Colca Canyon Trekking 3 Day.

Colca Canyon Trekking 3 Day.
Twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the United States, the Colca Canyon forms a mighty scar
100km long across the Andean High Plane. As if the Colca Canyon itself wasn’t impressive enough on
its own this region is dominated by the vast towering forms of volcanoes lording over the canyon and
all live close. Ampato, at 6288m is one of the tallest volcanoes in the Americas and Sabancaya one of
the most active, a constantly smoking and rumbling presence. These peaks, providers of fertile soil and
water in these parched uplands have long been respected for their powers and for hundreds, perhaps
thousands of years have been worshiped as Gods. As recently as the 1990s evidence of Inca sacrifices, including an Inca Mummy - a young girl, was discovered above 6000m on the slopes of Ampato.
On Machete Tours trekking journey into the depths of the Canyon, more than 3500m beneath the summits of the volcanic peaks you have an opportunity to see many of the Colca’s very special residents. The
Cabana and Collagua peoples have inhabited this gorge since before the times of the Incas, and they still
occupy traditional villages to this day. Trekking from the depths of the canyon under the cover of darkness we also get a close up look at the world’s largest flying bird, the Andean Condor, souring up from the
canyon depths on powerful thermals on 3 m wings at the Cruz del Condor, a truly remarkable experience.
Day 1 – Arequipa to Cosnirhua (L, D)
This morning we begin early, picking trekkers up
from their Arequipa Hotels at 06:00. Five hours after
a spectacular drive across the Altiplano from Arequipa we arrive at the beautifully located and welcoming town of Cabanaconde at the entrance to the
Canyon. Cabanaconde has some truly spectacular
views over the gorge of the Colca. Here we stop for
lunch at a restaurant before beginning our trek. We
hike to Pampa San Miguel for more spectacular vistas before descending for San Juan de Chuccho at
2200m. We have a look around the community before trekking to the Colca river itself, before continuing onwards to the community of Cosnirhua at 2450m
where we arrive after another 1 ½ hours walk. Here
we check in our comfortable cabins and even enjoy
solar heated shower. Dinner will be arranged here.
Day 2 – Cosnirhua to Malata (B, L, D)
This morning we meet some of the Canyon’s local
residents and find out more about the ways of life in
the Canyon. We have a look at the local’s methods
of cultivating crops on the beautifully terraced steep
valley walls and visit a local school, having some time
to talk with the children. We also visit a local hospital.
After lunch we continue our hike, trekking to the colonial
style village of Malata at 2450m. The people of Malata
speak Quechua, the former language of the Incas. We
continue deeper into the Canyon again. This time our
destination is the well named Oasis, where we spend
the afternoon and have the opportunity to relax in the
warm pools from which the location takes its name.
Tonight we rest in comfortable bamboo bungalows.
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Day 3 – Malata to Arequipa (B, L)
This morning we wake very early, at around
03:00. We ascend the Canyon for a special appointment, aided by starlight and torchlight. This
is a tough hike, but trekkers who are feeling tired
can ride up using supporting mules. We have a
hearty breakfast, scrambled eggs or pancakes,
before being met by our car at the lip of the Canyon and transported to the Cruise del Condor,
a famous spot for seeing the world’s largest flying birds, Andean Condors, as they fly from cliff
edge nests on thermals rising from the canyon.
Later in the morning we continue to Chivay and
each lunch before heading to the geothermal
baths at La Calera. After lunch and our relaxing
bath we return to the beautiful white city of Arequipa, arriving at 17:30 when we transfer to our
hotels. End of service.
TOUR DIFICULTY: Medium
TOUR INFORMATION
Departure: 06:30
Return: 16:30
Type of service: private bus
Time walking: 5 hours per day
Daily departures
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
English speaking guide
03 Nutritious meals per day prepared by professional mountain cook
Food (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
Private tourist transportation Arequipa – Colca - Arequipa
Mules to carry camping equipment plus personal luggage and tour food
Accommodation in bamboo bungalows (2 nights)
Store and cooking equipment
First Aid Kit
Emergency oxygen supplies
Entrance fee to the Cruz del Condor reserve
What
is not included
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.
International flights can be purchased independently or by consulting Machete Tours.
Tipping is expected in Peru (although this is not essential).
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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.
Trekking boots with water proof and breathable material
Sleeping bag that is suited for minimum +5 degrees celsius
Change of clothes minimum 2 t-shirts, 2 pants
Wind and water proof jacket (Gore-Tex)
Clothes for cold weather. Trekking socks
Water bottle. Purifying water tablets
Camera with a plastic protection
Extra batteries for camera
Extra cash money for your own expenses
A photocopy of your passport
A copy of your travel insurance
Mosquito repellent with a Max. Of 25% Deet.
Sun block with extra UV protection
Sunglasses. Sunhat
Flashlight with extra batteries
Swimsuit
Walking stick
Toilet paper
Binoculars
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)
[email protected] www.machetetours.com
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