Arequipa, Perú

COLCA CANYON TOUR 2/1

4.9(128)

Tour Description

The Colca Canyon, located northwest of Arequipa, is an extensive valley of 100 km in the Colca River basin. It is the second deepest canyon in the world, with a depth of 4150 m, after the Cotahuasi Canyon. It offers stunning natural landscapes, pre-Columbian terraces, and rich fauna including condors, vizcachas, alpacas, and vicuñas. This place holds significant cultural value, inhabited by communities descended from ancient civilizations.

The tour is ideal for those with time, with a late departure from Arequipa (07:30 a.m.), allowing for close exploration of local customs, traditions, and major tourist spots.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 - AREQUIPA-CHIVAY

  • 07:30 - Our passengers will be picked up from their hotels in the downtown of Arequipa, 08:00 - We start the excursion northeast of the city, reaching Pampa Cañahuas (Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve) habitat of beautiful South American camelids like vicuñas and guanacos. At the Tojra Wetlands, we can see a variety of migratory birds, including flamingos, Andean seagulls, wild ducks, among others.
  • Continuing our journey, we reach the Volcanoes Viewpoint, the highest area of the road (4,800 meters above sea level) from where we appreciate a significant part of the Western Cordillera.
  • Arrival in Chivay at 13:30, where you will have free time to have lunch in the town.
  • 14:30 - Accommodation at our lodging.
  • 15:50 - Visit to the popular thermal baths, a paradisiacal place surrounded by mountains where water flows from the inside of the hills at a maximum temperature of 80º C, combining with cold waters in a pool up to 35º C, an ideal temperature for a relaxing bath. Then return to our lodging, dinner on passengers' account.

DAY 2 - CHIVAY-CRUZ DEL CONDOR – AREQUIPA.

  • 06:00 - After breakfast, our clients are picked up from the lodging to depart towards the Natural Viewpoint: Cruz del Condor, passing through impressive landscapes along the canyon. During our journey, we appreciate beautiful views of the Colca River, tombs dating back to the pre-Colombian era, agricultural terraces over a thousand years old, among others. Our local guide will explain aspects about the different indigenous groups that inhabited and still inhabit the Colca Valley.
  • 08:30 - We arrive at the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint, taking our time to admire the natural beauty the canyon offers, observe the majestic flight of the Condors, and take short walks in the surroundings.
  • 10:00 - Return to Chivay, on the way we visit some typical towns along the route like: Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque which house beautiful colonial churches.
  • 12:30 - In the town of Chivay, we make a final stop for lunch.
  • 18:00 - Arrival in the city of Arequipa.

NOTE:

  • From Chivay, you can continue your journey to Puno without needing to return to Arequipa, just add $33.00, and we'll be happy to wait for you to take you to your hotel in downtown Puno.

Includes

  • Consultation one day before the tour.
  • One-night basic lodging in Chivay.
  • Buffet lunch in Chivay.
  • Breakfast
  • Professional guide in Spanish / English.
  • Hotel pickup in the city of Arequipa.
  • Tourist transportation.

Does not include

  • Others not mentioned in the program.
  • Thermal baths in Chivay.
  • BTC (Colca tourist ticket)

Recommendations

  • 1.Wear a cap or sun hat.
  • 2.Sneakers or shoes for visits and walks.
  • 3.Sunglasses, Sunscreen, lip balm.
  • 4.Swimsuit.
  • 5.Sandals.
  • 6.December to April is the rainy season (bring waterproof clothing and umbrella), May to November is the dry and cold season (bring winter clothes).