TOUR TO VOLCANOES VALLEY OF ANDAGUA $565 USD Per Person - Private Service

At 6AM pick up from your hotel in Arequipa and 3 hours travel to west by the Pan American highway through the impressive desert zone giving a view of all of Arequipa's volcanoes: El Misti, El Chachani, El Ampato and Coropuna. We will arrive to Corire - Majes valley is 170KM from Arequipa, closer the left side of the river is located the Toro Muerto petroglyphs, is a volcanic rock area over approximately 5 km2, most probably the result of violent eruptions of the Coropuna and Chachani volcanoes. Consist of carved boulders strewn over hot desert. More than a thousand rocks of all sizes and shapes have been crudely, yet strikingly, engraved with a wide variety of distinct representations. No archaeological remains have been directly associated with these pictures they date from between 1000 and 1500 years ago, largely attributed to the Wari culture, though with probable additions during subsequent Chuquibamba’s and Inca periods of domination in the region. The engravings include images of humans, snakes, llamas, deer, parrots, sun discs and simple geometric motifs. Some of the figures appear to be dancing; others look like spacemen with large round helmets – Obviously potential for the author Eric Von Daniken extraterrestrial musings.

After 2 hours walking around the petroglyphs we continue with a visit to see pre Inca tombs located in poor area of the valley – The next stop will be at small Jurasic park as known as Qerulpa, this place is recognice thanks to the tracks of the Dinosaurs founded in one the sand hill next of the road between Corire and Aplao (700M).

Around 12PM will be the lunch served in a local restaurant and according the season we can offer local dish prepared with river shrimp.

Around 1PM continue driving ascending on asphalt road passing small valley like Andamayo (928M), Tipan (1928M), Tagre (2190M), Viraco and Machaguay (3200M) – All those places have fully of agriculture terraces thanks to the water of the snow-capped of Coropuna (6377M) – From Viraco the road conditions change to dirt and bumpy road until Andagua – The dusty road offer great view of mountains, canyons, small rivers and valleys.

After 4 hours of driving we reach the highest pass on this day – The name of the highest point of today will be Paso Coropuna (4930M) – This is the base of the 3rd highest peak in Peru and considered sacred mountain for local farmers around here – On the way down we pass small villages, wetlands where you can see large groups of Llamas, Alpacas, few Vicuñas and other Andean wildlife – From the pass downhill drive following same road conditions to Andagua (3580M).

Around 6PM arrive to Andagua, this is considered small town surrounded by small volcanoes – Here we will provide small accommodation with private bath and hot shower only if is available – The dinner will be supply by local family prepare with local recipes (L - D).

Today we wake up at 6AM and begin to explore two small extinct volcanoes as known as “Los Mellizos” (Twins) – This sort trek will takes around 2 hours following very clear path up to the top of one of these cones and get different angles of spectacular view of entire town and the valley of Andagua – Around 8:30AM return to the hostel to get country breakfast.

Around 10AM we start our trekking for about 3 hours through the Valle de los Volcanes, agriculture fields, cactus forest, some pre-Inca remains and lot flora of this region – Our trekking will be mostly downhill following dusty trail and crossing a region look as lunar valley – For this trek we recommend to bring good hiking boots, water and everything to protect you from the sun.

Around 1PM we will meet our private vehicle and then drive on dirt road down to valley of Ayo (1950M) – This valley is located at bottom and near of the intersection of Andagua and Colca River – The typical characteristic of valley are the vineyards thanks to the dry climate and arid field which is appropriate to produce good artisanal vine and Pisco (grape brandy) and of course you can taste them in a local shop – Today for lunch we will make some picnic (box lunch) next of the two rivers – If we are lucky we can try river shrimp again but this depends of local and very small restaurant in Ayo – After lunch nice and short walk to see the a mysterious and blue waters of Mamacocha lagoon (1690M). The lagoon is surrounded by volcanic lava if time permit we can watch the river otter and other wildlife around the lagoon.

At 5PM drive back to Andagua to get diner and sleep in the same hostel (B – L - D).

Today is the last day your stay in El Valle de Andahua – Before breakfast we driver for 10 minutes to the southwest of the town to find a nice trail between cactus forest and pre-Inca’s constructions – Short uphill trek to “Mirador de Antaymarca” and get amazing views of many volcanoes and after nice shots return to our car and drive back to the hotel to get huge breakfast and then begin of return to Arequipa for about 8 hours of driving on the same road – Along the road some stops for pictures, to use toilet and get lunch in Valle de Majes (600M).

Around 5PM arrive to your hotel in Arequipa and end of this tour (B - L).