Itinerary Arequipa to Colca Canyon on 19/09/08

MH Itinerary: Arequipa to Colca Canyon

 

 

A popular destination in Peru is Arequipa. If you are coming in from the hike to Machu Picchu, the next place on your list should be Arequipa. Known for its colonial architecture and its juxtaposition to the wild terrain of Peru, including still active volcanoes, Arequipa is high on the tourist destination list.

El Misti, a mere 5822 m, is the city’s volcano, visibile from the Plaza de Armas. Arequipa makes for a hiker or backpacker’s dream. Many of the mountains have great climbing paths, some more difficult than others. Koala Hostel is a great place to stay if you want to be right in the middle of the action at Arequipa. Find other great hostels for Arequipa at MiniHostels.com.

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As Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, most travelers reach the Colca Canyon from Arequipa. However, the city is about three hours away from the Canyon. You can reach the canyon by bus or van or you can arrange a tour in Arequipa.

The airport, LAN at Santa Catalina 118-C, is 8km outside of the city. The bus terminals are about 3km outside of the city. Most buses leave from Terminal Terrestre but may also depart from Terrapuerto, which is smaller in size but is located right next to Terrestre. For buses to the Colca Canyon, buses leave daily for Chivay or Cabanaconde. To Chivay, the ride is about three hours and will cost around U$S 2.40. However, to reach Cabanaconde on the other side of the canyon the ride will be around six hours at the price of about U$S 4.50. The most popular bus companies to travel with are the Andalucia, the Reyna, and Transportes Colca.

Colca Canyon is a popular hiker and backpacker destination because it boasts some of the worlds deepest canyons. Hikers can experience village life while basking in Colca’s vast beauty. On the road from Arequipa you will travel north towards the Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca. This area is specked with vicuñas, relatives of the llama. The road will reach up to 4800 m during its climb through the altiplano before ending in Chivay. In fact, some backpackers may choose to spend the first day in Chivay acclimating to the climate before delving into the canyon.

Once in Chivay, make sure you have Peruvian cash as no one will be able to exchange money for you. In Chivay you may decide to partake in the hot springs just 3 km outside of the town. Entrance fees are about U$S 3 and the springs are usually about from 4:30- 8pm. To get to the springs, try taking a collectivo from the city market center for about U$S .30.

It will be about U$S 12 for anyone to get into the canyon.