The Peruvian Highlands
Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca
In the south of Peru, the two mountain ranges of the Andes open up, creating the Peruvian highlands. In this beautiful area, you can find the white city Arequipa, the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca on the border with Bolivia, for example. Beautiful places for a unique journey through Peru.
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The white city
Hidden in the highlands of Peru you will find the colonial city of Arequipa with the majestic peak of the "El Misti" volcano in the background. The city has a historic centre that consists almost exclusively of white volcanic stone, which gives the city its nickname.
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Santa Catalina Monastery
This monastery was built in Arequipa in 1580, and served as a closed monastery for nuns from most of the city's leading families. The monastery houses a beautiful and very valuable interior with unique colonial paintings of the Cuzco School, carvings, religious relics and many more memories of daily life here hundreds of years ago.
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Colca Canyon
Approximately a 4-hour-drive from Arequipa is the Colca River situated, which over the years, has carved out a deep gorge on its way to the Pacific Ocean. The gorge is considered one of the deepest in the world. In the valley people still live according to old traditions and you can make beautiful hikes in the nature.
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Condor spotting
The Colca Canyon is the natural habitat for one of the largest flying birds in the world; the Condor. At Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint with a panoramic view over the valley, you can spot these large birds in the morning. A special experience!
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Colca Lodge
Staying in the spectacular landscape of the Colca Canyon? We recommend The Colca Lodge. This lodge has 45 rooms with a sleek design combined with warm elements, making them very atmospheric. Unique is the wonderful spa. Enjoy various kinds of treatments while overlooking the beautiful Colca Valley.
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Lake Titicaca
The beautiful Lake Titicaca is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia at almost 4,000 metres above sea level. The landscape here is absolutely amazing! The clear blue lake is surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains of the entire Andes.
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Floating reed islands
Be sure to visit the Uros Indians. This authentic population live in the traditional way in Lake Titicaca, where they have made artificial islands out of reed, on which they live.
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Hotel Titilaka
This is the ultimate location for an unforgettable experience at Lake Titicaca. The small hotel with only 18 luxury suites is located on a private island in the lake. All suites have lake views and very complete furnishings, even with underfloor heating for your comfort. The hotel's spa and heated swimming pool complement the whole.
Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
Hidden between the coast and the southern highlands lies Arequipa at the foot of the El Misti volcano. Arequipa lies less than 2,500 meters above sea level, which means that there is a wonderful spring climate all year round, nearly always sunny weather, never too warm and in the evening it cools down. Arequipa is the second largest city in the country. However, this feeling is definitely not present when you walk through the small streets of the attractive centre.
About a 4-hour-drive from Arequipa is the Colca valley. The route to the valley goes through the slopes of the Chachani volcano and through the Salinas Aguada Blanca national reserve. Along the way, in addition to grazing alpacas and viscachas, you will see an impressive mountain landscape with majestic peaks and very deep ravines. The Colca valley houses the archaeological heritage of the indigenous Collagua community, including; mysterious cave drawings and caves which were used for the storage of grain products. The Colca valley is perfect for hikers and nature lovers. Villages and towns in the valley are still very traditional; you can stay in authentic accommodations and get to know the indigenous cuisine and local crafts in the communities. You can stroll through small colourful markets here, offering carpets, embroidered skirts and blouses with colourful designs, pewter items with relief decoration, candles and wood carvings.
Lake Titicaca
The beautiful Lake Titicaca is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia at almost 4,000 meters above sea level. According to legend, the first Inca king was born on the Island of the Sun, an island located in the Bolivian part of Lake Titicaca. On the islands in and on the shores of Lake Titicaca, you will find many small villages, where the native Quechua and Aymara people live in the traditional way. With a boat trip you can visit islands such as Tacquile and Amantani and get to know the inhabitants. A good base for a visit to this region is the colonial town of Puno, located on the edge of Lake Titicaca.
Travel through Peru?
Would you like to make a trip through Peru yourself, including a visit to the Peruvian highlands, and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.