Trek to the source of the Amazon

The trek to the source of the Amazon begins in the small town of Tuti (3,805 m above sea level), where you can get a shared taxi from Chivaye (3,640 m above sea level) (20 km drive). Chivay is not only a good starting point for a trek to the source of the Amazon, but also to Colca Canyon, so if you have enough strength you can put both treks in a row. On the first day, you will have time to climb the ancient Indian ruins and camp in the valley below the Mismi volcano or on the plateau if you go by a more difficult option across the Atlantic and Pacific watershed.

The second day of the trek is extremely challenging not only due to the high altitude, but also due to the dangerous terrain. The highlight is the ascent to the Mismi volcano with a view of the „volcanic“ part of Peru. You will spend the night in the Amazon Valley just a short distance from its source.

On the third day of the trek, you will ascend to the Amazon's own spring in the morning and then travel along the picturesque Carhuasanta Valley to Lake Carhuacocha. From here, a long stretch of plateau awaits you to the village of Parihuana. In addition, you will see hundreds or rather thousands of llamas along the way.

On the fourth day you should reach the mining town of Caylloma, from where there is already a bus service back to Chivay and Arequipa, respectively. If you're lucky, it's possible to shorten this day by stopping a truck that occasionally travels the Altiplano. Basically, the only attraction is wandering along Lake Huarhuarco, where flamingos live.