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Colca Canyon Explorer Ride on Peruvian Pasos
Arequipa
Peru
Mario Vargas Llosa, the Peruvian novelist and most famous Arequipeño, described Colca as "The Valley of Wonders."
That is no literary overstatement. Colca is one of the most scenic regions in Peru, a land of imposing snow-capped volcanoes, narrow gorges, artistically terraced agricultural slopes that predate the Incas, arid desert landscapes and vegetation, and remote traditional villages, many visibly scarred by the seismic tremors common in southern Peru. Some of Peru's most recognizable wildlife - including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and the celebrated giant Andean condors - roam freely in the region. The Colca River, one of the sources of the mighty Amazon, slices through the massive canyon, which remained largely unexplored until the late 1970s. Reaching depths of 3,400m (11,150 ft.) -- twice as deep as the Grand Canyon -- el Cañón del Colca forms part of a tremendous volcanic mountain range more than 100km (62 miles) long. Another big draw is the almost ineffable wonder of seeing the majestic, giant condors with their massive wingspans soar overhead at Cruz del Cóndor lookout point over Colca Canyon as they head out along the river. Dispersed across the Colca Valley are 14 colonial-era villages, which date to the 16th century and are distinguished primarily by their small but often richly decorated churches. Local populations in the valley, descendants of the Collaguas and Cabanas, pre-Inca ethnic communities that have lived in the region for some 2,000 years, preserve ancient customs and distinctive traditional dress. The valley and its summits are a rapidly growing destination for mountain climbing, river rafting and now also for avid horseback riders. If this is not enough to attract you to come and explore – we even throw in some superbly smooth-gaited Peruvian Paso horses for you to ride. The Peruvian “Paso” horse is known in the equestrian world to be the most comfortable horse around the globe. It is a strong horse - noble, faithful - a mix of proud and warm. The riding program offered here opens the gates to Colca and every horse lover who dreams to make their travel an unforgettable experience. On horseback you will feel closer to nature than you have ever been, and ever could. The Valley is a reminder of times past and you will return home haunted by the feeling that society has changed so much and has lost two very precious qualities: the ability of people to live at peace with nature, and with each other.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Ride with Gaited Horses
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Meeting:
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Yanque Village
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Airport:
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Arequipa
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Transfer:
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Arequipa airport to hotel and then to Yanque Village on Day 2
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations - 4 nights in hotel / lodge, 3 nights in rustic guesthouses and and 3 nights camping, all meals (except in Arequipa), 8 guided riding days on Peruvian Pasos, all transfers from Arequipa
| A | 2012 | 11 day trip - 8 riding days | 11d / 10n | $2195 |
| Single room supplement | $150 |
| Small group supplement pp (2-3) | $200 |
| Group discount (6) pp | ($350) |
| Small group supplement (1 rider only) incl Single supplement | $700 |
| Sleeping bag rental pp/night (to be paid locally) | $10 |
| City Tour Arequipa pp (3 hrs) | $45 |
| 7-day option only (4+) pp | $1650 |
| B | 2012 | 12 day trip - with Regional Paso Competition | 12d / 11n | $2300 |
| Small group supplement pp (2-3) | $200 |
| Group discount (6+) pp | ($400) |
| Single room supplement | $150 |
| C | 2012 | 11 day trip - Special April trip with Horse Show | 11d / 10n | $2200 |
| Small group supplement pp (2-3) | $200 |
| Group discount (6) pp | ($350) |
Group Leader: 25% OFF with group of 3+ (Special not combinable)
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer is included from Arequipa at set times
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First day is arrival and overnight in Arequipa - arrival time can be any time.
Drop off in Arequipa on last day is around 12 noon.
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| C |
2012
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04/09
- 04/19
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11d / 10n
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11 day trip - Special April ...
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4
/8
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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05/10
- 05/20
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11d / 10n
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11 day trip - 8 riding days
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4
/8
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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06/10
- 06/20
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11d / 10n
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11 day trip - 8 riding days
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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07/01
- 07/11
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11d / 10n
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11 day trip - 8 riding days
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| B |
2012
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08/15
- 08/26
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12d / 11n
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12 day trip - with Regional ...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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09/10
- 09/20
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11d / 10n
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11 day trip - 8 riding days
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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10/10
- 10/20
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11d / 10n
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11 day trip - 8 riding days
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| B |
2012
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11/14
- 11/25
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12d / 11n
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12 day trip - with Regional ...
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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12/03
- 12/13
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11d / 10n
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11 day trip - 8 riding days
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4
/8
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Lunch and dinner in Arequipa, City Tour in Arequipa, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, Personal Insurance, sleeping bag.
Day 1: Arrival in Arequipa (elevation approx. 7,660 ft). Arequipa, known as the White City for its beautiful white walls of sillar, a volcanic stone, lies at the feet of the mighty volcanoes of Mount Chachani, Mount Misti, and the snow covered peak of Mount Pichu Pichu. The downtown of the city, placed on the World Cultural Heritage list by UNESCO, features mixed Baroque churches and mansions from the Colonial Period, like the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a Spanish city in miniature with stone streets, beautiful patios, and plazas. Sabandía, Tiabaya, and Tingo, located among the large fields, are a few must see places, and the irresistible Arequipa cuisine is the perfect complement to the day's explorations!
