A Classic Trip to Southern Peru

Arequipa is the third largest city in Peru, yet visitors often overlook this lovely region in the southern part of the country. See Arequipa’s natural wonders in this classic getaway, which is the perfect addition to any Peruvian adventure!

Day One

Your Arequipa Express journey will get started as soon as you land at Arequipa Airport, where one of our hosts will be waiting to meet you to help you complete all formalities.

That afternoon, your adventure to southern Peru starts off right with a half-day tour of the city, including Sana Catalina Convent. Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. Its incredible Baroque churches and colonial mansions are sure to impress, especially the gorgeous main square bordered by arched walkways surrounding a beautiful bronze fountain.

This half-day sightseeing tour will also take you into the heart of Santa Catalina Convent, often called “a city within a city” for its stone streets, beautiful patios, and open plaza. This convent is a masterpiece of Spanish colonial architecture, where noblewomen often came to seek refuge from the material world and dedicate their lives to prayer. The convent also houses some of the finest examples of Spanish American religious art that is sure to inspire you.

After this half-day tour of Arequipa, you’ll return to your hotel to rest up for the next stage of your adventure.

Day Two

The following morning, you’ll be transported to the Colca Canyon region, deep in the highlands of southern Peru.

As we drive towards Colca Canyon, we’ll pass through Yura-Pampa Cañahuas and La Pulpera, where you may have the chance to observe wild vicuñas and fighting cattle, as well as the beautiful highland landscapes that characterize this region.

On our drive, we’ll make a stop en route to view the spectacular petroglyphs in the Caves of Mollepunco, located near the town of Callali. These petroglyphs will take you deep into the past with fascinating images depicting the lives of Peru’s most ancient inhabitants. The town of Callali is also home to an array of stunning natural hill formations that remind viewers of enchanted fairy-tale castles.

Finally, in the evening, we’ll arrive at La Calera to enjoy the area’s thermal baths, where you can relax and enjoy the serenity of the Peruvian highlands under a beautiful canopy of stars.

Day Three

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll get an early start on the day to maximize our chances of seeing Peru’s greatest bird: the incredible condor. We’ll visit the “Cross of the Condor” high in Colca Canon, a spectacular viewing area that will surely provide incredible views of these birds soaring over the world’s deepest canyon.

Colca Canyon is a wonder in itself. The rim of the canyon towers to 13,000 feet before plunging to a deep valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. At a depth of 10,000 feet, the Colca River sparkles in the sun at the bottom of the canyon. Even the Grand Canyon can’t compete with these incredible views!

After our bird-watching adventure, we’ll continue down the canyon to visit pre-Inca ruins and burial grounds in the valley of the canyon. These incredible ruins, including the remains of an impressive irrigation system and mountain terraced agriculture, were left behind by the Collagua people. Our journey into the canyon will allow you to see their ancient way of life in this remote landscape.

After lunch in the town of Chivay, we’ll return to Arequipa, where you can spend the afternoon and evening exploring the beautiful colonial architecture of this city.

Day Four

After breakfast at your hotel, a host will accompany you to the Arequipa Airport for your departure flight.  Your trip home will be full of great memories of the astounding country of Peru!