TOUR INFORMATION

Cotahuasi Canyon Trekking is the deepest canyon in the world, situated in the northern of Arequipa, in the Union province. The Cotahuasi canyon, which extends from the foothills of the Solimana snowcapped mountain until the confluence of the Ocoña River, has 3535m deep in the Marpa sector, being the deepest part of a wonderful trip where you can enjoy revitalizing thermo medicinal waters, white glaciers and a great variety of flora and fauna. The canyon is full of a great variety of sceneries that increase its beauty thanks to the vigilant presence of the Snow-capped Coropuna and Solimana Mountains. The weather diversity in this region has helped creating the adequate habitats for a variegated flora and fauna. Species such as the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), the vicuña (Vicugna) and the millenarian natural treasures have found in the depths of the Canyon, which added to the archaeological and cultural attractions in the zone, collaborated on it being declared National Tourist Reserved Zone in 1988. SACRED LAND PERU offers the experience of enjoying the wonders Coatahuasi canyon has, trekking along dazzling settings, crossing two hanging bridges that cross over the Cotahuasi River. The Cascade of Sipia is an impacting waterfall 150 metres high. Thanks to it you will be able to appreciate the power of the River and the depth of the Canyon. The water drops jumping everywhere form a constant rainbow that fills the place with magic colours. The place is ideal for the practice of mountain biking, canoeing, rafting, rock scaling, trekking, fishing, horseback riding, etc.

WHAT TO BRING

• Backpack 50lt
• Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$5.00 usd per day)
• Rain jacket or poncho (December - April)
• Strong comfortable and waterproof footwear
• One complete change of clothing
• Sweater and jacket (something warm)
• Bottle of water and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in
• local pharmacies in Arequipa)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
• Sun block (sun protection cream)
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
• Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc,
• Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
• Swimsuit for the hot spring in Velinga
• Optional: walking sticks or poles

TOUR INCLUDES

• Private 4x4 from and to Arequipa
• Official English speaking guide
• One night in Hostel in Cotahuasi
• Camping gear (4 season tents - sleeping pads)
• Kitchen and dinning tent
• Horses to carry food, camping gear and your staff
• One horse for emergency
• All mentioned food according the program
• Professional cook and cooking gear
• Guide assistant
• Entrance fee to Toromuerto petroglyhp and Hot springs
• Food and accommodation for our camp staff
• Oxygen bottle and first aid kit for all participants and our camp staff
• Satellite telephone
  

NOT INCLUDE

• Soda and alcoholic drinks
• Sleeping bag can be hired in our office US$5 per day (-15ºC)
• Breakfast on the first day/lunch on the last day
• Tips for guide and camp staff
• Personal horse for ride, can be hired for US$20 per day including a horseman and his food
• and accommodation

FAQs ABOUT THIS TOUR

WHAT IS YOU AVERAGE PARTICIPANT LIKE? 

The average age of participants on our Group Treks is 47 years.  Most are between the late 20s and early 60s, although the range is about 10 to 76.  The gender gap is fairly evenly split with slightly more women than men. About 40% of participants sign up alone, 40% sign up with a partner, and 20% as a family.  Most importantly, however, is this: most people who join us for the first time are nervous about the "group tour" experience but most alumni rate it as one of the best parts of their vacation.  You'll never know until you try.

DO YOU RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE?

We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance.  This type of insurance is relatively inexpensive, in the range of $60 - $200 depending on the trip you book.  The reason we are so keen on you having travel insurance is because it protects you if you have an unexpected change in travel plans.  Here is an example. Let's assume you are signed up for a trip and hurt your leg a week before you are supposed to leave.  If you have no insurance, you will call us on the telephone and we will be very sad to tell you there is no refund - because our costs are mostly fixed and you might have displaced someone who otherwise could have gone in your place.   You might then be unhappy with us, even though you took the risk of not getting travel insurance!   If you do have travel insurance, you can usually receive your entire airfare and trip cost from the insurance company and can start planning for your next trip!
There are many different companies who offer trip insurance.  Please contact insurance companies directly for information about their plans.  One that our travelers have used successfully is TripInsurance.com, one of the industry leaders.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIPS?

Contact us for a detailed itinerary that we can email to you. Or simply ask us the questions you want answers to! We welcome your phone calls or emails (see our contact information click here).

WILL I NEED TO PAY THE ENTRANCE FEE FOR THIS TREK?