We will welcome you at the airport in Arequipa and transfer you to a local hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax in the hotel, explore Arequipa on your own or book a Arequipa city tour (3 hrs, extra cost) where you will visit the Santa Catalina convent and the historic downtown of Arequipa with an English speaking guide.
Overnight - local Arequipa hotel (meals are not included on Day 1)
Day 2: Early breakfast today to be ready to transfer at 8:00 am towards the Colca River Valley and Canyon, one of the most extraordinary destinations in Peru. Throughout the region, you can see the colorful pre-Incan agricultural terraces still used today for growing quinoa, corn, barley, and wheat. During the pre-Hispanic era, it was inhabited by the Collaguas and the Cabanas; today, the inhabitants have learned to conserve their Colonial churches in Yanque, Lari, and Madrigal, and they continue to wear their traditional clothing. We will enter into the "Salinas y Aguada Blanca" reserve and see volcano Belvedere with its highest peak close to 16,000 feet and then we will descend into the valley to an elevation of approx. 11,500 feet and check into the local hotel, where a delicious lunch is prepared for us. In the afternoon we visit the riding stable to get to know our Peruvian "Paso" horses and the special "Chalanes". Afterwards we will visit the village of Yanque with its historic Church, constructed by the Spaniards in the 17th century. The nearby museum showcases artifacts of the ancient cultures of the Colca Valley. We will then return to the hotel, where we can enjoy the massage services, the sauna and the jacuzzi to help us relax before our big adventure in the days to come (open between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm). If we have a good size group, the local children of the village will perform a typical dance called "witii" for us.
Dinner & Overnight – hotel
Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel and then departure for our first horseback ride to Coporaque village and archaeological site of Uyo-Uyo (6-hour ride with packed snack box along the way). We will leave our stable and on the way pass by the “Plaza de Armas” of Yanque Village. We will cross a stone bridge over the Colca River, where you can see the “Collagua way" (Pre-Inca tradition) to store corn - in holes carved in the mountain, so high that the only way to reach them, is using a rope! We will keep following the way, climbing a big stone ladder. Finally you will find the Archaeological site of Lost City of Uyo-Uyo, the ancient capital city of the “Collagua” culture, with old houses, ancient irrigation ducts and much evidence which proves the coexistence between the “Collaguas” and Incas. From there we will go onward to reach the Coporaque Village, passing through the “amphitheater”, amazing Pre-Inca terraces carved in the mountain in circular form. Finally you will reach the village, where you will see its “plaza de armas”, which besides of the Singular church, had a fountain dedicated to the Inca (Evidence of the Inca conquer). We will keep riding until reach the “Collagua” cemetery, made with stones at the bottom of the mountain, and full of skulls and bones from the ancient “Collagua” culture (approximately from 600 A.C.). We will return to the Tradicion Colca Hotel to enjoy lunch and in the afternoon, you will visit, by private transportation, the hot springs bath of the Chivay Village. Again tonight you may enjoy the massage services, sauna and jacuzzi of the hotel (available from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm).
Dinner & Overnight - hotel.
Day 4: Beginning of the progressive trek today (check the “what I need to bring” at the last page)! Enjoy breakfast at the hotel at 8:00 am sharp because at 9:00 am we shall depart with the horses (6-hour ride) along the right side of the Colca Valley to explore the tranquility and beauty of the landscape here. We will enjoy the Pre-Inca “Terrazas”, wonderful and stunning crops carved in the mountains and will pass by the villages of Ichupampa, Lari and Madrigal, where the group will set up the camp for tonight.
Dinner & Overnight - camp
Day 5: Enjoy a peacful outdoor breakfast at the camp before we will climb the "Chimpa" mountain in order to reach the "Chimpa" fortress, located at the mountain top (3 hour ride and trek). During this part you are going to see some truly amazing sites, such as models carved into the rock, the thrones of emperors past and an amazing panorama of the Valley. From the Chimpa Fortress we will experience a very unique view of the canyon. The “Chimpa fortress” was a strategic military facility, made with stones by the “Collagua” culture. We will return to the camp before departing on a 4-hour ride to the village of Pinchollo. We will cross the Colca River again, passing over another beautiful bridge. Along the way we will enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Colca Valley, full of Pre-Inca Terraces, mountains, and animal life - cows, bulls, alpacas, llamas and sheep - accompanied by a the typical local people, with traditional clothes and culture. Here we also see plantations being plowed, irrigated or harvested, according of the season of your stay.
Dinner & Overnight in Pinchollo - Sleeping bag / Basic accommodations.
