Chivay

I learned from fellow travelers that I overpaid for this trip by booking in advance online. Better to do in Arequipa plaza de armas a few days prior. In talking to others about it, it sounds like lots of different companies skim profit from bookings...kind of discouraging. Had problems getting a confirm to be picked up, even though I was staying in central historic Arequipa. I was picked up and when got to Chivay had a horrible breakfast of instant coffee and cold bread. Then it was very unclear who my guide was, if I was with the right group or not. That being said, once I was with my group, our guide was a sweet young man who did his best to make sure everyone was okay. Food from then on was excellent. The canyon hikes were amazing and met some really nice people. Suggest bringing book or e-reader to fill down time in the canyon. No Wi-Fi of course.

This was a great tour. The hotel was great, the hot springs were fun, and the Canyon and surrounding area was amazing. Having a guide was essential to the tour. She knew an incredible amount of history, geology, anthropology, and was well versed in flora and fauna. It was great to hear about what we were seeing, and how it all fit together.