Colca Valley and Canyon

Introduction
Arequipa Peru
An extraordinary riding adventure exploring the Colca Valley and riding all the way one of the deepest canyons in the world! The scenery is spectacular and ever changing. Join us on this new Peruvian adventure with accommodations in 3 star hotels and one overnight in a local guesthouse.

Ride the smooth gaited Peruvian Pasos and learn more about the history and culture while exploring the countryside. Meet the local people and one of the premier horse breeders in Peru. Our trip starts in the historic town of Arequipa. From here we transfer to the Colca Valley - on the way you surely will encounter the South American “camels” (Alpacas, Llamas and Vicuñas). Later we see the magnificent volcanoes Belvedere. Get to know your Peruvian Paso horse and off we ride to the Coporaque Village and explore the archaeological site of Uyo-Uyo. The next days we follow the Colca River, see Pre-Inca “Terrazas”, wonderful crops carved in the mountains (Inca way of plantation) and cross the Villages of Ichupampa, Lari and Madrigal. In the afternoon, we will climb the Mountain, before we reach the “Chimpa” fortress. Then our trail leads us to the village of Pinchollo, where we will leave the horses to visit the two most famous Belvederes of the Valley (the Cross of Condor and the Cross of Cura), located at the edge of the second deepest canyon in the world (10,725 feet deep).

Enjoy the view of the Peruvian condor high above the canyon, one of the biggest birds on the globe. The next stop is the Geyser of Pinchollo. On the way we pass through amazing landscapes composed by high volcanoes with snowy peaks, waterfalls and huge mountains.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so you will be staying in different locations during the trip.

Description
Throughout the trip we use 3-Star hotel accommodations except in Lari where we sleep in basic accommodation, in a family run hostel.
There is access to laundry facilities in Arequipa for an extra fee.

10-day trip Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Casa de Melgar in Arequipa
Night 2 & 3: Miskiwasi B&B in Yanque
Night 4: Family house with basic accommodations in Lari
Night 5: La Granja del Colca Hotel
Night 6: Casa de Melgar in Arequipa
Night 7: Llipimpac Guesthouse in Cusco
Night 8: Panorama in Aguas Caliente
Night 9: Llipimpac Guesthouse in Cusco

7-day trip Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Casa de Melgar in Arequipa
Night 2 & 3: Miskiwasi B&B in Yanque
Night 4: Family house with basic accommodations in Lari
Night 5: La Granja del Colca Hotel
Night 6: Casa de Melgar in Arequipa



Casa de Melgar in Arequipa
This guesthouse is located in a historic colonial building dating back to the 18th century, which has recently been refurbished. It offers accommodations in the heart of Arequipa and features a lovely interior garden. Rooms are simple and comfortable and each comes with a TV and private bathroom. WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Miskiwasi B&B in Yanque
This small guesthouse offers simple accommodations decorated with local artifacts. Each room has heating and a private bathroom with hairdryer. WiFi is available in the business center, free of charge.

Family house with basic accommodations in Lari
Tonight, you will be sleeping in a simple family home with basic rooms and shared bathrooms. Sleeping bags will be provided for tonight (no need to bring your own).

La Granja del Colca Hotel
This charming hotel features amazing views of the Canyon. The building was built with sustainability and respect to the environment in mind. Solar panels provide hot water and electricity at night.  The simple and comfortable bedrooms each come with a private bathroom. Free WiFi is offered.

Llipimpac Guesthouse in Cusco
This guesthouse offers accommodations in a country-style lodge, decorated with warm colors and local crafts. The rooms are all fitted with a heating, a safe, a TV, private bathroom and direct access to the hotel’s garden. There is a free Wi-Fi zone.

Panorama B&B in Aguas Calientes
This B&B offers simple accommodations with Wi-Fi access, a TV and private bathroom. It also has great views of the nearby river and mountains.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is not mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.


Meals
All meals included during riding tour except for day 1 and 7 in Arequipa. Only one meal is included on day 1 (lunch or dinner) and breakfast is the only meal included on day 7, when leaving Arequipa. While visitin Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley only breakfast are included.
Great efforts are made to provide fresh and quality meals.

