Service:
Premium
Type of Activity:
Type of walk:
Private Tour & Semi-Private Tour
Level:
The Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour from Arequipa is one of the most impressive experiences in southern Peru. It starts very early, with pickup from your hotel between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m., before embarking on a 3.5-hour journey to the picturesque town of Chivay, where you will enjoy an Andean breakfast.
The route continues to the valley’s most famous viewpoint, La Cruz del Cóndor, an ideal spot to admire the depth of the canyon (one of the largest in the world, at over 4,000 meters) and, with a bit of luck, observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor, considered the largest flying bird on the planet.
On the way back, you will visit important viewpoints such as Antahuilque, from where you can see the still-cultivated Inca and pre-Inca terraces, and Choquetico, known for its ancient hanging tombs. You’ll also visit the picturesque towns of Maca and Yanque, famous for their colonial churches and vibrant traditions.
Those who wish can relax in the Chacapi hot springs (optional) before heading back to Chivay to enjoy a buffet lunch featuring the best of the regional cuisine.
The return to Arequipa includes stops at the Mirador de los Volcanes (Patapampa), at over 4,900 meters above sea level, from where you can see mountains such as Ampato, Sabancaya, Chachani, and Misti. You’ll also pass through the Tocra wetlands, a natural habitat for alpacas, llamas, and high Andean birds.
The tour concludes with arrival in Arequipa around 5:00 PM, after a full day of nature, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
ITINERARY
🚌 Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour Itinerary
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3:00 – 3:30 a.m. | Pickup at your hotel in Arequipa
We begin our adventure very early, picking up from your accommodation in the city of Arequipa. The journey lasts approximately 3.5 hours, crossing the Cañahuas Pampa, a vast nature reserve home to vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas in their natural habitat. Along the way, you’ll also appreciate high Andean landscapes, lagoons, and rock formations that give us a glimpse of the grandeur of the Colca Canyon.
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Breakfast in Chivay
We will arrive in the picturesque town of Chivay, capital of the Caylloma province, where we will enjoy a typical Andean breakfast in a local restaurant. Here you will have the opportunity to acclimatize and briefly walk through the streets of this town steeped in tradition.
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The Condor’s Cross
We will continue our tour for approximately two hours until we reach the most famous viewpoint of the Colca Canyon: The Condor’s Cross. From this point, you can appreciate the full depth of the Colca Canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world at over 4,000 meters. Plus, with a little luck, you might be able to admire the flight of the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds on the planet and a symbol of the Andes.
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Andean Viewpoints
On the way back to Chivay, we will make several stops at natural viewpoints:
- Antahuilque: From here, you can see the majestic Inca and pre-Inca agricultural terraces, which are still used by local people today.
- Choquetico: This viewpoint offers a view of the hanging tombs and stone-carved models, representations that depict the ancient Andean worldview.
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Traditional Villages
We will visit the charming villages of Maca and Yanque, featuring colonial churches in the Mestizo Baroque style, picturesque plazas, and narrow streets that evoke the peaceful life of Colca. At these stops, you can take photographs, chat with local residents, and purchase traditional handicrafts.
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Chacapi Hot Springs (optional)
Those who wish will have the opportunity to relax in the famous Chacapi hot springs, whose waters reach temperatures of up to 38°C, surrounded by spectacular natural scenery.
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Lunch in Chivay
We will enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample the best of Arequipa and Andean cuisine: traditional soups, stews, grilled meats, and regional desserts.
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Return to Arequipa with stops at viewpoints.
We will begin the return trip to the city of Arequipa. During the journey, we will make important stops:
- Patapampa (Volcano Viewpoint): Located at over 4,900 meters above sea level, it offers a panoramic view of Arequipa’s main volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, Ampato, Sabancaya, among others.
- Tocra Wetlands: High Andean ecosystem where migratory birds, alpacas, and llamas can be observed feeding in the wetlands.
- Patahuasi: Brief stop to stretch your legs and enjoy a hot drink before continuing.
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Arrival in Arequipa
Finally, we will arrive in the city of Arequipa around 5:00 p.m., concluding the tour.
INCLUDES
✅ Includes
- Private tourist transportation: A comfortable and safe vehicle with all biosafety measures in place will pick you up from your hotel in
- Arequipa and accompany you throughout the tour until your return.
