Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Arequipa is the second largest and most beautiful city in Peru. Tucked away on the altiplano at an altitude of 2,325 metres it was founded by the Spaniards in 1540. With a magnificent backdrop of snowy volcanoes, the cone of El Misti and the Nevada Chachani, Arequipa is a stylish city. Colonial buldings surround the Plaza de Armas with its imposing palm trees and daily life consists of street sellers, market stalls and the general buzz of a café society. The twin towers of Arequipa's magnificent cathedral are now sadly enshrouded in scaffolding due to their collapse in the 2001 earthquake, but are still an awe inspiring sight.

From Arequipa, we recommend that you embark on a trip high into the Andes, where you will find the lesser known Colca Canyon, which, at its deepest point of 3,400 metres (almost 2 miles), is arguably the deepest canyon in the world.  Unlike most of the Grand Canyon, portions of the Colca Canyon are habitable, with pre-Colombian terraced fields still supporting agriculture and human life.

What brings an increasing number of  visitors to the Colca Canyon each year are the Andean condors. The condor population of South America is unfortunately dwindling, but here in Colca Canyon, visitors can see them at fairly close range as they float on the rising thermals and scan for carrion far below them.

Enjoy Arequipa and Colca Canyon with Abercrombie and Kent. Our experts have first hand experience and will help you build your perfect Peru holidays.