Alcoholic beverages are only included for the outside meals (5 in total), while not eating at a restaurant or accommodation. Guests are also welcome to bring their own alcoholic drinks if they want.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with advanced notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses: The Peruvian Paso
The Peruvian Paso Horse is distinguishable by a specific four-beat lateral gait called "Paso llano" which is made up of a harmonious pace and punctuated by a smooth ride in which the center of gravity of the horse remains almost stationary. The horse riding is thus comfortable, without vertical bounce. Unlike trotter horse, the developed amble of this horse is especially appropriate for long rides on varied and uneven land.
All of these qualities make up the Peruvian Paso Horse one of the most comfortable horse in the world! It will allow you to ride off the beaten track and discover the preserved nature of Arequipa and of the Colca in privileged conditions.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: 7-day Program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Reception at the International Airport of Arequipa (elevation 7,660 ft) and transfer to your accommodation. City Tour in the afternoon to visit the colonial downtown, the unique convent of “Santa Catalina” and the beautiful church of “La Compania”.
Meals included: Welcome meal included – lunch or dinner in a nice restaurant according to your arrival time.
Overnight in Arequipa

Day 2 (Monday): Transfer to Yanque & Introductory Ride
Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, departure in our vehicle towards Colca (5-hour trip). On the way, we will cross the "Salinas y Aguada Blanca" reserve and see South American “camels” (Alpacas, Llamas and Vicuñas) and later the volcanoes Belvedere (16,108 feet above sea level) with its splendid vantage point. Then, we will descend into the valley to an elevation of approximately 10,826 feet, and arrive to Chivay where we will have lunch at a typical restaurant. Afterwards transfer to your accommodation, located in the Village of Yanque. That afternoon, depart on our first horseback ride to the belvedere of Achoma Village with its splendid view of the villages of the valley. During this ride of “adaptation”, we will enjoy the grandiosity of the landscape and the impressive mountains of Colca. Return to the hotel to have some rest. In the evening, dinner and overnight stay in Yanque Village.
Riding approx. 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Miskiwasi in Yanque

Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride to Coporaque Village and Uyo-Uyo
Breakfast at the hotel and afterwards depart for our second ride to Coporaque Village and the archaeological site of Uyo-Uyo. We will leave your hotel and pass by the “Plaza de armas” of Yanque Village with its Colonial Church built by the Spanish during the XVIIth century. We will cross the stone bridge over Colca River, where we will see the “Collagua way” (Pre-Inca Culture) to store corn: in holes carved in the mountain, so high that the only way to reach them is using a rope. We will keep following the way to the lost City of Uyo-Uyo climbing a big stone ladder. Finally, we will find the Archaeological site of Uyo-Uyo, the ancient capital of the “Collagua” culture, with old houses, ancient irrigation ducts and a lot of other evidences which prove the coexistence between the “Collaguas” and Incas. At this point, we will enjoy our lunch (glass of wine included). From there, we will keep the way to reach Coporaque Village, passing in front of the “amphitheater”, amazing Pre-Inca terraces carved in the mountain in circular form. Finally, we will reach Coporaque Village, where we can see the “plaza de armas”, which besides of the singular church, had a fountain in honor of the Inca (Evidence of the Inca conquer). We will keep riding and then have a short walk about 20 mn to reach the “Collagua” cemetery at the top of the mountain. It’s made with stones and full of skulls and bones descendant of the “Collagua” culture (approximately from the 13th century). Return to have some rest. In the afternoon, we will visit the hot springs bath in our transportation.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Miskiwasi in Yanque

Day 4 (Wednesday): Yanque to Madrigal
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Later, beginning of the progressive ride on the right bank of the Colca River, to experience the magnificence of the landscape. We will enjoy the Pre-Inca “Terrazas”, wonderful crops carved in the mountains (Inca way of plantation) and cross the Village of Ichupampa to arrive later in the village of Lari where we have lunch in the house of a local traditional family. After lunch and some rest, we keep riding, crossing the village of Madrigal, until reach the bottom of the Chimpa Mountain. Return to dinner and sleep in a family house in the village of Lari – 40 minutes of transportation.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at family house (basic comfort, common bathroom and toilets) in Lari

Day 5 (Thursday): Madrigal to Pinchollo
Enjoy a nice breakfast and quick transportation to Madrigal. We are going to start the ride climbing the Chimpa Mountain to reach the “Chimpa” fortress, located at the top (1-hour ride until the top). During this part, we are going to experience some great attractions such as models carved in the rock, thrones of emperors and an amazing panorama of the Valley. From the Chimpa Fortress, we will enjoy a unique view of the Colca Canyon. The “Chimpa fortress” is a strategically military facility, made with stones by the “Collagua” culture (Pre-Inca). Later, departure in a 5-hour ride to Pinchollo Village. We will cross Colca River again, but by a different point, coming back this time to the left side. On the way up, we will have time to watch the subtlety of hundreds of beautiful Pre-Inca “Terrazas”. Outdoor lunch (glass of wine included) with a view of the entire valley. We will arrive at Pinchollo Village around 3:00 p.m. We will leave the horses there and then, we will visit, in our transportation, the two most famous belvederes of the Valley (the Cross of Condor and the Cross of Cura), but without any tourist crowd. These belvederes are located at the edge of the second deepest canyon in the world (10,725 feet deep). On these belvederes, we will enjoy the view of the canyon and at the same time, experience the flight of the Peruvian condor, one of the biggest birds around the globe, with a spectacular sunset background. Afterwards, we will continue to your accommodation which is located on the edge of the Colca Canyon, it’s really impressive! Dinner and an overnight stay (please inform us if you have vertigo, we would choose a room on the crops side).
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel La Granja 

