We will gain height during the 6th day of our magnificent Peru tour ! Here'route that we will borrow to go fromArequipa up to the highest of Colca Canyon.
COLCA CANYON Tour
Arequipa - Salinas - Mirador de Volcanes - Colca Canyon - Cabanaconde (218 km)
7:30 am - Departure from AREQUIPA with our private driver Julio in the direction of CABANACONDE right in the Colca Canyon where we will spend the night.
Of course, we have our supplies of coca leaves! And we start by taking a mate of cola at breakfast and chew this magical plant throughout the journey ...
The National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca
Crossing of the national reserve of Salinas et Aguada Blanca. Before arriving at the Mirador des volcans, we stop by the side of the road to have a coca mate. It is an infusion of coca leaves that is served to you in large mugs. It is absolutely necessary to drink a large quantity of it because it is essential to support the altitude.
Then we continue to Altiplano plateaus between 3 and 000 m above sea level and enjoy grandiose, lunar, stripped landscapes ... We meet vicuñas, alpacas and llamas and shepherdesses who endure extreme climatic conditions: high heat in the afternoon and extreme cold and wind at night and in the morning.
Viewpoint of the volcanoes
That's it, as JP would say: we reached an altitude of 4 m! Here, we have a little shortness of breath ...
But what a spectacle! Compulsory stop to admire the imposing snow-capped volcanoes: Ampato, Sabancaya and Huallca Huallca.
Chivay
Charming village at 3 m where we took a well-deserved break!
Colca Canyon
The journey continues on a vertiginous road which follows the Colca Canyon. The canyon is dominated by eternal snow and numerous volcanoes.
THE CONDOR'S CROSS
Finally, we come to the Condor's Cross (where we will return the next morning very early to admire the Condors in flight).
From this superb point of view, we start a walk of 2h00. And, I must admit that for me, it was far from being a simple stroll.
Indeed, the altitude requires a lot of effort to climb. It's very sporty and the headache invites itself… But the hike allows us to reach an archaeological site of the Collagua and Inca period: UYO UYO. A little too high but very interesting! It is an abandoned village that was the ancient capital of Colca. This is it, I have conquered altitude sickness and can now enjoy the site.
Also, we will take advantage of this walk to admire the many “Colcas”. It is these small cavities in the rock that gave their name to the valley and to this famous CANYON.
CABANACONDE
Finally arrived at Cabanacondé, a small picturesque village perched at 3 m!
And there, we discover a place cut off from the world. Indeed, the GRANJA DEL COLCA is a hotel perched on the rocks overlooking the great Colca Canyon.
We are simply amazed! The place is unique in the world, difficult to describe this feeling of being in an exceptional place, without anyone (we were the only ones in the hotel)… You should know that this hotel-restaurant has only 3 rooms. Thank you again to Thomas for making us discover this remote corner of the world ...
Night in Cabanaconde "Granja" Km. 9,5 from the Cruz del Condor carretera, Cabanaconde 54.
For 58 € a night with a good breakfast, it's a UNIQUE experience:
https://www.booking.com/hotel/pe/la-granja-del-colca.fr.html
Find out more by clicking on the detail of day 7:
Hello,
Thanks for your great blog!
During your trip to Peru, you mention Julio, your guide around Arequipa, can you tell me in which agency he works?
Is it with him that you made the trip Arequipa - Puno?
We look forward to seeing you!
Didier
Yes it is Julio who took us to Puno. It was in fact through Thomas Montaigne that we were able to take advantage of this friendly private driver. That's why we don't have his contact details. In fact Julio was part of the Titicaca Encanto Tours agency as we can read on the van photographed in the article: Day-7-canyon-colca-lac-titicaca
I don't know if this local agency is still open.
For all those who would like to contact Thomas so that he can organize excursions, transport, etc ... here is his updated contact details:
Tel: (0051) 974 211 440 and his email: contact@perou-voyages.com
Hello Coco,
I contacted Thomas (ultra responsive!) To do the Colca Canyon with him. I also contacted Arnaud yesterday but without response for the moment. I'm leaving in 10 days and I haven't booked much yet because the trip was decided recently…!
How did you find the driver to visit the Sacred Valley and what approximate cost, although there were 4 of you and only 2 of us…?
Do you think that Arnaud can take care of our excursion to Machu Picchu or I manage?
I take this opportunity to tell you that I find your blog very, very well done (both from the IT point of view and from trips like Mauritius or Toulouse that I know well and the one on Peru helps me a lot. PS. I am Toulousaine and ex travel agent
Hello Alexia,
It touches me a lot when I have such positive feedback as yours!
Regarding the great driver we had at Colca and who transported us to Titicaca, I do not have his contact details because it was Thomas who made him available to us.
When I organize my trips, I often look for information on travel forums (travel forum or backpacker). Perhaps you will be able to find the coordinates of a private driver there ...
Regarding Machu Picchu, yes I think Arnaud can organize all that for you (train, bus, entrances). The best will be to ask him for a quote but don't delay too much!
I just have to wish you a very nice trip!
Hello;
We are going to Peru soon. We planned to go from Arequipa to Colca Canyon then Puno.
I would have liked to reserve a private driver for you. Can you tell me how you found this driver, did you book it before leaving, or on site?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Alexia
I am sorry but I do not have his contact details because it was Thomas MONTAIGNE who organized this transport for us. He is a Frenchman who is based in Arequipa and who has a local travel agency.
We had requested him for the Arequipa and Canyon del Colca part. Here are its coordinates : t.montaigne@wanadoo.fr landline 0051 54 66 99 58
Have a nice trip !
I am leaving with my friend from 22/12 to 7/1 in Peru and I will be in the south between 23 and 31/12. If anyone wants to join us in privatizing a driver for Colca and for Cuzco and its sacred valley: with great pleasure. Contact me viiiite.
Classes available every day from Nine AM to Twelve midday.
Thank you for your sharing of experience.
Is it possible to give us the contact of your driver from Arequipa to Puno?
thank you in advance
Hello Sara,
Unfortunately, I did not think about asking him for his card… In fact, it was Thomas Montaigne (a Frenchman living in Arequipa) who made it available to us. Maybe the easiest way would be for you to contact him directly by email: t.montaigne@wanadoo.fr
Ok Thanks I'm trying to reach him.