Majestic South
4 days / 3 nights
DAY 1: AREQUIPA | INC: -
Arrival in Arequipa. Meet and greet, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon the White City opens its doors on a journey that begins in the beautiful Colonial district of San Lazaro, the founding place of Arequipa; from here we will walk through its picturesque streets adorned with geraniums to later go to the Carmen Alto viewpoint for a chance to see the wonderful landscape of agricultural terraces and the three volcanoes surrounding the city: Misti, Chachani and Pichu-Pichu. It is time to head for the Yanahuara Colonial district, famous for its Andalusian style church and its viewpoint, architecture jewel surrounded by sillar (volcanic stone) arches. Then we will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, impressive religious monument which was closed for about 400 years; with narrow streets, squares and gardens reminiscent of the old quarters of Seville or Granada. We will proceed to the Main Square to see its beautiful Cathedral and the stone arches that surround it, and finally, it is time to visit the Church of the Society of Jesus, founded in the seventeenth century by the Jesuits, famous for its cloisters and its magnificent San Ignacio Dome. Stay at Arequipa.
DAY 2: AREQUIPA/COLCA CANYON | INC: B/L
We set off to the spectacular Colca Valley going up the foothills of Chachani volcano and admiring the Misti and Picchu Picchu Volcanoes. Then we cross the vicuñas reservation of Pampa Cañahuas where we can see them running free in the high Andean lands. Peculiar villages around us. We will stop for lunch on our way to the lodge. Free afternoon to rest and enjoy the lodge and the optional visit to the thermal baths in the area. Stay at Colca Valley.
DAY 3: COLCA CANYON/AREQUIPA | INC: B.
Early in the morning we will go to the Condor Cross viewpoint. Before us the shocking flight of the condors, huge Andean birds on the brink of extinction and symbol of the Andes Mountain Range. The view at this place allows us to appreciate the canyons depth, considered as one of the deepest in the world. We will then visit the Maca and Yanque towns which still keep the colonial churches. After lunch, we will set off for Arequipa. The trip takes about 5 hours and we will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel upon our arrival. Overnight stay at Arequipa.
DAY 4: COLCA CANYON/AREQUIPA | INC: B.
Departure transfer.