provider.
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