FROM CUSCO: AREQUIPA & COLCA CANYON BUS TOUR 3D/4N

ABSTRACT

• Destinations: Arequipa city, Chivay & Colca canyon.
• Time Needed: 3Days & 4Nights.
• Intensity: Easy
• Base Price: $195 USD

ITINERARY

NIGHT 1: Pick up at your accommodation....

19:15-19:30PM  Pickup at your selected location in Cusco (hostel/homestay). Sleeper direct bus to Arequipa  (10hrs).

NOTE: You can also avoid the bus by taking a flight from Cusco or from Lima. Please let us know if you prefer this option. AIT can arrange this for you.....

DAY 1: AREQUIPA:
06:00-06:30AM Upon arrival, you will be met at the bus station and be brought to your hostel/hotel in Arequipa via transport. The rest of the day you are free to relax or explore on your own (Probably Peru's most beautiful city, the so called "Ciudad Blanca" or white city).

DAY 2: AREQUIPA – CHIVAY:
08:30-09:00AM pick up from your hotel in Arequipa (2325 m.s.l.). You will take the highway to Yura, first passing through Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Canahuas where you will see vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and migratory birds along the way. You will continue to Viscachani where you will enjoy some coca tea to help with the altitude. From here you will continue the trip viewing tokras, ponds, wetlands, and perhaps some flamingos and ibis. Finally, you’ll arrive at Patapampa Pass (4900 m.s.l.), the highest point on our journey, and known as the volcano viewpoint. From here you’ll see a chain of volcanoes that include Hualcahualca, Sabancalla, and Ampato, the famous volcano where the Inca mummy Juanita (viewable in Arequipa) was sacrificed over 500 years ago. From Patapampa Pass you will descend to the town of Chivay (3646 m.s.l.), the capital of the Colca Canyon region, where you will have lunch and spend the night. 
In the afternoon you have the option to visit the Calera Hot Springs for about 2 hours. The thermal bath’s medicinal waters reach temperatures of around 40ºC (104ºF) and are wonderful for helping sooth physical ailments.
In the evening you will have dinner (optional) in Chivay with entertainment provided by a traditional folk group. 

DAY 3: CHIVAY – CRUZ DEL CONDOR – CHIVAY – AREQUIPA:
An early (5:30am) breakfast in the hotel will be had. After breakfast we’ll set off for Cruz del Condor (about a 2 hour drive) considered the best viewpoint to truly appreciate the vast expanse of Colca Canyon and also the prime location for condor viewing.

Afterwards, on your journey back to Chivay we’ll see archeological sites, pre-Inca farming terraces, and stop at other Colca Canyon lookout points. You’ll pass through the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Achoma, and then stop in Yanque to see some typical churches, artisan markets, and view the typical dress of the region.

You will have lunch back in Chivay before departing for Arequipa. you’ll arrive back in Arequipa around 5:00pm. 
Then take an overnight bus to Cusco. 

MORNING OF THE DAY 4: CUSCO.
06:00-06:30AM Arrival in Cusco. Transfer back to your accommodation is not provided. 

INCLUDED:

• Sleeper bus Cusco – Arequipa – Cusco.

• Accommodation in Arequipa for 1 night.

• Accommodation in Chivay for 1 night.

• Meals (1 breakfast, 1 lunch).

• Bus transportation.

• Bilingual Guide.

• Tourist Ticket.

• Buffet in chivay.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals in Arequipa (day 1).

• Water.

• Personal Expenses.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING:

• Passport original or copy.

• Swimming Suit.

• Hiking shoes or boots with ankle support (waterproof recommended).

• Warm Clothes (1 warm sweater or a jacket, long pants).

• 3 t-shirts.

• Shorts.

• Towel.

• Sunglasses and hat.

• Sun Block and insect repellant.

• Extra money for water, snacks, and any other personal expenses or incidentals.

• Positive mind!