WHEN -

It is a year round destination but the best months are March to June when the condors are most active and the trails are in good condition. March is the end of the wet season and in June it starts getting quite cold at night. May is the optimum month.

STAY - all on Booking.com unless stated otherwise

Arequipa  - the White City

Hotel Katari at Plaza de Armas **** -

Fantastically located on the Plaza de Armasin the UNESCO Heritage Listed historical city centre. The views of the main square, cathedral and volcano from the rooftop terrace are absolutely stunning. What a place to eat your breakfast and have an evening meal and a drink. 

Book the Bridal Suite or if you can't get that the Presidential Suites are such good value you don't even need to think about it. Colonial style decor, Airport Transfers, Concierge service, close to everything, tour desk, sun terrace, garden, cooking class, Coffee House, Snack Bar, safety box, packed lunches, Spa and Wellness, massage

Colca Canyon

Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs - 

Located on the banks of the Colca River, the design is inspired by ancient pre-Inca constructions made out of mud, stone and straw - adobe walls and thatched roofs. Book the Bridal Suite or the Suite with Riverview if you can afford it. It has an Alpacca Farm, a Llama Museum and a Condor Museum. 24 hour desk, 2 swimming pools - 1 outdoor and 1 indoor, free parking, outdoor fireplace, sun terrace, tour desk, safety box, gift shop, Spa and Wellness, Jacuzzi, Sauna

ABOUT -

Fly into 

the Capital Lima and from there fly to Arequipa. If you're coming from Australia or New Zealand (Americans and Europeans have a choice) you will likely be flying via Santiago de Chile. Head out to Colca Canyon which is a 4 - 6 hour drive. You could spend time in all three places either on the way in or out or both. Just work out how many days you think you'll want to spend in each place. If you want to save time and money skip Lima. It is the Gastronomy Capital of Latin America though! There is a lot to see and do in all three.

Most people are unaware of the differences between Llamas, Alpacas, Vicunas and Guanacos. Some of the basic differences are -  Llamas are the biggest and the bravest, Alpacas are smaller and timid and Vicunas are the smallest and  make the best wool in the world. So if you're looking to buy some knitted souvenirs you can't go past Vicuna wool.

ADD ONS -

You could spend a few nights in Lima either on the way in or going out. The same goes for Santiago de Chile if you are flying in that way. 

Have a look at  the Amazon cruise from Iquitos in 'Honeymoons' for Lima accommodation.

ROMANCE -

Arequipa

Couples Massage

Chaqchao Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop - make it then eat it

Click here for infromation.

Go for a stroll around the main square and the pedestrian street known as Paseo Mercaderes

Colca Canyon

A night time soak in the hot springs with a glass of Champagne and while gazing up at a star filled sky will take you to a new dimension (there is no light pollution out here)

Hummingbirds hovering about as you stroll through the gorgeous garden and grounds of the lodge.

TV and Wifi only in the bar

SUNRISES & SUNSETS

Arequipa

On the roof

Le Foyer - from their rooftop terrace with reasonably priced Pisco Sours

Yanahuara Mirador (lookout) - a 20 minute walk for great volcano views of El Misti and the local specialty queso helado (cheese ice cream - no cheese involved) as well as other treats pedalled by the food vendors

Terraza Arequipa Suits Plaza Hotel - is the tallest building on the plaza and has a bar and restaurant with great sunset views over the plaza

El Misti - the best sunset views are here if you can manage the climb

Colca Canyon

Wonderful sunsets along the canyon.

BUDGET -

Mid range - flights won't be super cheap, accommodation is great value for what you get and at the lower end of the price range as far as Honeymoon's are concerned (you want to do it in style of course). Restaurants and drinking are also good value especially if you take advantage of happy hours and mix up the eating places from top end to street food. You'll get good value for your money.

HIGHLIGHTS -

Arequipa

One of Peru's most beautiful cities with the main square full of colonial buildings back dropped by a huge volcano. A fantastic cafe, food and nightlife scene and full of amazing things to see and do. And chocolate.

Colca Canyon

One of the most spectacular regions of Southern Peru, the deepest canyon on earth.

Watching endangered Condors soaring over the world's second deepest canyon - twice as deep as the Grand Canyon

PAMPER -

Arequipa

Katari Spa - In the hotel

Colca Canyon

Spa Eco Thermal - massages, coatings, hot stone and facial treatments all with the incomparable backdrop of the Colca valley.

RELAXING -

Arequipa

Sit in the main square with an ice cream watching the sun set and the world go by.

Colca Canyon

4 thermal pools fed by natural springs located on the banks of the river of differing temperatures and rich in lithium which promotes relaxation as well as other health giving minerals. All of this in a completely natural environment with outstanding views. Only local materials like stone, mud and straw have been used to make the pools. It is open 24 hours a day and this is about as good as it gets regarding hot springs.

Sun Loungers

VIEWS FROM THE ROOM -

Arequipa

The Plaza de Armas (main square), the Cathedral and the Volcanos

Colca Canyon

Views of the Colca valley, river and gardens

FOOD -

Arequipa

Bakeries - for Empanadas and Saltenas (like pasties), Leche Asada (like a custard tart) and many other baked treats

Restaurant Ascai 360 (at the hotel) - buffet breakfast, day time snacks, evening Andean Tapas and wine with the best view in the city

Central Market - 

good for cheap grazing and they have restaurants on the second floor

La Tradicion Arequipena - 

for traditional local dishes, indoor / outdoor dining and live music on Saturdays

Chicha - 

cutting edge restaurant run by Peru's most famous chef - Gaston Acurio - also in Cusco

Salamanto - 

for a memorable degustation - also in Cusco

Colca Canyon

Three gourmet dining options.

