We leave Arequipa at 7 am to start the 380 km ride by 4x4 heading in the direction of the “petrogliphs of Toro Muerto,” located in the Corire district, about 3 hours from Arequipa. Here there are around 5 miles of engraved stones to be seen. These engravings are dated between 700 and 800 AD, from the time of the Wari culture.

Our excursion here will give us the opportunity to explore the numerous stones and rocks and their different meanings.

Continuing on to the Valley of Majes, we will pass the many rice cultivations and vineyards of the region, also the village of Chuquibamba, which is known for its cheese and avocado. Here we will have the option of visiting a little museum dedicated to the local pre-Incan culture “Pachanas”.

After Chuquibamba we will enter an area at 4700 meters above sea level, where there is an amazing view over snowy Coropuna (6425m above sea level).

Just behind the lagoon of Pallarcocha is a magnificent landscape, representative of the south Peruvian Andes. It is important to note that snowy Coropuna is the tallest volcano in Peru. For the old Incas it was the “apu,” the most important holy mountain in the south of Peru.

At the end of the day we will arrive in Cotahuasi (2600m above sea level) after about a 10 hour ride.

Cotahuasi is the capital of the Union and where we will be spending the night at a local hostal.

This trek is mostly desert, but there is a geological richness to be observed. The climate will be rather hot, as the region is not high above sea level (around 2000m). We recommend hiring a donkey (to transport the drinking water).

After breakfast we will continue by truck, crossing the Cotahuasi River over the bridges of Cuyao and Sipia.

This is where our 4 hour trek starts. We will pass the waterfall of Sipia with its 150m cascade. It is amazing to watch and listen to the battle roaring between water and rocks, as the water with its erosive powers step by step washes the rock away, creating an enormous gorge with a depth of 3535m. Here it is worth mentioning that Colca Canyon has a depth of 3217m, therefore Cotahuasi is 318m deeper!

After observing the falls we will go to the little village of Chaupo. On our way there we will pass by some fantastic countryside, including the red canyon that receives its name from its red stone colour, called arcilla.

The temperature here oscillates between 25 - 30 degrees.

We will stop in the “oasis of Chaupo” where apples, oranges, and grapes are grown and the local wine is produced.

You have the option of doing another 3 hour walk to the village of Velinga, depending on your physical condition at the time.

In the morning after breakfast we start our 3 hour hike to the bridge of Sipia, where our truck will be waiting to take us to the Valley of Volcanoes.

On this day we will be passing close by snowy Coropuna. After a 3 hour ride we will arrive in the Valley of Volcanoes where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Trek to Sinquillay waterfall and volcano viewpoint.

On this day we go to the village of Orcopampa, before continuing to Chivay (Colca Valley)

Overnight in Colca Lodge.

We will go early to Condor Cross to enjoy a glimpse of the condors in their natural habitat, as well as a viewpoint overlooking terraces and the colonial villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque. Other viewpoints such as Antahuilque and Mollepunku afford us views of pre-Incan terraces and above-ground graves belonging to the Collagua period. Lunch in Chivay (optional hot springs, “La Calera”), before we make the return trip to Arequipa, passing by the national reserves of Aguada Blanca and Salinas on the way, where we’ll observe llamas, alpacas and vicuńas. We’ll also make a stop at the 4912m high viewpoint of Los Andes.

We arrive back in Arequipa at 5 pm.

- Transport private car 4x4
- All transfers
- Oxygen equipment
- First-aide kit
- Entrance fee to national reserve and Aguada Blanca y Salinas
- Entrance fee to Cotahuasi canyon
- Entrance fee to Andagua (volcanoes valley)
- Trekking into the Cotahuasi canyon
- Trekking official guide
- All meals
- Donkey (carry all your thinks)
- Muleteer
- Accommodation one night in cotahuasi village (hostal basic)
- Accommodation one night in tents in chaupo
- Accommodation in Andagua village (hostal basic)
- Accomodations in chivay village (hotel)
- Ticket for la Calera (hot spring)
- Tents and matras
- Cooking equipment

- Water
- Snacks
- Tips

- Swimming Customs.
- Torch / Flashlight.
- Sun Block.
- Insects Repellent (Specially if you have sweet blood for them).
- Towels.
- Basics.
- Snacks.
- Water (you can buy in all the villages).
- Cap or hat.
- Personal medications.
- Hiking stick(s).
- Sleeping Bag, up the trekking.
- Enthusiasm.

- The passenger is under the obligation to mention of any health problem or past injury to assure and guarantee the safety of the trip.

- We must be said weather the person is vegetarian to make the arrangements for his/her food.

- In case of any struggle, please contact us the our phone numbers:

LAND LINE: (51) (54) 203737
MOBILE: (51) (54) 961 1241
Available 24/7.

The person who may collect you is going to get you right on time, for safety reasons, please wait inside your Hostel and try to make your bag the previous day and you will have no problems, the agency is not responsible for delays or missing the bus or even the tour.

We decided not to use tents, that way the people at the moment of making the tour with us, immediately is giving work to local people who may provide the places to sleep.

The stuff is competent and is being trained eventually, every now and then.(OFFICIEL GUIDES).