Arequipa has much to offer for adventure travelers. Hike to the top of El Misti volcano for impressive views or take the Ruta de Sillar to explore fascinating white volcanic stone corridors. Hike into Colca Canyon, go white water rafting on the Colca River, horseback ride, or zipline across the canyon. Talk with your Inca Expert travel advisor about adding in the perfect adventure tours for your Peru vacation.
Our Inca Expert travel advisors will help you plan a trip that is perfectly tailored to your interests and preferences.
Contact us to start planningThe Amazon Rainforest is the largest jungle in the world. You’ll see species of plants, birds, fish, mammals, and insects as you relax in a comfortable all-inclusive lodge near the Tambopata Research Center in Puerto Maldonado. Luxury Amazon River cruises from Iquitos are an alternative option for jungle exploration done in style.
Hike the famous Inca Trail to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. This 26-mile hike through idyllic Peruvian landscapes only permits 500 people per day, so talk with your Inca Expert travel advisor today to book in advance.
Visit Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to Machu Picchu. Tour through historical sights and Inca temples or delight in gourmet food at some of the top restaurants in Cusco.
Lake Titicaca is a cultural and natural wonder in Peru. For impressive sunsets, a visit to the Uros and Taquile floating islands, and relaxing luxury hotels, head to Lake Titicaca.
The Sacred Valley has unending sites to behold and things to do. Visit the Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo ruins, Pisac market, begin the Inca Trail, or simply relax at your scenic Sacred Valley hotel with unmissable views.
It’d be a mistake to miss out on Lima’s top restaurants and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The capital city is home to the most exclusive restaurant in Peru: Central. You can also tour through museums, art galleries, and more in the vibrant city of Lima.
The mysterious Nazca Lines are giant geoglyphs drawn into the desert floor. Soar above them to see the hummingbird, the astronaut, the spider, and many more!
Arequipa is a refreshing mix of colonial architecture, Peruvian history, and natural beauty. Visit the historical center, Santa Catalina Monastery, or various lookout points in the city for views of El Misti Volcano. Then, spot Andean condors soaring through Colca Canyon as you continue your tour through scenic Peru.
"All in all we had an absolutely amazing time and the trip completely blew my expectations out of the water. The hotels were all fabulous with beautiful views. Thank you sincerely for the trip of a lifetime!"
Aggie Szymanska
CA, USA
Traveled to: Lima, Paracas, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley
"We wouldn’t stop talking about how well executed and planned everything was. I personally loved the Inca trail addition and I am so glad you gave that to us as an option. The hike to Huayna Picchu was also a group favorite."
Natasha Mehta & friends
NY & PA, USA
Traveled to: Cusco, Lares + 2-day Inca Trail Trek, Machu Picchu
"It exceeded my expectations and I loved the people I met there. The hikes were so well organized, food was amazing, and the guides were super caring even getting the cooks to make a cake for me on my birthday on the Lares trek."
Araceli Gutierrez
MO, USA
Traveled to: Lima, Cusco, Lares, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
"Based on the trip you organized, the historical knowledge, the people, the food, the culture and the natural beauty of Peru, it was simply the best trip I’ve ever taken. This trip will forever be in my memory."
Gilles Verrier
MB, Canada
Traveled to: Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lares Trek, Machu Picchu
"Our trip to Peru was nothing short of magnificent. As for our favorite part, we loved it all. Machu Picchu was everything we thought it would be and more. We had a wonderfully successful trip to Peru!"
Steven Kopelic
PA, USA
Traveled to: Amazon, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco
Arequipa lies at 7,660 ft (2,335 m) and is surrounded by some of the tallest volcanoes in Peru. It is rare to experience altitude sickness here. Be aware that the road from Arequipa to Colca Canyon reaches 13,100 ft (4,000 m).
Arequipa is one of the largest cities in Peru; second only to Lima. The city and suburbs have a population of around 1 million people.
Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world. The ravine reaches 11,155 ft (3400 m) at its deepest, nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Visitors to Colca should not expect a wide range of dining options. Most Colca Canyon lodges offer á la carte and buffet meals. You will also find a greater choice of restaurants in towns such as Chivay and Yanque.
2-3 days. Two days will allow you to see the highlights of Arequipa like the Santa Catalina Monastery, Plaza de Armas, various lookout points, & Arequipa Cathedral and taste the local cuisine. For those who prefer to travel at a slower pace, 3 days is ideal.
Colca Canyon tours generally operate on 2-Day/1-night or 3-Day/2-night schedules. The first day includes the drive from Arequipa to your Colca Canyon hotel with stops at viewpoints, the town of Chivay, and more along the way. The second day of a 2-day tour has you leaving your Colca Canyon hotel early in the morning to visit Cruz del Condor before returning to Arequipa or transferring to Puno. A 3-Day schedule incorporates a free day at your Colca Canyon hotel allowing you to rest and soak in the natural ameneties of Colca Canyon before the early morning condor viewing the following day.
An overnight in Colca Canyon is a must. Choose between luxurious options that feature natural hot springs, incredibly scenic views, and delectable breakfasts. Check out our Top Pick Colca Canyon hotel options.
Arequipa city is 7,660 feet (2,335 meters) above sea level.
Colca Canyon is 11,486 feet (3,501 meters) above sea level.
40-50% of travelers experience minor symptoms of altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, like shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness when traveling in high altitude destinations in Peru such as on the Inca Trail, in Cusco, Arequipa & Colca Canyon, and Lake Titicaca. Symptoms of altitude sickness generally alleviate after 24-48 hours in altitude. Best practices for minimizing its impact on your trip include taking the time to acclimate, drinking lots of water, resting, avoiding alcohol, and eating light non-fatty foods upon arrival at altitude.
Consult with your doctor before traveling to high altitude destinations.
Most tourists visit Arequipa and Colca Canyon between the months of May-November. Nighttime temperatures are crisp, while daytime temperatures are mild - perfect conditions for thermal winds favored by soaring Andean Condors. April & May are also favorable months to visit Arequipa and Colca Canyon due to the recent rains that leave the terraced landscapes vibrantly lush with crops and blooming plant life.
The fastest and easiest way to get to Arequipa from Lima is by plane. The flight from Lima to Arequipa is 1.5 hours non-stop. Alternatively, you can take a 16-18 hour bus ride from Lima to Arequipa.
The fastest and easiest way to get to Arequipa from Cusco is by plane. The flight from Cusco to Arequipa is 1-hour non-stop. Alternatively, you can take a 10-hour bus from Cusco to Arequipa.
You will need to drive from Arequipa to Colca Canyon. Chivay is the gateway town to Colca Canyon and is located 100-miles (160 km) from Arequipa city. Colca Canyon tours include transportation to and from Colca Canyon.
Top Arequipa attractions include:
Contact us today to plan your Peru vacation package including Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
