Bike Treks & Hot Springs - Colca Canyon

Arequipa

Peru

The Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and was thought to be the deepest canyon in the world - until the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon was found to be all of 163 metres deeper. This is an area of astounding scenic beauty. At first, the Rio Colca snakes its way through an amphitheatre of pre-Inca terraces, which gradually becomes a narrow, precipitous gorge. The whole canyon is an open book in whose eroded pages (rocks) we can read the history of the earth in this part of Latin America. In the background looms the grey, smoking mass of Sabancaya, one of the most active volcanoes, and its more docile neighbour, Ampato.
This journey combines the beauty of one of the world's deepest canyons, with the fun and challenge of mountain biking. During this adventure, you have the opportunity to visit different villages and learn more about the local customs and traditions. You explore two archaeological sites and have plenty of time to observe local fauna and flora, including the giant Andean Condor.

The Itinerary

DAY 1: (30 km)
We leave Arequipa and travel by car to Ventana del Colca. From here we bike through magnificent landscapes with vicuna, llamas and alpacas over a little travelled road over Pulpera and Callalli to our camp at Sibayo (L D)

DAY 2: (34 km)
After breakfast, we continue our journey on mountainbike. Today we travel over Tuti and Canocota to Chivay where we enjoy a soak in the hot springs before dinner and retreating for the night in a hotel (B L D).

DAY 3: (18 km)
Before continuing our cycling journey, we enjoy a short hike to the Juskayacta ruins. After exploring the ruins, we mount our bikes and travel over Coporaque (some interesting cliff tombs and the Huari ruins of Ullu Ullu) to the Colca Lodge at Yanque, where you can simply relax or enjoy some swimming in the hotel pool (B L D)

DAY 4: (50 km)
After an early hotel-breakfast, we leave for Cruz del Condor. From Yanque the road continues to Maca, which barely survived an earthquake in 1991. From Pinchollo, the road winds its way on to the Mirador or Cruz del Condor, the deepest point of the canyon. This is a unique spot, offering not only magnificent views of the canyon, but also of the King of the Andes, the Condor. It is a breathtaking and humbling experience to watch the Condors swoop by one the thermal morning winds, in startling close up. We drive to Chivay for lunch after which we return to Arequipa (B L)

Other Itineraries

PROGRAM 2: 3 days/2 nights

DAY 1: (30 km)
We leave Arequipa and travel by car to Sibayo from where we bike over Tuti, Canocota to Chivay and our camp close to the hot springs of La Calera (L D)
DAY 2: (28 km)
We leave La Calera and bike over Coporaque to Ichupampa. From Lari we drive to Yanque where we camp close to the hot springs (B L D)
DAY 3: (45 km)
From Yanque we bike back to Arequipa over Achoma, Maca and Pinchollo.(B L)
The same program is also possible with lodging in hotels.

PROGRAM 3: 4 days/3 nights

DAY 1 & 2: (30 km each day)
Same itinerary as the main program, but day 2 ends at the hot springs of La Calera, where we camp, (L D day 1, B L D day 2).
DAY 3: (38 km)
After breakfast, we start biking to Coporaque, Ichupampa, Lari and finally arrive at our campsite in Madrigal (B L D).
DAY 4: (18 km)
After breakfast, we bike to Cruz del Condor, to admire the close up views of the magnificent Condors, before driving back to Chivay and Arequipa (B L).

General Information

Grade: moderate

Prices upon request

Included in price:
Guide & mechanic, transport, camping equipment, bicycles, cook, meals and accommodation as mentioned.

Not included:
Sleeping bag (for journeys including camping), helmet and gloves, bottled drinks except water, items of a personal nature

Peru Selections