In a nutshell

A spectacular journey of 5 days and 4 nights with history, nature and culture, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. From Arequipa, the White City dominated by volcanoes, to the Colca Canyon, where the majestic condors soar above breathtaking views. From secret monasteries to perfectly preserved Inca mummies and colorful Andean markets, every day is an immersion in the traditions of Peru.

Main stops

Day 1

Transfer from the port of Manta to Guayaquil airport
Flight to Lima
Overnight stay in a hotel in Lima

Day 2

Flight to Arequipa, the "White City"
Mirador de Carmen Alto viewpoint: views over the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes
Colonial neighborhood of Yanahuara
Santa Catalina Monastery: Interior visit
Andean Sanctuaries Museum and the mummy Juanita
Walking tour of Arequipa historic center, a UNESCO world heritage site
Overnight stay in a hotel in Arequipa

Day 3

Visit to the Añashuayco gorge
Panoramic transfer to Chivay via the high Andean plateau
Exploration of the local market and the Plaza de Armas of Chivay
Overnight stay in a hotel in the Colca valley

Day 4

Dawn at Cruz del Cóndor to admire the Andean condors in flight
Tour of the Colca Canyon
Visit to the villages of Macca and Yanque
Stop at the Wayra Punku and Antahuilque viewpoints
Return to Arequipa
Overnight stay in a hotel in Arequipa

Day 5

Flight to Lima
Tour of he capital: Lima Cathedral, Case de Aliaga, Huaca Pucllana (panoramic tour)
Love Park with views over the Pacific
Transfer to the port of Callao for embarkation and continuation of the cruise

The programme

Day 1 – To Peru: the adventure begins

And we're off! Hop on the bus to the airport. Take a direct flight to Lima, the capital where chaos and beauty come together in an irresistible mix. After the transfer to the elegant neighborhood of San Isidro and the hotel check-in, make sure you get a good rest - tomorrow, things get serious!

Day 2 – Arequipa: a thrilling day of volcanoes, monasteries and a mummy

Breakfast in the hotel before setting off on the flight to Arequipa, the White City, where everything is made from pale volcanic rock. First stop: the Mirador Carmen Alto viewpoint, with views over the three sacred volcanoes of Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Then, take a leap into the picturesque neighborhood of Yanahuara, perfect for taking a few postcard-worthy snaps. At lunch, a tasting of the typical flavors of the region awaits you in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you'll take a tour of the Santa Catalina Monastery, a real maze in the heart of the city, as well visiting Juanita, the frozen mummy at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, with a somewhat mysterious past. After a stroll in Plaza de Armas and a visit to the Claustros de la Compañía cloisters, you'll be ready to settle in at your hotel and finish the evening on a high note.

Day 3 – To the Colca Canyon: wild nature and Andean markets

You'll set off for the Añashuayco gorge, a canyon that has been sculpted by time. You'll cross breathtaking landscapes that bear testament to the forces of nature. Once you arrive at Chivay, you'll explore the lively local market, where you'll find rainbow-colored potatoes, purple sweetcorn and intensely-perfumed spices. By the way, did you know that Perù has more than 3,000 varieties of potato? Some even grow at 4,000 meters...real high altitude potatoes! In the afternoon, check in to the hotel, for an evening of pure relaxation and a tasty dinner.

Day 4 – The flight of the condor and the canyon that beats the Grand Canyon

Breakfast at dawn and then of we go to the Cruz del Condor, where Colca Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon, will reward you with a totally unique spectacle. You're likely to see Andean Condors, the kings of the sky, confidently soaring above with their three-meter wingspan - they are the undisputed bosses of the air. You'll then continue to the villages of Macca and Yanque, with their colonial churches and panoramic viewpoints. At Chivay, you'll stop for lunch, before heading back to the hotel in Arequipa to recharge your batteries!

Day 5 – Return to Lima and tour of the capital

Fly to Lima for a day of discovery. Stop off at Lima Cathedral, where Francisco Pizarro was laid to rest, then visit Casa Aliaga, the oldest inhabited home on the continent. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a sightseeing tour of the Huaca Pucllana and stop at the Love Park, with stunning views over the Pacific. Finally, you'll head o the port of Callao: from here, you will continue your cruise.

Good to know

To get the most out of these places, remember to bring a backpack with a hat, binoculars, suncream and a lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
Wear appropriate sports shoes and clothing for the trail.
Bring your passport: you'll need it to take part in this experience.
This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility problems.
The tour takes place at altitudes of up to 2,300 meters (7,600 feet). We recommend that you bring medication for altitude sickness or consult a doctor in case of blood pressure problems.
The presence of the Costa Tour Expert is not guaranteed for the entire experience.
The bus journey from Manta to Guayaquil takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Sightings of animals in their natural habitat cannot be guaranteed.
Meals are all inclusive.
In order to offer you an exclusive experience, the number of places is limited: book early.
The experience can be canceled up to 60 days prior to the start date of the excursion.