Experiences and local guides in Arequipa

Nature

Arequipa, at 2,300 m, is built of white volcanic sillar stone and ringed by three volcanoes: Misti (5,822 m), Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Four hours away, the Colca Canyon plunges more than 3,000 m between pre-Inca terraces, Collagua villages and Cruz del Cóndor, where condors glide a few metres overhead. Further on, Cotahuasi Canyon is deeper still and almost tourist-free.

Activities

• Colca Canyon: Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, 2 or 3-day trek to the Sangalle oasis and La Calera hot springs
• Misti ascent (2 days) and Chachani (6,057 m), one of the most accessible 6,000 m peaks in the world
• Rafting on the Chili river, mountain biking on the slopes of Misti, horseback riding in the countryside
• Salinas y Aguada Blanca reserve: vicuñas, flamingos and Salinas lagoon
• White city: Santa Catalina monastery, San Camilo market, picanterías and rocoto relleno

When to go

April to November is dry and sunny, perfect for the Colca and the volcanoes. From January to March it rains in the highlands and canyon trails may close. Condors fly best in the morning, between 8 and 10.

How to get there

Rodríguez Ballón airport (AQP) is 20 minutes from the centre, with flights from Lima (1 h 30) and Cusco. Buses from Lima (16 hours), Cusco (10 hours), Puno (6 hours) and Tacna on the Chilean border (6 hours). To the Colca Canyon: 3 to 4 hours by road to Chivay, with daily buses and tours from the city.