Colca Canyon Trekking 4 Days.

Colca Canyon Trekking 4 Days.
Twice the depth of North America’s Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon Trekking traverses an area
of almost otherworldly splendour. Rising above rocky ridges and ancient agricultural terraces of the
fascinating Collagua and Cabana peoples soar Condors, rising on thermals from the lower hotter
regions of the canyon on magnificent 3 m wings. Above the canyons Rim some of South America’s
greatest volcano’s rise to more than 6000m, glacier clad summits glinting in rarefied blue skies. On
this in depth trekking tour of the Canyon we get to explore a wide range of canyons highlights. There
are opportunities to explore small local communities, relax in thermal springs, visit waterfalls in the
depths of the canyon and have breakfast in presence of condors – this is an adventure to remember.
Day 1 – Arequipa to Llahuar.
Picked up from our various hotels in Arequipa at 06.00am we begin our Colca Canyon
Trekking journey to Cabanaconde, a small
village perched on the edge of the Canyon
and the starting point for our trek. We arrive
in Cabanaconde after about 5 hours. We
have lunch in a local restaurant and begin our
trek into the Canyon depths. Views are stunning as we head towards our destination, the
community of Llahuar, set in a fine location
at the meeting point of the Colca and Huaruro Rivers. Around Llahuar there are thermal
pools to relax in, Geysers to admire, and if
you feel tempted the opportunity to test you
trout fishing abilities in the river! We spend
the night in bamboo huts in Llahuar. (L.D.)
Day 2 – Llahuar to Fure.
Early morning breakfast and we begin our
Colca Canyon Trekking, ascending through
a dry landscape interspersed with Cactus
groves. We pass the ancient town of Llatica
at 2438m. Here we will the local inhabitants
collecting insects that will be used as the
dye known as Cochíneal. Continuing further we arrive at the village of Fure Oasis
after 5 hours trekking. After lunch we hike to
the spectacular 80m high waterfall of Huaruro, before returning to Fure to spend the
night in our comfortable cabins. (B.L.D.)
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Day 3 – Fure to Sangalle.
A fairly relaxed day! After breakfast we
hike to the community of Sangalle – a
walk of about 4 hours. This afternoon you
have an opportunity to relax and bath in
some warm water pools close to the village. Spend the night in our cabins in the
village and prepare for the hike up the
canyon walls the following day! (B.L.D.)
Day 4 – Sangalle to Arequipa.
A very early start this morning, waking at
around 3 am. We begin our ascent under the
cover of darkness to make the most of the
cool nighttime conditions. If the ascent is too
difficult for some clients there is also the option of hitching a lift with one of our mules!
After the tough of the Canyon we have breakfast at Cabanaconde and get ready for a very
special appointment. Taking a bus to famous
viewpoint or Mirador at Cruz del Condor we
have the opportunity to watch these magnificent birds rising on thermals from the depths
of the Canyon. The views themselves from
this, the deepest section of the Colca are a
perfect backdrop to the wonderful display.
Heading to the thermal springs of La Calera we have time relax and reflect on our
experience before having lunch and heading back to Arequipa, arriving in the ‘White
City’ in the late afternoon/early evening. End
of our Colca Canyon Trekking service. (B.L.)
What is included
Staff/Crew
Bilingual certified guide. Mules to carry our camping and trekking gear, plus a maximum of 10kg of
personal gear per client. Friendly horseman hired from local communities. Professional trail cook. Our
guides carry first aid kits, and an oxygen bottle in case of any medical emergencies.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in simple but clean and comfortable bamboo huts along the trekking route.
Local Tours and Activities: Entrance to the Cruz del Condor reserve.
Transport
All transport to and from your Arequipa Accommodation (tour bus to and from the trail head).
Meals
Excellent nutritious meals will be provided by cook while on the trek (if you have specific dietary requirements or would prefer vegetarian options please specify this when booking the tour). Please see the tour
itinerary for meal details. You should consider bringing some high energy snacks to consume in between
meals. 3 Breakfasts. 4 Total Lunches. 4 Dinners
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What
is not included
A warm Sleeping Bag (these can be hired locally)
Travel Insurance is not included – a good policy covering all tour activities and possible health emergencies is
highly recommended and should be considered a priority.
Some money for staff tips (generally expected in Peru, although not essential).
Alcoholic beverages
Things to Bring
Note: On this trek mules will carry up to 10kg of personal gear per client, so please try and keep baggage to a minimum. If you require an extra mule for additional gear please inform us when booking your tour.
A good strong day back (around 30 litres is a reasonable size)
Good hiking boots.
Sandals for relaxing around camp at night. Wind and water proof jacket (Gore-Tex is good)
Water bottle. Water purifying tablets
Camera (water proof case is useful). Extra batteries for camera
Extra money for your own expenses – dollars are easily exchanged, there are ATM’s in major cities and travelers
checks are a secure method of carrying funds
A photocopy of your passport/travel documents
A copy of your travel insurance
Mosquito repellent (DEET is good)
Sun block. Sunglasses. Sunhat
Flashlight with extra batteries
Swimsuit. Binoculars (good for wildlife watching!)
Weather/Altitude/Geography/Temperature.
Weather: May to October is generally considered the dry season (best time to visit) in the Peruvian Mountains and
Jungle, however it can be cool and misty on the Peruvian coast at this time of year. Altitude means that even within
the tropics it can be very cold high up (above 2000m) – bring warm cloths and light clothes for lower, more tropical
parts of the tour. Temperatures can range from below freezing in the highlands to around 35 ̊C in the tropical lowlands. On arrival in high altitude areas clients should drink plenty of water and relax for the first couple of days until
fully acclimatized.
Culture/language.
Peru possesses a mix of both Colonial European and Indigenous Cultures. Indigenous groups generally form the
poorer part of society, and there is sometimes tension regarding these inequalities. Spanish is almost universally
spoken, with the Indigenous Languages of Quechua, Aymara and other languages used within ethnic groups.
Health/precautions.
This is a moderately demanding trekking tour and clients should possess a good standard of fitness and some hiking/country walking experience. Don’t drink tap water – purify or buy bottled water (water will be boiled on the trek).
Consult your doctor for the latest advice regarding regional health risks/immunisations. Although a generally safe
country, always be aware of the possibilities of theft/robbery – consult local staff for further information.
Machete Tours Contact details/emergency phone number.
Cusco office phone: +51 84 224829
Lima office phone: +51 1 4440351
Europe phone: +46 760461860 (Sweden)
24 Hour emergency numbers:
+51 1 992987202 (Lima),
+51 84 984226912 (Cusco)
ronald@machetetours.com www.machetetours.com
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