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Cañon del Cotahuasi - Arequipa

Excitement and Natural Beauty: Arequipa and Cotahuasi Canyon Adventure Tour

Cotahuasi Canyon Tour

4 days and 3 nights Tour: Adventure Min: 1 person

DESCRIPTION

Description Arequipa Adventure Tour

With the Adventure Tour Areqwuipa and Cotahuasi Canyon, you can know “The Canyon of the wonders” or sub-basin of the Cotahuasi that is located approximately 400 km northwest of the city of Arequipa. With a depth of 3,535 meters above sea level, it is one of the deepest canyons in the world, from the bottom of the riverbed to the peak of the canyon mountains, the Cotahuasi reaches up to 6,093 meters at some points. This tour is ideal for nature and canyon lovers.

The word COTAHUASI has three possible origins: The union of the Quechua words “ccoto” and “huasi”, in Spanish “reunión” and “casa”, which would mean “meeting of the houses”. Ccoto refers to goiter disease (inflammation of the thyroids due to the consumption of salt from mines that lack iodine), goiter house or also from the Quechua word that means “ccoto” gathered or together, which would mean houses together. And also from the Aymara word “cota”, whose translation into Spanish is “laguna”, “house of the lagoon”. This possibility supposes that in times belonging to the Formative period there was an Aymara occupation in these territories, when the Chaquicocha lagoon was much larger.

The bus ride takes 10 to 13 hours, heading towards the towns of Siguas, Corire and Aplao, in the heart of the fertile valley of Majes and, from there, the ascent to the picturesque town of Chuquibamba begins. After that the road is not asphalted, it continues ascending to Vizca, passes through a pass at more than 4500m between the Solimana and Coropuna volcanoes and then descends to the Cotahuasi canyon.

Within the tourist attractions of the Cotahuasi Canyon tour are: The Sipia waterfall begins its journey at a point where the Cotahuasi river abruptly reduces its course to only 5 m wide and falls in 150 m of free fall crashing violently with the rocks. The Luicho hot springs tourist complex consists of three pools with waters that spring from the hill of the same name, which vary between 33 and 38 °C. They have known medicinal and relaxing properties, making them ideal for people suffering from stress.

The Santo Santo stone forest, which covers an area of 5 square kilometers at 4,200 masl, 17 kilometers from the town of Cotahuasi. The Puyas Raimondi forest in the town of Lauripampa. The Giant Cactus forest of Judio Pampa in the town of Quechualla, a town that is also famous for its vineyards and variety of fruits. The peculiarity of these giant cactus is that they measure approximately 12 to 13 meters, besides coexisting with a type of bat with which it establishes a symbiosis and several typical villages of the Peruvian highlands, with narrow streets, houses whitewashed with lime and rustic balconies. All this you will be able to know and enjoy in the Cotahuasi Canyon tour.

MAIN POINTS OF VISIT

  • Arequipa (2,335 masl)
  • Majes Valley (1,410 masl)
  • Alca (2,750 masl)
  • Puyca (3,658 masl)
  • Pampamarca (2,600 masl)
  • Cotahuasi canyon (3,535 masl)

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arequipa – Pedregal – Majes Valley – Cotahuasi

  • 04.30 – 04.55 hrs Pick up from the HOTEL in the circuit of the Plaza de Armas.
  • 05.00 hrs Departure from Arequipa to Cotahuasi Canyon, during the trip we will have breakfast and also pass through the irrigation and valley of Majes (villages of Pedregal, Corire and Aplao).
  • 12.30 hrs We will have lunch in Chuquibamba, here we will be able to appreciate the beautiful landscapes.
  • 14.00 hrs Then we will advance to Cotahuasi, during the trip we will observe the Pallarcocha lagoon, Coropuna and Solimana snow-capped mountains, as well as the different species of flora and fauna in different altitudinal levels.
  • 18.30 hrs Arrival to the town of Cotahuasi, accommodation in the hotel then we will have dinner and overnight.

Hotel – VALLEHERMOSO

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER – AGENCY

Day 2: Cotahuasi – Alca – Puyca

  • 08.00 hrs After breakfast, we will board the bus and depart to the annex of Puyca; here we will have a ½ hour walk to the archaeological site of Maucallacta.
  • 12.30 hrs Lunch en route.
  • 14.00 hrs Return to the town of Alca, we will move to the tourist complex of the hot springs of Luicho, where we will relax in its thermal medicinal waters.
  • 16.00 hrs We will visit the town of Tomepampa and return to Cotahuasi.
  • Dinner and overnight.

Hotel – VALLEHERMOSO

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER – AGENCY

Day 3: Pampamarca

  • 08.00 hrs After breakfast, we leave towards the town of Pampamarca, here we will visit the Uskune waterfalls, the waterfall comprises a slope of approximately 90 meters, through which the waters of Uskune precipitate towards a natural pool that is formed in a base between two hills; the water that flows by the ways of the waterfall originates in the thaws of the snowy Huanzo, that previously feeds the flow of the Pampamarca River. If you want to see the waterfall during its most splendorous time, it is recommended to go there between January and April, when the flow increases.
  • In this zone also, we will appreciate Pre-Inca terraces distributed in 90% of the area. The terraces are home to the Agroecological Wealth, characterized by a variety of Andean crops, there are up to 663 ecomorphotypes of cultivated plants and 118 ecosystem types of fruit trees constituting genetic resources for agriculture and food security.
  • Dinner and overnight.

