2 DAYS TRIP FROM PUNO TO COLCA CANYON AND TO AREQUIPA BY PRIVATE CAR

At 7AM pick-up from your hotel and journey by private car, on the way we will stop at:

LAGUNILLAS VIEWPOINT situated on the half way between Puno and Arequipa, there series of beautiful small lagoons called Lagunillas, where is possible to see Andean Flamingos, others Andean birds and trout farms fishing on their artisan boats. Here stop to enjoy our delicious snack include the spectacular views and peaceful atmosphere.

CRUCERO ALTO this is the highest pass between Puno and Arequipa, is above 4490M - 14457ft situated in the Santa Lucia province.

STONE FOREST OF IMATA the giant stone forest have been eroded over millions of years by the wind, rain and humidity to form the shapes of trees, animals and human figures.

SALINAS AND AGUADA BLANCA RESERVE located at more than 4000M - 12900ft, inside this reserve is Pampas Cañahuas, almost behind the Chachani Volcano, where the Vicuñas (Vicugna) are protected is, is one of two wild South American camelids along with the Guanaco, which lives in the high Andes. It is a relative of the Llamas and the Alpaca. Vicuñas produce small amounts (about a pound per year) of extremely fine wool. It is understood that the Incas raised Vicuñas for their wool, and that it was against the law for any but royalty to wear vicuña garments.

From the Aguada Blanca and Salinas Reserve we drive up to the highest pass between Puno and the Colca canyon, the pass is named Patapampa (4850m) considerate highlands viewpoint, from where is possible to see snow caps and volcanoes, will stop every place to get short break getting pictures from all each place you like.

Around 2PM we will arrive to Chivay town, located over 3600M, here you can have lunch (excluded).

Then will be the check in at the hotel, OPTIONAL short hike around the Colca valley and then OPTIONAL CAR transfer to the thermal's pools, two hours enjoying the hot spring.

Free evening for personal activities, the dinner is not included and this can be taken in downtown, and hasta mañana.

At 6AM is the breakfast and travel 2 hours on our transport through nice views from the river and Colca valley, colony churches, handicraft markets, green villages on the both banks of the canyon and local's people working the ancient's pre Incas terraces. At 8AM arrive to the famous Condor Cross, at this place is possible to appreciate the fly of Condors or sometimes seating on the big rocks, two hours spending looking this amazing and biggest bird in the world, also there are many villages at the deep part of this spectacular Canyon. After 2 hours at this impressive place we continue driving entering to Cabanaconde town located over 3280M. Cabanconde is considerate the home of the Cabanas people based in the agriculture activities. Driving we get another pass between Cabanaconde and Chinini, from this point we can have nice view of the majestic Colca canyon and the mountainous range. Descend on dirt serpentine road to Huambo town (3100M) surrounded by pre Inca terracing and protected by huge mountain. Stride down of Huambo valley is the deepest and arid part of the Colca canyon - At 1PM we drive up to 4300M, from here spectacular view of Ampato snowcapped (20700ft - 6310M), Hualca Hualca Mountain and part of Solimana volcano, stop for delicious picnic surrounded by pure nature and amazing landscaped.

After pleasant time viewing Ampato continue Off-Road Tour through small volcanoes valley and then descent the coastal area denominated El Pedregal (1600M). 2 hours of transfer from El Pedregal to Arequipa by the Pan-Americana highway.

OPTIONAL: You can have private transfer from El Pedregal to Nasca or Lima, another option is to catch a public to Lima or Nasca, please let us know at the booking time.

TIP: On the road from Puno to Colca canyon the tour guide will stop at two places to use the toilets. On the second day we will drive on gravel road (unpaved road) from high Andes down to the desert of Arequipa, during this trip are available basic toilets in Huambo and El Pedregal.