3 Day Community Experience in Peru

The Colca Canyon is known around the world for its incredible scenery and one of the best places on earth to see the mythical condors soaring. However there is far more to this part of Peru than many get to see as they race through on their way to Puno. This Colca community experience shows you how you can explore this incredible area whilst staying within the wonderful Coporaque community, learning about their local traditions and getting a chance to sample their way of life. This experience takes the Colca Canyon from a stop along the way to one of the highlights of your trip through this magical land.

Day 1: Your Journey starts in Arequipa where you will join your shared bus service (max 15 people) and start the incredible journey towards the Colca Canyon. You will start your trip on the road to Yura, on which you will pass the National Reserve de Vicuñas in Pampa Cañahuas, situated at 4000m above seas level. It’s from this point that you can appreciate the first views on the valley. At around 4800m above sea level is Patapampa. This altitude makes Patapampa a natural outlook point where visitors can see a series of volcanoes and snow-covered mountains such as Sabancaya, Ampato, and Mismi. You will then arrive into the town of Chivay.

Now whilst the others on the bus head off for their standard hotels for the night you will be transferred for a very special experience in Coporaque. Here you will be staying in a wonderful village and with a beautiful family. On arrival you will share a delicious lunch with the family. In the afternoon you will take a tour of the village before having a choice of walks mYou will then end the day with a delicious home cooked meal with your family. (D)

Day 2: After breakfast you will drive to chiva Village where you will start your trip to Cruz del Cóndor. On your way to Cruz del Condor you will visit different viewpoints and churches, which are characteristic for the Colca valley. you will also stop in the villages of Yanque, Maca and Mirador de Choquetico, where you can appreciate the depth of the Canyon with more than 1200m difference to the level of the river. There’s also the chance that we can see some condors flying above our heads.

After this beautiful day you will head back for a final night to your Family in Coporaque. (B,L,D)

Day 3: After a leisurely morning with your family you will be transferred to the town of Chivay where you will join your shared bus once again for your trip to Puno and Lake Titicaca (B)

Your Local Impact

Coporaque is a small village located about five miles down an unpaved road outside of Chivay, the gateway city to the popular Colca Canyon. Coporaque is surrounded by its own agricultural terraces (some used by the Incas) and lies on the banks of the Colca River. The community has recently opened its doors to tourism, meaning a stay here gives a real, untainted understanding of rural Peruvian life. It also gives you a chance to explore the area in a much more relaxed manner than if you were on a traditional tour of Colca Canyon.

Itineraries That Can Include This Experience

20 Days: From £2550 per person

Colca Canyon - Community and Family Stays – Lake Titicaca – Cuzco – Sacred Valley – Chocolate Making - Machu Picchu

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16 Days: From £3500 per person

Cuzco, community and family stays, Amazon jungle adventures, hiking, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca Machu Picchu

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13 Days: From £1800 per person

Sacred Valley – Traditional Rural Life - Community Visit – Machu Picchu – Cuzco – Amazon Jungle - Birding

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More Peru Experiences

Our Experiences are short immersive trips designed to make your holiday even more memorable! They can be woven into our itineraries to deepen your connection with the country, people and wildlife, while supporting communities and conservation.

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