Colca Canyon Explorer

Introduction
Arequipa Peru
The natural beauty of the region provides a panoramic view of volcanoes, blue sky, glaciers, and villages of the Andes, all of which have been proudly preserved by the Collaguas and Cabanas people. The Andes house the oldest churches in Peru. We hope you will appreciate the quality of life lived by the Incas in the heart of the Andes. The Peruvian “Paso” Horse is known in the equestrian world to be the most even tempered horse around the globe. It is a strong, noble, faithful, gentle and obedient horse. The program of Horseback Ride into the Colca Canyon and Valley offers the opportunity for every horse lover to have an unforgettable experience. You will feel closer to nature than you ever have been before.

Highlights:
- Spectacular views of the deepest canyon in the world
- Exploration of Lake Titicaca
- Stunning Andean landscape featuring volcanoes, everlasting snow and small villages
- Genuine adventure combining the cultural wealth of Collaguas and Cabanas Nations with the colonial charm of some of the oldest churches in Peru
- Riding to the geyser “Hatun Infiernillo” (14.500 feet)

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will be staying in 3 star hotels except for the nights spent in Llahuar, Sangalle and San Juan de Chuccho, where you will be accommodated in fully catered hiking lodges.

10-day trip accommodation itinerary - subject to availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel in Arequipa
Night 3-8: Hotel in Yanque
Night 9: Hotel in Puno

14-day trip accommodation itinerary - subject to availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel in Arequipa
Night 3-8: Hotel in Yanque
Night 9: Lodge in Llahuar
Night 10: Lodge in San Juan de Chuccho
Night 11: Lodge in Sangalle
Night 12: Hotel in Yanque
Night 13: Hotel in Puno



Hotel in Arequipa 
This Hotel offers 30 guestrooms appointed with heating, plasma TV, an individual safe and a private balcony. Each room features bathrooms with a shower, a bathtub and bathrobes. Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Hotel in Yanque
Featuring a new indoor pool, a garden and an on-site bar, this rural hotel is surrounded by wild nature: all the rooms boast views of the mountains. Each room has its own private bathroom, hot water and heating facilities. Sauna facilities and massage sessions are available for an extra fee. Guests can unwind reading a book from the library. Bikes can be rented to explore the surroundings. The property owns a Dobson 45 cm Telescope for star watching, and guests are offered access to the Planetarium and Astronomy Observation Centre for an extra fee.

Hotel in Puno 
The hotel is located just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas, one block from the pedestrian Calle Lima where shops, banks and restaurants are located. It features comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi access. All rooms are decorated with wooden furniture and feature private facilities as well as air conditioning, cable TV, and coffee making facilities.

Hotel in Cusco
Set in a charming house with a garden and a terrace overlooking the city, this hotel offers heated rooms with cable TV, and breakfast. Free WiFi access is available in common areas. All rooms have private bathrooms with hairdryers, and telephones.

Room Occupancy
There are no single supplements for solo travelers during the 10-day program.
If you choose the 14-day program and the extension in Cusco, a single supplement fee might apply (inquire at time of booking).



Meals
The 10-day package includes all meals from Day 3 to Day 8. On the first day, no meals are included and on the second day, only breakfast and lunch are included. On Day 9, breakfast and lunch are included and on the last day only breakfast is included.

The 14-day package includes all meals from Day 3 to Day 12. On the first day, no meals are included and on the second day, only breakfast and lunch are included. On Day 13, breakfast and lunch are included and on the last day only breakfast is included.

During the extension to Cusco, only breakfasts are included.

Lunches during the rides will be boxed.

Water is included during the horse ride except at restaurants (drinks not included).

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
Our horses are purebred and crossbred « Paso Peruano » horses, cold and surefooted mounts aged from 6 to 16 years old. This Peruvian breed was introduced by Spanish conquerors at the beginning of the 16th century during colonial period, and is nowadays protected as part of the cultural Heritage of the Nation. With its four beat lateral gait, called “Paso Llano”, the Peruvian Paso gives its horseman the smoothest ride in the world on any kind of ground.

Tack
All our saddles are traditional wood frames called « Montura de Cajón » covered with stitched leather called « pellonera ». The rings for the stirrups and cinch are covered with rawhide flaps. The back of the horse is protected by a woolen blanket and another leather blanket above ("carona"). Stirrups are made of wood or leather, wooden ones in pyramid shapes and often decorated with nickel, both with a closed front. Every saddle bears saddlebags to transport bottles of water, and your compact camera. All our horses are horseshoed because of rocky ground.

