Colca Canyon and Origin of the Amazon

Colca Canyon and Origin of the Amazon

This new adventure route comprises 5 days in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a private guide. Called the Ampato Route, it also includes a trek to the Colca Canyon, the deepest in the world, and culminates at the source of the Amazon River, the most voluminous and deepest river on the planet. The altitudes are: Arequipa 2332 meters above sea level, Huancayo 2970 meters above sea level, Cabanaconde 3252 meters above sea level, Oasis 2000 meters above sea level, Cruz del Condor, Chivay 3600 meters above sea level, and the source of the Amazon at 5232 meters above sea level. Price per person, minimum for two people.

This tour includes some trekking and requires a good level of physical fitness.

Itinerary

Day 1. Arequipa, El Lagarto Rojo, Huanca Lluta, Pichrigma Canyon, Huambo, Mocurca Lagoon, Cabanaconde

In the morning, we depart from Arequipa in our private transport to Huanca. We will make many stops to observe the changing landscape, transitioning from arid to fertile terrain. We will have a boxed lunch at the Huanca Sanctuary. In the afternoon, we continue our journey through the mountains, where a citadel with Inca-provincial architecture is located. Its inaccessibility, like its terraced fields, surrounds this vertiginous canyon. We will visit the town of Lluta. This route is truly spectacular, offering views of the Apus (mountain deities) such as Coropuna, Ampato, Solimana, and Chachani. We can also appreciate the Pedregal and the western Andes mountain range, passing through different climate zones.

Meal Plan: Box Lunch

Hotel in Cabanaconde

Day 2: Cabanaconde - San Juan de Chucho - Sangalle OASIS

We will begin our tour at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where we will spend approximately one hour observing the flight of the world's largest bird. After watching the condor, we will continue to the Pampa San Miguel area (3,400 meters above sea level), from where we will begin our approximately 4-hour hike, descending 1,200 meters to reach the town of San Juan de Chuccho (2,200 meters above sea level), located on the right bank of the Colca Valley. There, we will rest and enjoy the extraordinary view of the canyon walls while having lunch. After lunch, we'll begin a 3-hour hike to El Oasis (Sangalle, 2,100 m.a.s.l.), passing through the villages of Cosñirgua and Malata (2,450 m.a.s.l.). There, we can enjoy a swim in the natural 24°C pools and soak in the charm of the place while we wait for dinner. At night, weather permitting, we can admire a breathtaking sky filled with stars.

Overnight in bungalows

Meal plan: Full board

Day 3: Sangalle - Cabanaconde - Hot Springs - Tuti

This day, we'll wake up very early, at 4:00 a.m., to begin the ascent to the town of Cabanaconde, which takes approximately 3 hours. At the beginning, we'll need the light from our flashlights, but as the morning progresses, the dawn light will illuminate the path. Once in the town of Cabanaconde, we'll have breakfast and board our transport, which will take us to the village of Tuti. There, we'll have the option to visit the 38°C (100°F) thermal baths and have lunch. In the afternoon, we'll visit an incredible ruin that was inhabited by pre-Inca, Inca, and Spanish peoples.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 4: Tuti - Sources of the Amazon - Carhuasanta Ravine

Very early, we depart for Mismi. Here, we'll go to the source of the Amazon River at 5,152 meters (16,500 feet) above sea level. Depending on our acclimatization, we may ascend to Lake Johan Makenty. This day, we'll have a view of the Amazon basin. Return to Tuti in the afternoon for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Tuti - Volcano Viewpoint - Aguada Blanca Reserve - Arequipa

Today, after our immersive experience, we continue to 4900 meters above sea level. We will make many stops to appreciate the natural beauty and the views of Arequipa's three volcanoes. Arrival in Arequipa where we will spend the night.

Price per person, based on groups of 2 or more

INCLUDES:

5 days Private transportation in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
Official Tour Guide
Nights in Oasis bungalows with private bathrooms
Nights in Cabanaconde at Casa de Santiago with private bathrooms
Nights in Tuti with private bathrooms
Full board during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

(Meals include omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, meat, and rice, all rich in carbohydrates necessary to compensate for the physical exertion of the trek. Hot beverages are also included, including coca tea, which is excellent for altitude sickness.)

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Colca Valley Tourist Ticket
Entrance to the La Calera thermal baths (optional)
Meals in town

Personal clothing and hiking equipment (Gore-Tex pants, jacket, gloves, hats, sunglasses, headlamp, trekking boots, rain poncho, water bottle, and hats for warmth) Cold weather gear, sunscreen, etc.)

Ampato Colca Route 2 days

Colca Canyon and Origin of the Amazon

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