Highlights
- Cross the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, a protected territory that preserves habitats of vicuñas, tarucas, parihuanas and queñua forests. The reserve covers sectors of Arequipa and Moquegua.
- Observe vicuñas in freedom during the tour of the high Andean plains, always keeping distance and avoiding feeding the animals.
- It recognizes volcanoes and surrounding mountains, such as Misti, Chachani, Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca, when visibility allows.
- It travels through villages in the valley, where squares, churches, clothing and agricultural activities show the continuity of the collagua and Cabana communities.
- Arrives early to the Condor Cross, when drafts may favor the displacement of the condors near the walls of the canyon.
- Observe agricultural platforms distributed on the slopes, some of pre-Inca origin and still used by the families of the valley.
Trip Details
- Route: Arequipa – Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve – Patapampa – Chivay – Yanque – Cruz del Condor – viewpoints of Colca – Arequipa.
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
- Approximate return time: Between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the second day.
- Transportation: Van, minivan or tourist bus.
- Guide: Professional in Spanish and English.
- Maximum altitude: Approximately between 4,800 and 4,900 meters in Patapampa.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate by height.
- Approximate distance in vehicle: Between 320 and 360 kilometers during the two days.
- Food not included: Lunch and dinner.
- Tour Departure: Subject to availability, road condition and operating conditions.
Itinerary
Arequipa – Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve – Patapampa – Chivay
Highlight of the day: Cross the puna between vicuñas and volcanoes before descending to the Colca Valley.
Pick up at the hotel and departure from Arequipa
At 7:30 a.m., we will start picking up from hotels located within the operating area of Arequipa.
The vehicle will leave the city center behind and advance along the road that ascends towards the high Andean areas. During the first sections you can see parts of the volcanic landscape that surrounds the city.
The guide will present the two-day program, explain the stops and provide recommendations to reduce the discomfort caused by height.
The climb is gradual, but the difference between Arequipa and Patapampa exceeds 2,000 meters. For this reason, it is advisable to have light breakfast, drink water in moderate amounts and avoid alcohol from the night before.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Tourist vehicle.
- Departure time: 7:30 a.m.
- Initial altitude: Approximately 2.335 meters.
- Difficulty:
- The terrain becomes open, with low vegetation, pajonals and wetlands known as bofedales. Sunlight may feel intense, but the wind will be cold.
- Travel time: Variable according to the stops.
- Approximate distance: Between 160 and 180 kilometers.
Chivay – Yanque – Cruz del Condor – Miradores – Arequipa
Highlight of the day: Observe the Colca Canyon during the early hours of the morning and look for the flight of the Andean condor.
Breakfast and departure from the hotel
The day will start early with breakfast in the accommodation, when included in the rate.
Then we will begin the journey to the Cross of the Condor. It is recommended to wear warm clothes, since the first few hours can be cold.
The route crosses villages, agricultural areas and sectors with terraces built in different eras.
Technical Details
- Transportation: Tourist vehicle.
- Difficulty:
- Recommendation: Carry the camera and binoculars in the handpack.
- Estimated duration: Between 15 and 30 minutes.
- Land: Paved Square.
- Approximate altitude: 3,287 meters.
- Approximate distance: Between 160 and 180 kilometers.
Inclusions
- Pick-up from the stated hotel area or a nearby coordinated point when vehicle access is restricted.
- Tourist transportation in a vehicle selected according to the group size and route conditions.
- Professional guide for route coordination, assistance and interpretation of the main sites.
- Panoramic visit to the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Stops to observe vicuñas when present. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Technical stop on the road. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Visit to the Mirador de los Andes in Patapampa. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Transfer to Chivay. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Accommodation in the category and location confirmed for the tour.
- Optional transfer to the hot springs, depending on the program. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Visit to Yanque. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Visit to the Cruz del Condor. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Stops in valley lookouts. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Return to Arequipa. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Breakfast at a selected local establishment, according to the itinerary.
- Operational assistance before and during the tour for the services included in the booking.
- A basic first-aid kit carried by the guide for initial assistance during the route.
- Emergency oxygen for initial assistance at altitude; it does not replace professional medical care.
- Coordination of Peceros Agency Travel. as part of the confirmed itinerary.
- Accommodation before or after the tour unless it is expressly listed in the package.
- Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary, including personal orders and upgrades.
- Bottled water, snacks and additional drinks purchased during the route.
- Entrance fees not expressly listed as included; these must be paid separately when required.
- Personal purchases, souvenirs and other expenses chosen by the traveler.
- Personal travel insurance, including medical care, evacuation and trip interruption coverage.
- Professional medical care or evacuation expenses required during the trip.
- Personal medicines and treatments prescribed for the traveler.
- Oxygen for individual use.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks or support staff; gratuities are voluntary.
- Bus Cusco–Arequipa.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Transfer Arequipa–airport.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Return to Puno, except for additional booking.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
- Services not mentioned.; this cost is payable directly by the traveler when required.
Upgrades
- Basic accommodation in Chivay; Reference Price: From USD 25 per person
- Standard 3 star hotel; Reference Price: From USD 45 per person
- Superior 4-star hotel; Reference Price: From USD 85 per person
- Single Room; Reference Price: From USD 25 additional
- Buffet lunch; Reference Price: From PEN 35 per person
- Dinner in Chivay; Reference Price: From PEN 30 per person
- Hot springs; Reference Price: Rate according to establishment
- Private transfer hotel-terminal; Reference Price: From USD 15 per vehicle
- Return from Colca to Puno; Reference Price: From USD 50 per person
- Portable oxygen; Reference Price: From USD 20 per service
- Walking poles; Reference Price: From USD 8 per pair
- Binoculars; Reference Price: From USD 10
- Guide in another language; Reference Price: Low Quote
- Additional night in Chivay; Reference Price: Low Quote
- Photo service; Reference Price: Low Quote
Prices are referenced and must be confirmed before booking.
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PeruRail Trains Comparison
| Feature | Expedition | Vistadome | Observatory | Hiram Bingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Standard Panoramic | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Full Panoramic (Roof & Walls) | Large Classic Windows |
| Seating Layout | Seats facing each other with table | Leather seats, facing each other | Leather seats, spacious | Plush armchairs, elegant dining tables |
| Food & Drinks | Available for purchase | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Light snack & non-alcoholic drinks | Gourmet Lunch/Dinner & Open Bar |
| Entertainment | Ambient Andean Music | Cultural Dance & Fashion Show (Return) | Live Music & Cultural Show | Live Band in Bar Car |
| Special Features | - | - | Access to open-air balcony car | Includes bus, citadel ticket & guide |
| Estimated Price (One-way) | Desde $65 USD | Desde $85 USD | Desde $110 USD | Desde $490 USD |
Our Service
Complete coordination from Arequipa Peceros Agency Travel organizes pick-up, transportation, guide, stops, optional accommodation and complementary services. This allows you to book the route without coordinating each component with different suppliers.
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