SPIRITUAL TOUR
Spiritual Colca Tour 8 days / 7 night
8 Days / 7 Nights
Arrival in Lima. Assistance and transfer to the hotel.
We arrived in the "White City" of Arequipa and took a leisurely walk through its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The route takes in colonial mansions, cobblestone streets, and the Yanahuara viewpoint, where we connected with the majesty of the Misti volcano and the serenity of this Andean city—an ideal way to tune in to our new surroundings.
We embark on a spiritual exploration of Arequipa, visiting iconic sites such as the Carmen Alto Viewpoint, where the three guardian volcanoes come into view. Then, in Yanahuara, we connect with the surroundings amidst its stone arches. The Santa Catalina Monastery invites us to contemplate silence and the inner life, while the Mummy Museum reminds us of the ancient rituals and beliefs of the Andean world. We walk through narrow colonial streets steeped in history, connecting with the sacred energy found in every corner of this sun-drenched city.
We cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. Along the way, we pause to breathe the pure Andean air and view the active volcanoes from the Volcanoes Lookout, where we hold a ceremony of gratitude. Finally, we arrive in Chivay to enjoy the La Calera thermal baths, perfect for harmonizing body and mind. Chivay’s natural setting allows one to experience the vastness of the earth and volcanic fire as a source of spiritual renewal.
We begin the day with the magical experience of watching the condor—considered a sacred messenger between worlds—in flight at the Cruz del Cóndor. Afterward, we walk to the villages of Coporaque and Yanque, where we spend time with local communities. We perform a ritual honoring Pachamama using coca leaves, ancestral music, and symbolic offerings, concluding the day with a guided meditation amidst the natural landscape. Yanque offers a profound connection to ancestral wisdom through its colonial churches, traditional dances, and pre-Inca paths surrounded by ancient agricultural terraces.
We visited the area surrounding the Sabancaya volcano, one of Peru's most active. There, amidst a landscape of geysers and natural steam, we performed a ceremony of energetic purification and connection with Pachamama. This unique setting fosters conscious breathing, deep meditation, and inner silence, revitalizing the spirit. The imposing volcano—with its constant exhalation of ash—symbolizes the earth's internal movement, awakening our own inner fire and spiritual transformation.
We travel back to Arequipa, gazing at the guardian volcanoes that line the route. Then, we take a flight to Lima. In the afternoon, a group spiritual reflection session is held to integrate the experiences, lessons, and emotions of the journey. It is a time for sharing and energetically bringing closure to the process lived in the Andes.
Optional: Extension to Cusco or Puno.
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the international flight.
Include
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a 3-star hotel (or similar) with breakfast included (Lima, Arequipa, and Chivay).
- Domestic flights: Airfare for the Lima–Arequipa and Arequipa–Lima routes.
- Transfers and private transport:
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- Private arrival and departure transfers between the airport and hotel in both Lima and Arequipa.
- Private vehicle transport for all excursions in Arequipa, transfers to the Colca Valley, and tours in Chivay, Yanque, and Sabancaya.
- Guide and assistance:
- Personalized Spanish-speaking assistance during airport transfers.
- Professional bilingual spiritual guide for visits in Arequipa and throughout the Colca Valley tour.
- Entrance fees: Tourist tickets for attractions in the city of Arequipa and the Colca Valley Tourist Ticket.
- Meals included: Daily breakfast at the hotels and scheduled lunches during excursion days (Days 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7).
Does not include
- International flights: Airfare to and from your home country.
- Unspecified meals: Dinners on all nights and lunches on Days 1, 2, and 8.
- Optional entrance fees: Admission to hot springs in the Colca Valley (such as La Calera or Chacapi).
- Insurance: Travel medical, accident, or baggage loss insurance.
- Personal expenses: Tips, handicrafts, alcoholic or bottled beverages, and laundry.
- Acclimatization in the Colca Valley: The journey from Arequipa to Chivay takes you over the route's highest point (Patapampa at 4,910 meters above sea level) before descending to Chivay (3,600 meters above sea level). Stay hydrated, drink coca or *muña* tea, and avoid heavy meals on Day 4.
- Layered clothing for extreme weather: Solar radiation is intense during the day in the Colca Valley, but temperatures drop sharply at night (often falling below freezing during the dry season). Pack heavy thermal clothing, gloves, a *chullo* (Andean knit hat), and a warm, insulated jacket.
- Caution in volcanic areas (Sabancaya): When visiting areas near the Sabancaya volcano, always follow your guide's safety instructions. It is advisable to carry a scarf or face mask and sunglasses in case of airborne ash.
- Cash in Soles: In Colca villages (such as Chivay and Yanque), card payment signals are often unreliable, and there are very few ATMs. Carry small-denomination bills for purchasing handicrafts or covering minor expenses.
Are flights within Peru included?
Yes. This program includes domestic flights on the Lima–Arequipa (Day 2) and Arequipa–Lima (Day 7) routes.
At what altitude are the Chivay area and Colca Canyon located?
The town of Chivay is located at an altitude of 3,635 meters above sea level. During the overland journey from Arequipa, the route passes through the Mirador de los Andes (Patapampa), situated at nearly 4,910 meters above sea level.
What role does the bilingual spiritual guide play during the excursion?
In addition to providing historical, geographical, and cultural information about Arequipa and the Colca region, the guide shapes the experience around connecting with nature and the valley's mystical Andean spaces.
What happens regarding dinner during the stay in Chivay?
Dinners are not included in the package. In Chivay, you will have the freedom to dine at local restaurants, many of which feature *peñas*—venues offering traditional regional music and dance.