Staff
An Equestrian English-speaking guide, and a Peruvian Spanish-speaking Chalan (stable boy and horse trainer) will lead you during the entire Horse ride, with a support vehicle between Yanque, Madrigal and Pinchollo.

Itinerary


The programs below can be changed due to unexpected events beyond our control.

Sample Itinerary: 10 day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
We will pick you up from Arequipa Airport and lead you the hotel downtown. This is a free day.
Meals are not included on Day 1.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Arequipa.

Day 2 (Monday): Arequipa Visit
In the morning, you go on a guided visit by foot of Arequipa city center (including the beautiful Santa Catalina convent). You will then enjoy a lovely lunch in a typical restaurant (picanteria) before heading to the Sillar quarries. Finally, it is time to head back to your accommodation.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 
Overnight stay at Hotel in Arequipa

Day 3 (Tuesday): Introductory Ride
Departure around 7:00 am in a tourist vehicle in the direction of Colca Valley. You will cross the “Salinas y Aguada Blanca” reserve where alpacas, llamas and vicuñas can be seen. After reaching the spectacular "Mirador de los Volcanes", at an altitude of 4910 meters (16000 ft) above sea level, we descend into the Colca valley which has an average elevation of about 3500 meters (11000 ft). You will arrive at your hotel in Yanque in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will meet our famous Peruvian Paso horses and their “Chalan” (groom and horse guide). Next, you will begin your first horseback ride around the village up to the Colonial Mill and to a Chapel devoted to the Virgin of Chapi.
Riding 2-3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride around Yanque
In the morning, we begin our ride to Coporaque village and its pre-Inca cemetery where the mummies of Collagua Lords were formerly safeguarded. You will have to dismount and climb a hill for 20min to reach the graves.
The ride continues to the ruins of Uyo-uyo, which was the former capital of the Collagua Natives, who once ruled the Valley. Along the way, you will also see the “Colcas”, a kind of hidden granary that gave the name to the river, and the "amphitheater" (farming terraces highly valued by the Incas to improve cultivation of quinoa, corn…). Afterwards, we go back to Yanque to savor a delicious lunch at the Hotel.
Around 4pm, enjoy a relaxing 30 min massage at the hotel Spa (included on this day).
In the evening, you can do some stargazing (subject to weather conditions) with our Dobson type Telescope with a diameter of 45cm (18 inches). This is one of the biggest Telescopes accessible to the public in Peru. It allows you to look at various deep sky objects (globular clusters, nebulae, galaxies…) only visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Before observing the night sky, we screen a short 12min film in our Planetarium.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Maca
We leave at 8:00am for a ride along the left bank of the Colca River, passing through beautiful landscapes. Native people achieved a great feat in creating arable lands on the mountain. They did so by inventing terrace cultivation and irrigating those terraces with an ingenious system of water channels. We will cross the villages of Achoma and Maca. Our horses and their Chalan will stay in Maca while a vehicle will drive you and your English-speaking guide back to Yanque, where you will enjoy a late lunch at the hotel (around 3 pm). Then, we bring you to the Yanque Hot Springs for a relaxing swim.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 6 (Friday): Morning Ride to Madrigal & Chimpa Fortress Visit
Early breakfast (around 5:30 am) and transfer to Maca where we meet our riding companions. Today, we will cross the Colca river to reach Madrigal village. We leave the horses at the foot of the Chimpa fortress and start our ascension on foot. After about 1.5 hours, we reach the summit and explore the ruins of the old fortress. An incredible panorama awaits with amazing views over the two sides of the Colca Canyon. If we are lucky, we might even see the majestic condor.
Then, it is time to make our way down before being transferred back to Yanque. The horses will stay with the Chalan at the foot of the Chimpa fortress.
Riding 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 7 (Saturday): Colca Valley Ride
Around 8 am, we are transferred back to Madrigal to meet the horses. We continue our ride through the Colcal Valley, making our way towards Lari and IchuPampa.
After about 5 hours in the saddle, we reach Pinchollo, where our horses will overnight. The riders are transferred back to Yanque to relax at the hotel.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 8 (Sunday): Pinchollo's Geyser
Breakfast at 6:00am and departure for Pinchollo. Today, we ride to Pinchollo's Geyser. Climbing a hill and following a stream, we will reach an elevation of 4450 meters (14600 ft) and be amazed by incredible views: high snowy volcanos, waterfalls, and most importantly the "Hatun Infiernillo" Geyser, which is active all year round.
Then it is time to ride back to Pinchollo, where the horses will overnight once more. Guests are transferred back to their hotel in Yanque.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 9 (Monday): Last Ride & Transfer to Puno
We are transferred back to Pinchollo early in the morning. Today, we will enjoy our breakfast by the river, with the horses. After our ride, it is time to say goodbye to the horses, before being transported by vehicle, back to the hotel in Yanque. We will have lunch at the hotel around 11:30 am. Then, it is time for our transfer to Puno.
You are free to explore the city in the evening (dinner is not included today).
Riding 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Puno