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English): Specialized in the history, culture, and nature of the Colca Valley, who will provide comprehensive explanations and support during each visit. - 1 Continental breakfast in Chivay: Includes artisanal Andean bread, butter, jam, natural juice, coca tea, or coffee, ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude and starting the day with energy.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
❌ Not Included
- Colca Valley tourist ticket: Mandatory fee for entry to the tourist area and its viewpoints.
- Nationals: S/ 20.00 per person.
- Latin Americans: S/ 40.00 per person.
- Foreigners: S/ 70.00 per person.
- Entrance ticket to the Chacapi hot springs (optional): Access to the natural hot spring pools, located in a privileged landscape (approximate cost of S/ 15.00 per person).
- Lunch in Chivay: Not included in the tour price. Visitors can choose from local and tourist restaurants offering menus and buffets of traditional Andean and Arequipa cuisine (average price between S/ 25.00 and S/ 40.00 per person).
RECOMENDACIONES
🌟 Recomendaciones
- Ropa adecuada: Llevar ropa abrigadora para la salida muy temprano y el regreso por la tarde (chompas, casaca cortaviento, gorro de lana).
- Durante el día se recomienda ropa ligera, ya que el clima varía bastante.
- Calzado cómodo: Zapatillas de trekking o calzado deportivo con buena suela para caminar con seguridad en miradores y senderos.
- Protección solar: Gafas de sol, bloqueador solar y sombrero o gorra, ya que la radiación solar en la altura es muy intensa.
- Botella de agua y snacks: Mantenerse hidratado es clave, además se recomienda llevar barras energéticas, chocolates o frutas secas.
- Baños termales: Si planea ingresar, no olvide traer traje de baño, sandalias y toalla.
- Dinero en efectivo: Se recomienda llevar soles peruanos (S/), ya que en pueblos como Chivay, Maca o Yanque el pago con tarjeta es limitado.
- Altitud: El Cañón del Colca y sus miradores superan los 4,800 m.s.n.m. Se aconseja beber mate de coca, hidratarse y caminar despacio para evitar el mal de altura.
- Cámara fotográfica: Indispensable para capturar el vuelo del cóndor, paisajes andinos y los pueblos coloniales.
Documento de identidad o pasaporte: Necesarios para la compra de boletos turísticos.
FAQ's
❓ Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQs)
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1. ¿A qué hora inicia y finaliza el tour?
El recojo de pasajeros comienza entre 03:00 y 03:30 a.m. en los hoteles del centro de Arequipa. El retorno a la ciudad está previsto alrededor de las 17:00 hrs.
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2. ¿Se puede ver siempre el cóndor en el mirador?
El avistamiento depende de la temporada y las condiciones climáticas. La mayor probabilidad es entre las 08:00 y 10:00 a.m., cuando las corrientes de aire facilitan el vuelo del cóndor.
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3. ¿Qué tan profundo es el Cañón del Colca?
El Cañón del Colca alcanza más de 4,000 metros de profundidad, lo que lo convierte en uno de los cañones más profundos del mundo.
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4. ¿Necesito estar en buena condición física?
El tour es apto para la mayoría de personas, ya que las caminatas son cortas y de baja dificultad. Sin embargo, se recomienda estar aclimatado a la altura de Arequipa (2,335 m.s.n.m.) antes de realizar el tour.
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5. ¿Qué pueblos se visitan durante el recorrido?
Se visitan principalmente Chivay, Maca y Yanque, además de los miradores naturales y los baños termales de Chacapi (opcional).
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6. ¿El almuerzo está incluido en el tour?
No. El almuerzo en Chivay se realiza en restaurantes turísticos y locales (buffet o menú). El costo promedio es entre S/ 25.00 y S/ 40.00 por persona.
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7. ¿Qué llevar para los baños termales?
Si desea ingresar, lleve traje de baño, toalla, sandalias y ropa de recambio.
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8. ¿Hay señal de celular en la ruta?
En algunos tramos la señal es limitada, especialmente en la Cruz del Cóndor y zonas altas del Colca.
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9. ¿Puedo realizar el tour con niños?
Sí, el tour es apto para familias con niños, aunque se recomienda que los pequeños estén preparados para los cambios de temperatura y la altitud.
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10. ¿El tour se realiza todo el año?
Sí, el Cañón del Colca se puede visitar durante todo el año. La temporada seca (abril a noviembre) es la más recomendada por sus cielos despejados y mejor avistamiento de cóndores.