Most National Parks require an entrance fee, so be prepared.  The Inca Trail is the most notable trek that requires a permit.  Most treks do not require a permit however.  If you have questions, please contact us

WHAT KIND OF FOOTWEAR DO I NEED?

Take strong, comfortable footwear. Heavy boots are probably not required or advised; all you need is something that you can walk in all day, that gives good traction and which supports the ankle. Lightweight modern hiking boots are probably ideal. Remember to wear your boots in thoroughly before you go and get used to walking in them. Blisters will reduce your enjoyment significantly. Using high quality wool socks, moleskin, and/or duct tape applied to trouble areas on the feet will also help you avoid blisters. Check with your local mountaineering or outdoor gear store for more advice.

HOW FIT SHOULD I BE FOR A TREK?

It depends on how challenging the trek is.  In general, you should be comfortable hiking for about 5 hours. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DO A TREK ?

The dry season is generally the best time to do a trek anywhere in Latin America. In Peru the dry season usually runs from April to November, while the wet season runs from December to March. The Inca Trail is closed in February.
June to September are the most popular months for treks in Peru (plan ahead for treks during these months, especially the Inca Trail which can sell out 6 months in advance). May and October can be great months for trekking, as weather is nice and it is less crowded. Even during the rainy season it doesn't usually rain all day long, and you can have a pleasant, yet damp, trek.

ARE WE MET AT THE AIRPORT?

If you are on the group flights or have pre-arranged this, our travel agency  representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your Start Point/Hotel.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?

All meals are included on our trips. You will be treated to an extensive variety of fabulous Peruvian cuisine. We choose the finest restaurants in the cities to give you the opportunity to taste a great variety of local delicacies and flavors. In camps our cooks are experts in preparing nourishing wholesome and delicious meals. We will accommodate any special diet requests you may have including vegetarian, please request prior to the trip.

WHAT ABOUT TRIP LEADERS AND TOUR GUIDES?.

Our experienced local bilingual trip leaders/guides are the key to making each trip a unique adventure and we provide the very best. They have in-depth knowledge of the language, customs, culture and history. They take great pleasure in sharing their insights and expertise and will make your adventure an unforgettable experience. Leaders are detail oriented, making sure everything runs safely and smoothly.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE?

Our trekking and tour groups in all Peru, including Inca Trail are always small - 7 to 16 participants maximum.
What is the best thing to do in the event of altitude sickness? Wherever possible "go down". But, if you are staying in Cusco, you may still feel the effects. The best advice is to sleep, take plenty of fluids and you could also try coca tea. The porters chew coca leaves wrapped around a black resin called llipta. When you are actually walking and active (especially on day two of the trail), this may help since it dilates vessels to increase the blood flow to the parts of the body that need it.

WHAT TIPE OF TRANSPORTATION IS USED?

Our escorted tours utilize a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, comfortable tourist buses, flights, canoes, etc. We use a private transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I TAKE?

Please review what is included in your trek in order to estimate what you should take. Along the way you can buy snacks and souvenirs, mostly of a non expensive nature.

COTAHUASI CANYON TREK 7D/6N

DAY 1: AREQUIPA - MAJES VALLEY - CHUQUIBAMBA VALLEY - COTAHUASI TOWN

6am We leave from Arequipa in our private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser going northwest; after 3 hours travelling we will arrive at the agricultural valley of Majes (600m) where we will visit the petrogliphys of Toro Muerto, located in the desert walls of this canyon. We will have 2 hours to locate more than a hundred of carved masses of volcanic rock with human, animals and plant figures, that were work by the old civilizations of Peru over 1200 years ago. We will also visit the pre-Inca cemetery of Cochate.
1pm Arrival to the agricultural town of Chuquibamba, located over 3000m where we will be able to have lunch. Continuing with the 4x4 off road we will get the highest part of all the trip, 4700m, between the snow-caps of Coropuna (6450m) and Solimana (6325m). After 3 hours travelling over 4000m of height, we begin to descend to the canyon, until arriving at the colorful town of Cotahuasi (2600m). The town is surrounded by much flora and fauna. Hotel or camping at the border of Cotahuasi river.