Day 6 (Friday): Hatun Infiernillo Ride
Breakfast and quick transfer to Pinchollo. Then, departure for our ride to the Geyser of Pinchollo. On the way, we will pass through amazing landscapes composed by high volcanoes with snowed picks, waterfalls and huge mountains, following the river and climbing the mountain to finally reach the geyser “Hatun Infiernillo” (15,748 feet above the sea level). It is in permanent activity 24 hours per day, the entire year and very impressive, due to the huge water vapor projections. We will rest a moment there. Picnic on the way down to Pinchollo in another lane with nice overviews. In Pinchollo, our transportation will be waiting to bring us back to Arequipa where we will enjoy a nice goodbye dinner.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Arequipa

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport included.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: 10-day Program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Reception at the International Airport of Arequipa (elevation 7,660 ft) and transfer to your accommodation. City Tour in the afternoon to visit the colonial downtown, the unique convent of “Santa Catalina” and the beautiful church of “La Compania”.
Meals included: Welcome Meal included – lunch or dinner in a nice restaurant according to your arrival time.
Overnight in Arequipa

Day 2 (Monday): Transfer to Yanque & Introductory Ride
Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, departure in our vehicle towards Colca (5-hour trip). On the way, we will cross the "Salinas y Aguada Blanca" reserve and see South American “camels” (Alpacas, Llamas and Vicuñas) and later the volcanoes Belvedere (16,108 feet above sea level) with its splendid vantage point. Then, we will descend into the valley to an elevation of approximately 10,826 feet, and arrive to Chivay where we will have lunch at a typical restaurant. Afterwards transfer to your accommodation, located in the Village of Yanque. That afternoon, depart on our first horseback ride to the belvedere of Achoma Village with its splendid view of the villages of the valley. During this ride of “adaptation”, we will enjoy the grandiosity of the landscape and the impressive mountains of Colca. Return to the hotel to have some rest. In the evening, dinner and overnight stay in Yanque Village.
Riding approx. 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Miskiwasi in Yanque

Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride to Coporaque Village and Uyo-Uyo
Breakfast at the hotel and afterwards depart for our second ride to Coporaque Village and the archaeological site of Uyo-Uyo. We will leave your hotel and pass by the “Plaza de armas” of Yanque Village with its Colonial Church built by the Spanish during the XVIIth century. We will cross the stone bridge over Colca River, where we will see the “Collagua way” (Pre-Inca Culture) to store corn: in holes carved in the mountain, so high that the only way to reach them is using a rope. We will keep following the way to the lost City of Uyo-Uyo climbing a big stone ladder. Finally, we will find the Archaeological site of Uyo-Uyo, the ancient capital of the “Collagua” culture, with old houses, ancient irrigation ducts and a lot of other evidences which prove the coexistence between the “Collaguas” and Incas. At this point, we will enjoy our lunch (glass of wine included). From there, we will keep the way to reach Coporaque Village, passing in front of the “amphitheater”, amazing Pre-Inca terraces carved in the mountain in circular form. Finally, we will reach Coporaque Village, where we can see the “plaza de armas”, which besides of the singular church, had a fountain in honor of the Inca (Evidence of the Inca conquer). We will keep riding and then have a short walk about 20 mn to reach the “Collagua” cemetery at the top of the mountain. It’s made with stones and full of skulls and bones descendant of the “Collagua” culture (approximately from the 13th century). Return to have some rest. In the afternoon, we will visit the hot springs bath in our transportation.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Miskiwasi in Yanque

Day 4 (Wednesday): Yanque to Madrigal
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Later, beginning of the progressive ride on the right bank of the Colca River, to experience the magnificence of the landscape. We will enjoy the Pre-Inca “Terrazas”, wonderful crops carved in the mountains (Inca way of plantation) and cross the Village of Ichupampa to arrive later in the village of Lari where we have lunch in the house of a local traditional family. After lunch and some rest, we keep riding, crossing the village of Madrigal, until reach the bottom of the Chimpa Mountain. Return to dinner and sleep in a family house in the village of Lari – 40 minutes of transportation.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at family house (basic comfort, common bathroom and toilets) in Lari