Day 6: Breakfast in Pinchollo and we depart on a 6-hour ride to the Geyser of Pinchollo. On the way we will pass through amazing landscapes composed by tall volcanoes with snowed tops, waterfalls and huge mountains as we follow the river to finally reach the geyser “Hatun Infiernillo” (4800 meters above the sea level), active 24 hours per day the entire year. Lunch on the trail today and we will keep riding until reach a belvedere called “Cruz del Cura”. We will ride for 2.5 hours to the village of Cabanaconde where we enjoy dinner and stay overnight.
Dinner & Overnight - hotel
Day 7: After breakfast at the hotel we shall take the horses down inside one of the deepest canyons in the world (4.5-hour ride). Expect to travel 1.200 meters descending to reach the Llahuar village, where the group will sleep in typical houses of cane (very basic accommodations).
Dinner & overnight in Llahuar - very basic accommodations
Day 8: Breakfast at Llahuar and then the ride to the Sangalle Oasis (3-hour ride). On the way, observe the flora composed especially of cactus type plants over the desert landscape. Lunch will be in Sangalle and after we can refresh in the natural pools of the oasis.
Dinner & overnight in Sangalle - Sleeping bag / very basic accommodations
Day 9: After breakfast we will ride until we reach San Juan de Chuccho (3-hour ride). We ride beside the Colca River along bottom of the canyon and will experience the immensity of the unique landscape. We will discover the “lost” villages of Malata et Cosnirhua and cross smaller rivers, and in some parts, you will have to walk on your own. Lunch will be had in San Juan. In the afternoon you get an intimate chance to visit the crops and talk with the villagers to learn about their local life style.
Dinner & Overnight in San Juan - Sleeping bag / very basic accommodations
Day 10: After Breakfast we will start to climb out of the canyon with the horses. For safety of both the rider and the horse, a big part of this will be made walking along side the horses in this amazingly stunning environment. Arrive again in Cabanaconde where there will be a private transportation back to the Tradicion Colca Hotel in Yanque where the sauna and jacuzzi will be waiting for you (6:00 pm to 9:00 pm)!
Dinner & Overnight – hotel
Day 11: Breakfast at the hotel and then we will return to the Arequipa by private transportation - arriving around 12 noon!
-- itinerary subject to changes --
Meeting:
Yanque Village
Airport:
Arequipa
Transfer:
Arequipa airport to hotel and then to Yanque Village on Day 2
Distance:
4 hrs
First day is arrival and overnight in Arequipa - arrival time can be any time.
Drop off in Arequipa on last day is around 12 noon.
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Tack:
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Peruvian
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Horses:
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Peruvian Pasos
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Pace:
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Paso Llama - Peruvian Walk. 5 to 6 hrs per riding day.
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Walk |
Trot |
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Level:
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(2.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, travelling as tourists for stays of up to 90 days, except: 1. nati. more
Climate in the Colca Canyon...
Though sunny during the day, it can also get quite cold at night -- which is not unexpected, since Chivay is higher than Cusco!
The Colca Valley is lush and green after the heaviest rains from January to March, but most of the rest of the year it is arid and dusty.
In the dry season (mid April to mid November) temperatures usually fall to below zero at night and reach 15-20°C during the daytime.
During the rainy season (end of November to end of March) the changes in temperature are less dramatic as the overcast sky impedes the penetration of the sun’s rays and the heating of the atmosphere during the day and the frost and cold at night. Temperatures vary between the 5° and 10°C.
Walking shoes, flashlight or head lamp, sandals, personal medicines, sleeping bag (can be provided at extra cost), waterproof raincoat, sun glasses, sun block and repellent, swimwear and change of clothes, towels.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Overnight stays in Yanque and in Arequipa will be in 3-star hotels.
-Massages, sauna and jacuzzi are available in Yanque hotel from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM!
Overnight stays in Madrigal Village and “CruzdelCura” are camping.
Overnight stays provided in Llahuar, Sangalle, San Juan de Chuccho and Pinchollo are in basic (sleeping bag) accommodation.
-All meals are included, except in Arequipa (breakfast only)
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Peruvian
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Horses:
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Peruvian Pasos
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Pace:
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Paso Llama - Peruvian Walk. 5 to 6 hrs per riding day.
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Walk |
Trot |
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Level:
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(2.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
75
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, travelling as tourists for stays of up to 90 days, except:
1. nationals of Latvia and Romania who do require a visa.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. A business visa is required for all nationals if the purpose of the visit is business. Any business-related unpaid work can be made on a tourist visa. Upon arrival in Peru, the business visa holder must register at the Dirección General de Contribuciones for taxation purposes. Business visa holders can remain in Peru for 90 days. If wishing to extend the visit, an application must be lodged with the Dirección General de Migraciones.
Nationals applying for a tourist visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,000 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application. Nationals applying for a business visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,200 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application.
All nationals are advised to check with the Peruvian Consulate prior to departure to obtain current details of any documentation which might be required. Postal visa applications are not accepted unless submitted through a travel agency.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist and Business: £19.20. Costs are subject to change according to exchange rates.
Validity
Up to 90 days.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses for details.
Working Days Required
At least 24 hours; longer if authorisation from the immigration office in Lima is required.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No/1/2 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Colca Canyon Explorer Ride on Peruvian Pasos
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