9 Hrs Of Panoramic Trekking Of Pichu Pichu Mountain And Countryside Villages of Arequipa
Arequipa Day Trek is one most sightseeing alternative to explore the surrounding panorama out of the second largest city in Peru - The trek involves amazing views of Pichu Pichu Mountain (5640M), tree line as known as Bosque de Queñuales (Polylepis tree), share your time hiking between andean camelids as Llamas and Alpacas grazing around, remote countryside villages and of course epic view of volcan Misti (5825M) - This day trekking outside of Arequipa is suitable for all ages and the distances to hike can vary according the physical condition of each participant.
TECNICAL INFORMATION
DEPARTURE: Every day at 8AM.
RETURN: Same day between 4-5PM.
SEASON: All year around.
DISTANCE: 14KM approximately but can be made longer or shorter (8,69miles).
TREK LENGTH: 6 hours approximately.
TREK HIGHLIGHT: Snow-peaks, andean flora and fauna, wildlife, pre-Inca terracing, and amazing volcanic land spots.
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate level (10–16 km)
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: Between 3450M and 3050M (11.318ft and 10006ft).
AREQUIPA DAY TREK ITINERARY
GROUP SERVICE: The service the service begins from our office in Arequipa at 8AM.
PRIVATE SERVICE: Includes pick-up from from customers accommodation located in Arequipa downtown only (8AM or early/later).
Firstly, we will be transferred from the city to the countryside, until we reach the trailhead at bottom of Pichu Pichu Mountain. This short journey takes around 1H30M with scenic stops of volcan Misti, the ancient agriculture terraces along the way and visit the little colonial church of Mosopuquio (3300M). This Andean town was founded at the bottomw of great mountain as known as Pichu Pichu. Local's are very dedicated to agriculture thanks to rich soil surrounded by active volcanoes.
Around 10AM our trekking begins from little lagoon located above 3450M, with great view of 7 peaks of Pichu Pichu Mountain (5640M) and large forest of Queñuales (Andean trees), and view of the guardian of Arequipa as known as Volcan Misti (5820M). The path for our trekking is in good condition between typical andean grasland and lots agriculture terraces of Tuctunpalla and Piaca villages. The agriculture fields look green all year thanks to pristine water of many spring at the bottom of Pichu Pichu.
The first section for trekking will be from the bottom of Pichu Pichu to Piaca villages (around 8KM/3Hrs). The single trail will be mostly cros-counrty style accross agriculture fields awarded by local people on their daily field activities. At the countryside of Piaca village (3200M), we will have change to make picnic (excluded) or enjoy genuine local food (Picanterias) and recover energy to continue our trekking.
Around 2PM we start the second part our trek (6KM), will be from PIaca to Pocsi town (3050M). This trek goes over agriculture hills and then inside small canyon, passing small forest of cactus, with great options to observe luckily the flight of Andean Condor, and other wildlife as Viscachas, Andean eagle, Andean woodpeckers, foxes, parrots, and others.
Finally, this great trekking ends between 4PM or 5PM. The last action will be 1hr of transfer to city center of Arequipa and end of service.
Why lower altitude trekking day in Arequipa?
Arequipa city is located at 2300 meters above sea level, is a perfect place to begin adjust your body to high altitudes as Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Huaraz or other high location over 3500M.
A lower trekking introduction before your Inca trail, Salkantay trek or higher trekking itineraries plus constantly hydration, light diet will be very helpful to adapt your body to high altitude.
This Arequipa day trek gives gradually break your body for higher elevation, reduce fatigue on the uphill walks, less overworking your lungs, less headaches at high altitudes as the Lake Titicaca or camping through high mountains along the Andes.
PERU ADVENTURE TOURS advise to all visitors to spend few nights in Arequipa and practice trekking over 3000M of altitude to get better performance before to visit the Colca canyon or try summit of any high volcano or mountain over 5000M.
