Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Arequipa also acts as a springboard for adventures into the surrounding area. Four hours north of Arequipa lies the impressive Colca Valley, an area of breathtaking landscapes surrounded by terracing and snow-capped peaks; we can arrange Colca Canyon tours as part of your holiday itinerary. Far below, in fact some 10,000ft below, the Colca River winds along the bottom of the world's second deepest canyon. The Colca Valley is ideal for adventure sports, including rafting and trekking, or you can just come out here to admire the scenery and watch the condors circling overhead at Condor's Cross, a spot so-called because it is possible to see up to 20 of the mighty Andean birds soaring overhead on the early morning thermals from here.

There are a number of beautiful trekking circuits that wind through the mountains past lovely colonial villages, pre-Hispanic ruins, beautiful lakes, the unique Andean flora and fauna, and all with stunning views of the chain of volcanoes that run parallel to the valley. After a day's hiking, you can soothe aching limbs in the local hot springs.

The hiking in the Colca Canyon area is fantastic and can be tailored to suit all requirements. Climbers can also challenge two of the easiest, non-technical 18,000ft peaks in the world - the volcanoes of El Misti and Chachani. For those who prefer not to hike, or don't have time, the canyon can be visited as a day trip from Arequipa, or you can follow the canyon road on a motor bike safari.