Day 10 (Tuesday): Lake Titicaca & Departure
Breakfast is served at 7:00am and followed by a boat trip (with an English-speaking guide) across Lake Titicaca for a visit to the magnificent Taquile island. From there you will continue your journey across the lake towards the famous floating islands of the Uros, one of the first inhabitants of Peru. Finally, we will return to Puno around 4:00pm (hotel and meals not included). We suggest you take your return flight (not before 6pm) from Juliaca, which is 1 hour from Puno, in order to make the most of your last day. Return transfer to Arequipa is extra and depending on your departure time, you might not be able to visit Lake Titicaca.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: 14 day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
We will pick you up from Arequipa Airport and lead you the hotel downtown. This is a free day.
Meals are not included on Day 1.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Arequipa.

Day 2 (Monday): Arequipa Visit
In the morning, you go on a guided visit by foot of Arequipa city center (including the beautiful Santa Catalina convent). You will then enjoy a lovely lunch in a typical restaurant (picanteria) before heading to the Sillar quarries. Finally, it is time to head back to your accommodation.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 
Overnight stay at Hotel in Arequipa

Day 3 (Tuesday): Introductory Ride
Departure around 7:00 am in a tourist vehicle in the direction of Colca Valley. You will cross the “Salinas y Aguada Blanca” reserve where alpacas, llamas and vicuñas can be seen. After reaching the spectacular "Mirador de los Volcanes", at an altitude of 4910 meters (16000 ft) above sea level, we descend into the valley which has an average elevation of about 3500 meters (11000 ft). You will arrive at your hotel in Yanque in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will meet our famous Peruvian Paso horses and their “Chalan” (groom and horse guide). Next, you will begin your first horseback ride around the village up to the Colonial Mill and to a Chapel devoted to the Virgin of Chapi.
Riding 2-3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride around Yanque
In the morning, we begin our ride to Coporaque village and its pre-Inca cemetery where the mummies of Collagua Lords were formerly safeguarded. You will have to dismount and climb a hill for 20min to reach the graves.
The ride continues to the ruins of Uyo-uyo, which was the former capital of the Collagua Natives, who once ruled the Valley. Along the way, you will also see the “Colcas”, a kind of hidden granary that gave the name to the river, and the "amphitheater" (farming terraces highly valued by the Incas to improve cultivation of quinoa, corn…). Afterwards, we go back to Yanque to savor a delicious lunch at the Hotel.
Around 4pm, enjoy a relaxing 30 min massage at the hotel Spa (included on this day).
In the evening, you can do some stargazing (subject to weather conditions) with our Dobson type Telescope with a diameter of 45cm (18 inches). This is one of the biggest Telescopes accessible to the public in Peru. It allows you to look at various deep sky objects (globular clusters, nebulae, galaxies…) only visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Before observing the night sky, we screen a short 12min film in our Planetarium.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Maca
We leave at 8:00am for a ride along the left bank of the Colca River, passing through beautiful landscapes. Native people achieved a great feat in creating arable lands on the mountain. They did so by inventing terrace cultivation and irrigating those terraces with an ingenious system of water channels. We will cross the villages of Achoma and Maca. Our horses and their Chalan will stay in Maca while a vehicle will drive you and your English-speaking guide back to Yanque, where you will enjoy lunch at the hotel. Then, we bring you to the Yanque Hot Springs for a relaxing swim.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 6 (Friday): Morning Ride to Madrigal & Chimpa Fortress Visit
Early breakfast (around 5:30 am) and transfer to Maca where we meet our riding companions. Today, we will cross the Colca river to reach Madrigal village. We leave the horses at the foot of the Chimpa fortress and start our ascension on foot. After about 1.5 hours, we reach the summit and explore the ruins of the old fortress. An incredible panorama awaits with amazing views over the two sides of the Colca Canyon. If we are lucky, we might even see the majestic condor.
Then, it is time to make our way down before being transferred back to Yanque. The horses will stay with the Chalan at the foot of the Chimpa fortress.
Riding 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 7 (Saturday): Colca Valley Ride
Around 8 am, we are transferred back to Madrigal to meet the horses. We continue our ride through the Colcal Valley, making our way towards Lari and IchuPampa.
After about 5 hours in the saddle, we reach Pinchollo, where our horses will overnight. The riders are transferred back to Yanque to relax at the hotel.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 8 (Sunday): Pinchollo's Geyser
Breakfast at 6:00am and departure for Pinchollo. Today, we ride to Pinchollo's Geyser. Climbing a hill and following a stream, we will reach an elevation of 4450 meters (14600 ft) and be amazed by incredible views: high snowy volcanos, waterfalls, and most importantly the "Hatun Infiernillo" Geyser, which is active all year round.
Then it is time to ride back to Pinchollo, where the horses will overnight once more. Guests are transferred back to their hotel in Yanque.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 9 (Monday): Deep Canyon Ride 
Breakfast is served at 7:00am and then, we drive you back to the horses. Today, you will explore one of the deepest section of the canyon.
We overnight in a basic lodge in Llahuar, where you can swim in thermal waters.
Riding 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Lodge in Llahuar