Hotel: VALLEHERMOSO

BREAKFAST, LUNCH and DINNER – AGENCY

Day 4: Sipia Falls

  • 08.00 hrs We board the mobile and we will go to the Sipia Waterfall, then we will have to walk 20 minutes approximately.
  • The Sipia Waterfall is part of the tourist attractions of the Cotahuasi Canyon. This waterfall falls for approximately five hundred meters in all its course, if we count the seven waterfalls that it presents. Of those seven, the highest reaches 150 meters and presents in its body, three divisions or waterfalls.
  • The Sipia waterfall is produced by the fall of the Cotahuasi River, which suddenly falls in a free fall of 100 meters and two smaller falls that are hidden by the rugged geography, crashing violently with the rocks. The impact of the river on the rock produces thousands of tiny droplets that in combination with the sun give us a rainbow. The waterfall, despite its violent fall, transmits calm, tranquility and peace, which provides energy to the visitor. Beyond the waterfall is a small canyon with completely vertical walls on both sides, this canyon runs along 400 or 500 meters and then opens into a valley.
  • We will return to Cotahuasi for lunch. Optional return to the hot springs of Luicho.
  • Free afternoon to buy cheese and wine.
  • 17.00 hrs Return to Arequipa.
  • 03.00 hrs Arrival to Arequipa city.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH and DINNER – AGENDA

INCLUDES

INCLUDES:

  • VALLEHERMOSO HOTEL – 03 Nights
  • Public and/or private bus (at Passenger’s request)
  • Meals: 4D, 3A, 4C
  • Specialized trekking guide in English and/or Spanish
  • First aid kit
  • Entrance fees to tourist sites
  • Cooking equipment
  • Camping equipment (Optional)

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Mineral water, snacks
  • Tips
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Personal expenses

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Mosquito repellent
  • Swimsuit, sandals and towel
  • Light and warm clothing
  • Trekking shoes
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun block

PRICES

GROUP SERVICE TOUR

Cotahuasi Canyon

PRICE PER PERSON

Minimum 02 people

GROUP SERVICE TOUR

  • VALLEHERMOSO HOTEL – 03 Nights
  • Public and/or private bus (at Passenger’s request)
  • Meals: 4D, 3A, 4C
  • Specialized trekking guide in English and/or Spanish
  • First aid kit
  • Entrance fees to tourist sites
  • Cooking equipment
  • Camping equipment (Optional)

Photo Gallery The best of the Tour!

  • Cañon de Cotahuasi-1
  • Cañon de Cotahuasi-2
  • Cañon de Cotahuasi-3
  • Cañon de Cotahuasi-4
  • Cañon de Cotahuasi-5
  • Cañon de Cotahuasi-6
  • Cañon de Cotahuasi-7
  • Cañon de Cotahuasi-8
  • Cañon de Cotahuasi-9

Frequently Asked Questions About the Arequipa Adventure Tour and Cotahuasi Canyon

Cotahuasi is located at an altitude of approximately 2,650 meters above sea level. To avoid altitude sickness, it’s essential to take it easy during your first few days in Cotahuasi, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals, and consume carbohydrate-rich foods. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches or dizziness, consider resting and consulting a local healthcare provider.

While many of the activities in Cotahuasi involve hiking and exploration, no special physical preparation is required. However, it’s a good idea to be in good health and have comfortable walking shoes. Some hikes can be challenging, so it’s essential to go at your own pace and take breaks as needed.

You can find local crafts at the small markets and shops in Cotahuasi. These may include handmade textiles, ceramics, and other locally produced items. It’s an excellent way to support local artisans and take home a piece of Cotahuasi.

Cotahuasi has several points of interest that are not covered in the tour itinerary, such as local markets, small artisan workshops, and hidden natural wonders. Exploring the city independently allows you to discover these hidden treasures.

The best time to visit Cotahuasi is during the dry season, which typically extends from May to September. During this period, you can enjoy clear skies and more favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities.

Cotahuasi Canyon is home to a variety of unique wildlife and flora. You may encounter birds, llamas, alpacas, and even some native plants and cacti. It’s an excellent opportunity to observe the local ecosystem.

The temperatures of the Luicho hot springs range from 33 to 38°C (91 to 100°F). They are believed to have medicinal and relaxing properties, making them ideal for people dealing with stress.

It’s advisable to bring the following: Swimsuit, Large towel, Extra comfortable clothing, Sandals or flip-flops, Waterproof bag for wet items, Sunscreen, Water bottle, Sunglasses and a hat, Waterproof camera or phone, and Local currency in cash.

The best time to visit the Sipia waterfall at its most splendid is between the months of January and April when the river’s water flow increases, and the waterfall is more impressive.

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