Full Day Colca Canyon

02:30am

You'll be picked up at your hotel or hostel in Arequipa very early, between 2:00 and 2:30am, so that we can depart for Condor's Cross via tourist-class bus.

06:30am

We'll make a stop in the town of Chivay in order to enjoy a tasty breakfast before continuing on to Condor's Cross.

09:00am

Arrival at Condor's Cross Lookout. Here, you can see the massive and endangered Andean Condors at close-range. The world's largest birds of flight rise from their nesting colony deep within the canyon as the sun begins to heat the air. They appear like clockwork and circle ever higher, barely ever flapping their wings, as they ride the rising thermals in search of food. We'll stay here for about an hour appreciating the majestic flight of the condors.

10:00am

During our return to Chivay, we'll stop at various natural scenic lookouts.  From Choquetico Lookout (the name means Holes in the Hill) you'll be able to see the remains of tombs built into an opposing Cliffside by the Collaguas culture around 1200AD. The absence of hand- and toe-holds around the tombs suggests that the builders lowered themselves on ropes, and doorways were caused by grave robbers. Also at Choquetico Lookout you'll be able to see the Choqetico Model Stone, a pre-Inca carving which precisely models the terrain and terracing on the opposite side of the canyon. We'll also make stops at the Tumbas Scenic Viewpoint, Lito Maquetas Scenic Viewpoints, and the Antahuilque Viewpoint where you'll be able to admire the pristine lakes below.  (One of the lakes is known for being in the shape of Peru.)

11:00am

You'll have free time to visit the soothing La Calera Thermal Baths