Puye Restaurant - 

Alpandina and international cuisine, breakfast buffet

BBQ Bar - Peruvian specialties al fresco cooked over charcoal by the river near the thermal baths

Snack Bar

DRINKS -

Arequipa

Coffee - Peru is famous throughout the world for its delicious coffee and there are some wonderful cafes in old colonial buildings to seek out in the old town - try El Capriccio, La Dispensa, Crepisimo and Cafe Kaffeehaus for starters.

Museo del Pisco - 

Learn and drink at the same time, also good for light eats

The hotel rooftop terrace Bar - with happy Hour

There are plenty of restaurants, pubs, bars and discos outside your front door in the old town. The alleyway behind the Cathedral caters to westerners and many of the bars are inside old colonial buildings. Most bars have happy hours and are good value. Rooftop bars are a big thing here too. Just wander around, you won't have any problems finding a place.

Some of the rooftop bars not already mentioned are - Waya Lookout Bar, Restaurant On The Top, Puku Puku and the Sunset Rooftop Bar.

Forum Rock Cafe - live rock bands and a rainforest theme with canopy walkways.

Deja Vu - 

has a great rooftop terrace

Wild Rover - 

world famous chain with places in Cusco and La Paz as well. Legendary for their partying.

Colca Canyon

There is a bar by the hot spring pools

You could go into nearby Yanque for a meal and a few drinks.

SIGHTS -

Arequipa - Peru's most beautiful city

Mummy Juanita - the "Ice Maiden",

the body of a 12 year old girl who was sacrificed to the Inca gods back in the 1450s. You'll find her at the Museo Santuarios Andinos.

Plaza de Armas - Peru's most grandiose plaza

San Camilo Market - one of the best in Peru

Colca Canyon - one of Peru's most stunning natural attractions

The Flight of the Andean Condor - it can fly 100 miles without flapping its wings, has a 10 foot wing span and lives up to 60 - 80 years.  They are also an endangered species. Watch as it soars over the world's second deepest canyon, so close you'll feel that you can reach out and touch it.

13 Colonial Churches 

Native cultures and traditions - visit local villages and their friendly and colourful 

inhabitants

Mirador de San Miguel - 

spectacular views from this lookout including the oasis

ACTIVITIES -

Arequipa

Volcano - a strenuous two day climb up El Misti for the adventurous and active

If you don't want to climb up El Misti you could ride a mountain bike down. Make sure you get an operator with good equipment.

Click here for the original.

Pisco Sour - 

do a course on how to make it and drink it.

Alpaca World - 

learn all about them, say hello with an alfalfa treat and have a cuddle.

White water rafting - 

on the Chilli River

Colca Canyon

Alpaca Farm (at the hotel) - 

play with these specially bred Llamas and Wasi (magic) Alpaccas

Sabancaya Volcano - 

go horse riding up this active volcano

Travel back in time and hike

to the pre-Inca ruins near the hotel

White water rafting - 

in the Colca River, class 3,4 and 5 rapids through the canyon, one of the best places to do it in Peru, see the canyon from the bottom looking up

Mountain biking - 

down into the canyon

Sangalle - 

a desert oasis not too far from the condor viewpoint with small waterfalls and hot naturals swimming pools

Cycling - free bikes / Hiking / Fishing / Canoeing / Horse riding

Colca Extremo - 

Zip line 100m up

SOUVENIRS -

Arequipa

Knitwear - 

Alpaca and Vicuna. Vicuna is the best quality wool in the world and Arequipa is the centre of the world's wool trade.

Chocolate / Peruvian Coffee / a bottle of Pisco

Check out the shop Pucara Bulls - Pucara Bulls are often given to newlyweds as they bring happiness, protection and fertility to all who inhabit their houses.

Colca Canyon

A chullo

(Peruvian hat) to keep your head warm

TIPS -

· Go with a local tour operator to see the Condors as they track their movements and know the best places to go and see them.

CHEAPER OPTIONS -

Arequipa

Le Foyer Arequipa ** - 

great value, 200m from the square, rooftop restaurant, bar and terrace in a charming colonial style building

Colca Canyon

Le Foyer Colca *** - 

great value, 3 minutes from the main square in Yanque, great views out of your bedroom window, free parking, terrace, BBQ, outdoor fireplace, culture class, snack bar, safety box - there are some public hot springs around such as Chacapi - get there early to avoid the crowds

VISAS -

Many countries can enter Peru without a visa including the Shengen countries.

Click here to check out your requirements

TRANSPORT -

Lima and Santiago de Chile are the only 2 International Airports that fly into Arequipa

Lima - Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) -

has direct flights to 53 cities in 20 countries. Mainly the Americas, Europe. From Africa it would be best to fly through Madrid or Brazil.

Santiago de Chile - Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) -

has direct flights to 56 destinations in 19 countries. The Americas, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Arequipa  - Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) - 

has direct flights from Lima and Santiago de Chile and Cusco

Check here for airfares.

Hotel Katari does airport transfers in Arequipa for a reasonable price.

Arequipa to Colca Canyon is a 3 - 6 hour drive depending on traffic. The easiest way for you to get there is by taxi. By bus you have to take 2 legs and it takes a long time. And it's your honeymoon. Unfortunately the hotel doesn't have any car parking, so you would have to leave a rental vehicle in Yanque 1.3 kms from the hotel. It is a stunning drive, but dont drive at night. Go see the friendly folks at iPeru Tourist Information and Assistance in the Plaza de Armas to help you make up your mind.

EXTRA -

See Salkantay Trek in 'Pilgrimages'.