Cotahuasi Canyon near the city of Arequipa  in Peru is considered the deepest of the Americas. Its maximum depth is 3535 meters in the sector of Ninancocha, 335 meters more than the Colca Canyon, but less deep than several canyons in the Himalayas. The Cotahuasi Canyon is an impressive edge that the river has opened between two enormous mountainous bulks: the Coropuna  (6425 m.s.n.m.) and the Solimana (6093 m.s.n.m.). One extends from spurs of the snow-covered Solimana to the confluence with the Ocoña river.

It is formed by the Cotahuasi River, the one that is born in the lagoon of Huanzococha to more than 4750 m.s.n.m. and later it receives the contribution of the Huayllapaña river in the neighborhoods of Pampamarca, by the north, and the Huarcaya next to Tomepampa, towards the west, crosses thus all the canyon later to be united with the Maran River and to form the Ocoña River that ends at the Pacific Ocean.

Cotahuasi is placed in the highest Andean place of Arequipa's department, in the Peruvian south. This province is characterized by its steep relief: cut here and as far back as rivers and gullies, with an altitude that differs between 1,000 and 6,093 meters, with 19 ecological floors. As is true around the world, the culture of people living in highland Arequipa Province is always changing. Nonetheless, the altitude and isolation of this region mean that residents have not yet given up many of the practices that are now no longer common in neighboring regions.

Trekking in cotahuasi canyon discovery the volcanoes valley and explore the colca canyon 5 days tour and trekking in private transport

Day 1: Arequipa- Petrogliphs of Toro Muerto- Chuquibamba Cotahuasi, 380 km in 4x4 mini-truck

We leave Arequipa at 7 am to start the 380 km ride by 4x4 heading in the direction of the “petrogliphs of Toro Muerto,” located in the Corire district, about 3 hours from Arequipa. Here there are around 5 miles of engraved stones to be seen. These engravings are dated between 700 and 800 AD, from the time of the Wari culture.

On this tour (petrogliphs of toro muerto) here will give us the opportunity to explore the numerous stones and rocks and their different meanings.

Continuing on to the Valley of Majes, we will pass the many rice cultivations and vineyards of the region, also the village of Chuquibamba, which is known for its cheese and avocado. Here we will have the option of visiting a little museum dedicated to the local pre-Incan culture “Pachanas”.

After Chuquibamba we will enter an area at 4700 meters above sea level, where there is an amazing view over snowy Coropuna (6425m above sea level).

Just behind the lagoon of Pallarcocha is a magnificent landscape, representative of the south Peruvian Andes. It is important to note that snowy Coropuna is the tallest volcano in Peru. For the old Incas it was the “apu,” the most important holy mountain in the south of Peru.

At the end of the day we will arrive in Cotahuasi (2600m above sea level) after about a 10 hour ride.
Cotawasi is the capital of the Union and where we will be spending the night at a local hostal.

Day 2: Cotahuasi- Sipia- Chaupo

This trek is mostly desert, but there is a geological richness to be observed. The climate will be rather hot, as the region is not high above sea level (around 2000m). We use a donkey (to transport the drinking water and meals).Also one horsemen.

After breakfast we will continue by truck, crossing the Cotahuasi River over the bridges of Cuyao and Sipia.

This is where our 4 hour trek starts. We will pass the waterfall of Sipia with its 150m cascade. It is amazing to watch and listen to the battle roaring between water and rocks, as the water with its erosive powers step by step washes the rock away, creating an enormous gorge with a depth of 3535m. Here it is worth mentioning that Colca Canyon has a depth of 3217m, therefore Cotahuasi is 318m deeper!

After observing the falls we will go to the little village of Chaupo. On our way there we will pass by some fantastic countryside, including the red canyon that receives its name from its red stone colour, called arcilla.

The temperature here oscillates between 25 - 30 degrees.

We will stop in the “oasis of Chaupo” where apples, oranges, and grapes are grown and the local wine is produced.

You have the option of doing another 3 hour walk to the village of Velinga, depending on your physical condition at the time.

Day 3: Chaupo Bridge - Sipia - Andahua (visit Volcanoes valley)

In the morning after breakfast we start our 3 hour hike to the bridge of Sipia, where our truck will be waiting to take us to the Valley of Volcanoes.

On this day we will be passing close by snowy Coropuna. After a 4 hours ride we will arrive in the Valley of Volcanoes. we visit the Mirador of the volcanoes and we do small trek : We climb to the top of one of the small volcanoes.

where we will spend the night in a basic hotel. ( family home)
Fourth Day:
Valley of Volcanoes–Orcopampa- chivay Colca Valley

On this day we go to the village of Orcopampa, then we continue to chivay village (colca valley). Between the volcanoes valley and colca valley We can see andean birds, lamas,alpacas, local people. On this part of the region you don't see any tourist

. Hotel in chivay village.

Day 4: Valley of Volcanoes–Orcopampa- chivay Colca Valley

On this day we go to the village of Orcopampa, then we continue to chivay village (colca valley). Between the volcanoes valley and colca valley We can see andean birds, lamas,alpacas, local people. On this part of the region you don't see any tourist

. Hotel in chivay village.

Day 5: Chivay - visit of the colca valley-Colca Canyon (Condor Cross) -Arequipa

We will go to Condor Cross to enjoy a glimpse of the condors in their natural habitat, as well as a viewpoint overlooking terraces and the colonial villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque ( We visit the colca valley). Other viewpoints such as Antahuilque and Mollepunku afford us views of pre-Incan terraces and above-ground graves belonging to the Collagua period. Lunch in Chivay (optional hot springs, “La Calera”), before we make the return trip to Arequipa, passing by the national reserves of Aguada Blanca and Salinas on the way, where we’ll observe llamas, alpacas and vicuńas. We’ll also make a stop at the 4912m high viewpoint of Los Andes.

We arrive back in Arequipa at 5 pm.

included:

* Transport private car during the trip
* All transfers
* Oxygen equipment
* First-aide kit
* Entrance fee to national reserve and Aguada Blanca y Salinas
* Entrance fee to Cotahuasi canyon
* Entrance fee to Andagua (volcanoes valley)
* Trekking into the Cotahuasi canyon
* Trekking official guide
* All meals
* Donkey (carry all your thinks - day 2 and day 3)
* Muleteer
* Accommodation one night in cotahuasi village
* Accommodation one night in tents in chaupo
* Accommodation in Andagua village (hostal basic)
* Accomodations in Chivay village (hotel)
* Ticket for la Calera (hot spring)
* Tents and matras
* Cooking equipment

Not included:

* Water
* Snacks
* Tips

what to bring?

* Swimming Customs.
* Torch / Flashlight.
* Sun Block.
* Insects Repellent (Specially if you have sweet blood for them).
* Towels.
* Basics.
* Snacks.
* Water (you can buy in all the villages).
* Cap or hat.
* Personal medications.
* Hiking stick(s).
* Sleeping Bag, up the trekking.
* Enthusiasm.
* There’s no risk of Malaria at all.
* The passenger is under the obligation to mention of any health problem or past injury to assure and guarantee the safety of the trip.
* We must be said weather the person is vegetarian to make the arrangements for his/her food.

ABOUT THE FOOD

We must be said weather the person is vegetarian to make the arrangements for his/her food.

ABOUT THE GUIDES:

The stuff is competent and is being trained eventually, every now and then.(OFFICIEL GUIDES).

If you are interested in this tour or do you have any questions about it. Please Contact us .....  CLICK HERE.