Day 10 (Tuesday): Gardens of the Colca
After an early breakfast (around 6 am) we get back in the saddle and make our way to San Juan de Chuccho. On the way, we will observe the local flora, including beautiful cacti. We will have lunch in San Juan.
In the afternoon, we go for a short walk in beautiful gardens.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in San Juan de Chuccho

Day 11 (Wednesday): Ride to Sangalle
This morning, we enjoy a lovely ride along the Colca River. You can admire some impressive cliffside landscapes. You may sometimes have to get off your horse in order to cross a few small streams. We enjoy our lunch in Sangalle. There, we might have the opportunity to bathe into warm hot springs.
Riding 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Sangalle

Day 12 (Thursday): Ride out of the Canyon
At about 5 am we start our ascent of the canyon. For the security of both riders and horses, we climb mostly at a walk, often leading the horses on foot. Upon your arrival at Cabanaconde, enjoy a well deserved breakfast. Then, a car will pick you up to take you back to Yanque (2 hours’ drive) where you will retrieve your luggage and rest at your hotel.
Riding 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Yanque

Day 13 (Friday): Last Ride & Transfer to Puno
For our last ride, we ride to the river bank to enjoy breakfast. Then, it is time to say goodbye to the horses, before being transported by vehicle, back to the hotel in Yanque. We will have lunch at the hotel around 11:30 am. Then, it is time for our transfer to Puno.
You are free to explore the city in the evening (dinner is not included today).
Riding 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Puno

Day 14 (Saturday): Lake Titicaca & Departure
Breakfast is served at 7:00am and followed by a boat trip (with an English-speaking guide) across Lake Titicaca for a visit to the magnificent Taquile island. From there you will continue your journey across the lake towards the famous floating islands of the Uros, one of the first inhabitants of Peru. Finally, we will return to Puno around 4:00pm (hotel and meals not included). We suggest you take your return flight (not before 6pm) from Juliaca, which is 1 hour from Puno, in order to make the most of your last day. Return transfer to Arequipa is extra and depending on your departure time, you might not be able to visit Lake Titicaca.
Meals included: Breakfast



Available Extension to Cusco & Machu Picchu:
Day 1: Hotel in Puno (coming back from Lake Titicaca Tour)
Day 2: Transfer Puno-Cusco and visits (grouped in tourist bus) with accommodation in Cusco
Day 3: City tour of Cusco (private tour) with accommodation in Cusco
Day 4: Visit of the Sacred Valley (private tour or small group) with accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Free day, visit of Machu Picchu (on your own). Transport, guides and meals are not included. Only includes: round trip train journey, Machu Picchu entrance fee, and the last Hotel night in Cusco.
Day 6: End of services after breakfast with transfer to airport included

Included: Bus Puno-Cusco, Entrance fees, Private tours of Cusco and Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Train Tickets, Puno Cusco bus and 3-star hotels with breakfast

Not included: Lunches and Dinners, Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back & Guide in Machu Picchu.



Non-Riders are welcome to join! Please inquire for more information.

Rates and Dates for Colca Canyon Explorer

Dates Note: ** will not be operating from December 1, 2017 to April 2018 **

Other Info
Meeting: Arequipa
Airport: Arequipa
Transfer: Arequipa airport to hotel

Climate:
                                                Arequipa area