Day 5 (Thursday): Madrigal to Pinchollo
Enjoy a nice breakfast and quick transportation to Madrigal. We are going to start the ride climbing the Chimpa Mountain to reach the “Chimpa” fortress, located at the top (1-hour ride until the top). During this part, we are going to experience some great attractions such as models carved in the rock, thrones of emperors and an amazing panorama of the Valley. From the Chimpa Fortress, we will enjoy a unique view of the Colca Canyon. The “Chimpa fortress” is a strategically military facility, made with stones by the “Collagua” culture (Pre-Inca). Later, departure in a 5-hour ride to Pinchollo Village. We will cross Colca River again, but by a different point, coming back this time to the left side. On the way up, we will have time to watch the subtlety of hundreds of beautiful Pre-Inca “Terrazas”. Outdoor lunch (glass of wine included) with a view of the entire valley. We will arrive at Pinchollo Village around 3:00 p.m. We will leave the horses there and then, we will visit, in our transportation, the two most famous belvederes of the Valley (the Cross of Condor and the Cross of Cura), but without any tourist crowd. These belvederes are located at the edge of the second deepest canyon in the world (10,725 feet deep). On these belvederes, we will enjoy the view of the canyon and at the same time, experience the flight of the Peruvian condor, one of the biggest birds around the globe, with a spectacular sunset background. Afterwards, we will continue to your accommodation which is located on the edge of the Colca Canyon, it’s really impressive! Dinner and an overnight stay (please inform us if you have vertigo, we would choose a room on the crops side).
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel La Granja 

Day 6 (Friday): Hatun Infiernillo Ride
Breakfast and quick transfer to Pinchollo. Then, departure for our ride to the Geyser of Pinchollo. On the way, we will pass through amazing landscapes composed by high volcanoes with snowed picks, waterfalls and huge mountains, following the river and climbing the mountain to finally reach the geyser “Hatun Infiernillo” (15,748 feet above the sea level). It is in permanent activity 24 hours per day, the entire year and very impressive, due to the huge water vapor projections. We will rest a moment there. Picnic on the way down to Pinchollo in another lane with nice overviews. In Pinchollo, our transportation will be waiting to bring us back to Arequipa where we will enjoy a nice dinner.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Arequipa

Day 7 (Saturday): Transfer to Cusco & Visit
Breakfast at the hotel. Then, transfer to the international airport of Arequipa to take the flight to Cusco. Arrival in Cusco in the morning. Reception at the airport and transfer to your charming hotel where you will be briefed for the next days. During the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided city tour in the historic downtown of the Inca Capital and close ruins of the city, like the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cusco

Day 8 (Sunday): Sacred Valley
After breakfast, departure in a private vehicle to cross the splendid Sacred Valley. First, you will discover the Inca village of Chinchero. Then you will go the impressive Moray circus, which the Incas built for agricultural purposes. You will continue with the traditional Maras salt mines, which are still used these days. You will finally arrive in the village of Ollantaytambo where you will visit its fortress built on the mountain. Afterwards, you’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes, last village located at the bottom of the Machu Picchu (travelers are only allowed to bring a hand luggage to go to Aguas Calientes).
> Visits of the Inca sites on your own (only driver is included). A guide can be booked on request at time of booking for an extra fee.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at The Panorama B&B in Aguas Calientes

Day 9 (Monday): Machu Picchu
Very early breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, transfer by bus to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu. This tremendous archaeological site surprises everybody by its beauty, its architecture and its mountainous surroundings. You can take your time and experience one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, rediscovered just one century ago (we will book circuit 2 of the site - the most complete option)!
Then, transfer back to the village of Aguas Calientes. In the middle of the afternoon. Return by train to the city of Cusco. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
> Visit of Machu Picchu on your own. A guide can be booked on request at time of booking (two-hour visit). The legislation is currently evolving regarding the guides of Machu Picchu. It’s not mandatory to have one on these days but it could be at the moment of your trip. We would inform you in this case at the moment of the booking. Thanks for your understanding.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cusco

Day 10 (Tuesday): Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Later, transfer to the international airport of Cusco according to your flight schedule. End of the services.
Meals included: Breakfast

The above sample itineraries are subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.

Rates and Dates for Colca Valley and Canyon

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Yanque
Airport: Arequipa
Transfer: Arequipa

Climate:
                                                Arequipa area