Cotahuasi Canyon Trek 4 days

The Cotahuasi Canyon and the towns and villages in the area are best accessed via Arequipa, although they are really towns of the central highlands, with many of the customs and the music from the area originating from Ayacucho. The area is very beautiful, and is full of wonderful mountain scenery making for some superb hiking. The Cotahuasi Canyon, considered to be the world’s deepest, is an incredible place, with sheet cliffs rising up from the riverbanks. Despite its attractions, the area receives very few visitors due to its inaccessibility.

The Cotahuasi Canyon is one of the most spectacular canyons in Peru and the world. Actually, it is the deepest known canyon in the world (3354 m deep), deeper than the Colca Canyon, which was long considered the deepest. Although really, spectacular, it is virtually unknown to modern man. The lower canyon has and abundance of archaeological sites and is an excellent place to study the geography and fauna and flora of the Andes.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arequipa - Cotahuasi
From Arequipa, we drive north along the Pan-American Highway, towards the province of Castilla. The road goes through the Majes valley, passing the little villages of Corire and Aplao (where the paved road finishes) and continues uphill to the City of Chuquibamba. Along the way, we admire the beautiful landscapes with the volcano Coropuna. While ascending to 4500 m/14760 ft we discover the volcano Solimana and observe highland wildlife such as the Vicuna, Huanaco, Vizcacha, Andean fox, Andean deer call Tarucas, and highland birds, including the Andean Condor. Late afternoon, we arrive in Cotahuasi. Overnight in basic lodge (L D).

Day 2: Cotahuasi - Hot Springs at Luicho (hike)
Early morning, we continue our journey through the Valley of Cotahuasi, stopping at the traditional towns of Alca, Tomepampa, and Toro and the Hot Springs of Luicho, Overnight at basic lodge in Luicho (B L D).

Day 3: Cotahuasi - Sipia Falls (hike)
We hike through the Cotahuasi Canyon to the famous waterfalls of Sipia and enjoy the spectacular views of the canyon surround by high mountains. The trail follows the side of the Cotahuasi River, passing many times from one side to another by hanging bridges used only by local people. From the deepness of the canyon, we admire the colossal natural walls of one of the world deepest canyons. We discover a great variety of Andean wildlife, including the majestic Andean Condor. Overnight at basic lodge (B L D).

Day 4: Cotahuasi - Arequipa
Today we return to Arequipa, visiting the natural rock formation known as "The Castle" and the pre Inca site of "Toro Muerto" on the way. We arrive in Arequipa late in the afternoon (B L).

B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

Price per person $295 (min. 3 participants, max 8 participants) this price is for Private Service. daily departures

Our Service Includes
- Professional trekking guide
- Meals ( Vegetarian food available on request).
- Accommodation in basic lodges
- Horse for emergency.
- Private Transportation (round trip).
- First-aid kit.
- Entrance fee ( hot springs entrance)

Not included is:
- Sleeping bag
- Tipping money.

If you want more information about this tour please contact with us .... CLICK HERE

YOU SHOULD BRING:
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping. A down jacket is especially recommended for this trek since it runs at high altitude and temperatures may easily drop below freezing in the evening and at nights.
- Sleeping bag (it can be hired at our agency for US$ 4.00 / day)
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Toilet paper
- Small towel
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Optional: walking sticks or poles.

If you want more information about this tour please contact with us .... CLICK HERE