Arequipa – Tacna
Distance: 363 kms Estimated Duration: 6-7hrs.
Arequipa to he Highway distribution (36 kms). In order to get to the distribution (Reparticion) on the south Panamericana highway, there are two alternatives continue on the left , via Tingo-Tiabaya, through Cerro Verde (Old Highway), or take the road on your right, through the Variante Uchumayo (New Highway), which is 7 kms shorter and is a faster route although in bad conditions after passing bye the mine. Both highways meet and join again near the repartition or distribution point.
Distribution point-Tacna (327 kms). Route 1-S. Asphalted highway in good conditions. Please look at : Routes South Coast.
Arequipa – Valle del Colca
Arequipa – Chivay (148 kms). There are two routes which join in Chivay. The first one which is the best one departs from Arequipa on a asphalted road with heading north, to Yura, this road boards he north face of the Chachani Volcanoe. Continue uphill drive until Pampa Cañahuas. At this point you take the left hand route towards Chivay. The second Route as aforementioned which is basically not recommendable, departs from Arequipa from the east side, and continues uphill drive through Cabrerias, between the snow covered Chachani and Misti mountains. On this route there are a series of turn-offs; always take the left ones this way you maintain the Chachani Volcano always on your left . A great part of this uphill drive is in very bad conditions and maybe very foggy until arriving at Cañahuas (64 kms from Arequipa), from where the route even gets worse. 22 kms further you will find the route to Chivay, Capital of the province of Caylloma, or continue north until Sibayo. The first alternative which crosses a pampa at a high level, permits you a shorter drive to the Colca Valley; the other alternative offers you to visit 4 villages more and the opportunity to practice canoeing.
Chivay – Madrigal (160 kms). From Chivay you can visit the Colca on either side of the river in the Valley. On the right hand side of the river margin, penetrates on a non-asphalted road the villages of Coporaque, Ichupampa y Lari, which just like the other towns on the other side of the river have beautiful colonial churches. In Lari starts a small section which is basically a lane which brings you to Madrigal.
Chivay – Cabanaconde (220 kms). Recommendable section. Continuing on the left hand margin of the Colca it is possible to enter deeper in the valley. A firm non asphalted road crosses the villages of Yanque, Maca, Pinchollo and Cabanaconde and from there continues to Majes, this is the returning point to Arequipa.
