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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- South America
- Peru
- Arequipa
- The Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon
The most popular excursion from Arequipa is to the Colca Canyon,
one of the deepest canyons in the world, and twice the depth of
Arizona's Grand Canyon. The Colca valley is extremely picturesque,
dominated by huge mountains, with little villages and a distinctive
traditional dress, lively market places and grand churches, green
agricultural terraces hugging the hillsides and herds of wandering
llamas. The Crux del Condor Lookout is the most popular viewing
point and also the best place to see giant condors soaring on
incredible wingspans above the dramatic depths of the canyon below.
Many people stay in the quaint market town of Chivay, three hours
from Arequipa, with a good range of accommodation, restaurants and
bus services, and an excellent base from which to explore the
region at leisure. There are many hiking opportunities in the
surrounding hills and energetic travellers can hike down to the
bottom of the canyon and overnight in one of the tiny Indian
settlements below.
Information & Facts
Language
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many
other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist
centres and hotels.
Money
The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100
céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all
major international credit cards, including Diners Club and
MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments.
Outside Lima facilities may be more limited. Travellers cheques may
also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and
travellers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the
easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and
shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment.
Casas de cambio(exchange bureaux) often give better rates
than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist
circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
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