DAY 2: COTAHUASI TOWN - SIPIA WATERFALL - CHAUPA CACTUS FOREST - VELINGA VILLAGE

7am After our breakfast, we´ll encounter the rest of our team (carriers + cooker + mules), and begin to descend to the canyon and pass by the small village of Piro, bordering the river to arrive Cuyao bridge. We will follow the border on the right bank till we get to the suspension bridge of Toro. From here is a short hike to Sipia waterfall (1900m of height).
1pm After visiting the waterfall of Sipia, we cross a natural tunnel, continuing to Chaupo valley, located in the left margin of the canyon. Our lunch will be waiting for us in the middle of this oasis. We continuing walking by the left margin until arriving at an immense cactus forest, where we will have a rest and therapy with the wind crossing this nice place.
5pm We arrive at the valley of Velinga (1400m), a very beautiful place, surrounded by the immense walls of this canyon, with many varieties of fruit trees, bordered by the river, where we have the opportunity to practice fishing for trout and to enjoy thermal hot springs. Supper and camping.

DAY 3: VELINGA VALLEY - CACTUS FORES -QUECHUALLA VALLEY - HUACHUY VALLEY

This day we will walk from Velinga to the valley of Quechualla (1300m), located near the deepest part of this canyon, 4 hours walk crossing to both margins. We will cross a second group of cactus, immense rock walls in both sides, discovering old agricultural terraces in good conditions of conservation completely abandoned for hundreds of years, constituting a great part of Inca way, formerly connecting the Pacific with the Cusco empire.
12pm Arrival to the small village of Quechualla, a beautiful valley, plenty of fruits trees, in the heat of desert, with very friendly and cosy settlers. Rest and visit the very old church. It is here where we have our lunch accompanied by delicious local fruits and red wine prepared by the settlers. After lunch, we will continue a long walk between small agricultural valleys, until reaching Huachuy town (3000m), located on the left wall of this canyon. This will be our highest camping point of all our adventure trek.

DAY 4: HUACHUY TOWN - MARPA RUINS AND VALLEY

6am after a good breakfast we begin to walk the slopes of this Deepest canyon. This day we go down to the deepest part of this canyon, located between Solimana (Arequipa) and the Sara Sara (Ayacucho) ranges. After descending 5 to 6 hours by Inca trail, constructed 1200 years ago, we will arrive at the bottom, a very impressive and barren place of almost vertical walls, where exists a vineyard paradise called Marpa (1050m), surrounded by left terraces and pre-Inca tombs, leave us evidence of the presence of the Wari culture in this zone of old Peru.
1pm before getting to our campsite, we will have a test of courage, cross the river Cotahuasi in a cable system, 50m in length. Lunch, fishing of trout, supper and camping.

DAY 5: MARPA VALLEY - YACHAU OASIS

7am after our breakfast, continuing along the right margin of the Cotahuasi River, We`ll discover abandoned old trails, old terraces, Inca cemeteries, forests of cactus, old spanish houses, gold mines of the Spaniards and Incas, all of them in the solitude and silence of this impressive geographic depth, with a 25 - 28Cº of temperature. Also this day we will have another opportunity to cross the Cotahuasi in cable again, but this time of smaller distance.
1pm Arrival at the beautiful Yachau Oasis (800m). Oasis of grape plantations and variety of fruit trees in the middle of nowhere and bordered by the river. This day we will have the afternoon to fish trout, shrimp or simply to enjoy the wild nature of this place. Lunch, supper and camping.

DAY 6: YACHAU OASIS - CHAUCALLA VALLEY

5am Beginning to walk early to avoid the high temperatures of the day, is a slight long walk on borders of the river, discovering small valleys used temporarily, it is possible to appreciate gold explorers, extracting minerals from the borders of waters. Breakfast and lunch on the half way.
2pm After walking 7 to 8 hours we will arrive at the agricultural town of Chaucalla (650m). Visit the local school, coexist with the settlers, exhibition of shrimp fishing, rest, supper and camping.

DAY 7: CHAUCALLA TOWN - IQUIPI VALLEY - CAMANA - AREQUIPA

4am we will start to walk early, to avoid the high temperatures, it is a long walk in the desert and accompanied by the Cotahuasi going to the Pacific Ocean. This day will be the hardest last long distance trek, but we will also have our horses to ride great part of the route. Breakfast and lunch on the half way.
2pm We will arrive at the point where our 4x4 will be waiting for us, near the town La Barrera. From here we initiate our trip back to Arequipa, passing Iquipi town, Ocoña and Camana city.
10pm After travelling 6 hours by the Panamerica Highway in the south coast of Peru and then ascending to Arequipa, we go directly to your hotel and ending our adventure in the deepest and impressive canyon in the world.

*Price per person (2010): US$450. Click here to book the Tour