Best Colca Canyon Full Day from Arequipa
The most complete Colca Canyon Full Day Tour from Arequipa, where you will see the Andean condor in flight and visit the town of Maca and its traditional dances.
From:
per person
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
Secure your spot with only 50%
Confirmation
Immediate
Duration
14 Hours
Difficulty
Easy
Daily departures
365 days a year
Trip type
Group or private
Save your spot with only 50%
- Safe and secure payment
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
Best Colca Canyon Full Day from Arequipa
Discover the breathtaking Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, on a full-day tour from Arequipa.
Witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, visit traditional villages, and enjoy spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
Choose the option that best suits your trip.
Group Tour
- Best price
- Independent traveler
- Fixed departures
Private Tour
- Flexible schedule
- Personalized service
- Private vehicle
Day 1: Best Colca Canyon Full Day from Arequipa
Your experience at a glance:
03:15 AM
Pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa
06:15 AM
Breakfast in Chivay
07:15 AM
Scenic drive to Cruz del Cóndor
08:15 AM
Andean Condor Watching
09:30 AM
Explore the Viewpoints and the Town of Maca
11:00 AM
Relax at the Yanque Hot Springs
12:30 PM
Andean Lunch in Chivay
01:45 PM
Stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint (Patapampa)
02:45 PM
Toccra Wetlands and Pampa Cañahuas
05:30 PM
Arrival in Arequipa and Farewell
- Transport
- Food
- Guide
- Tickets
- 14 Hours
03:15 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa
We begin our journey directly from your accommodation in downtown Arequipa toward the Colca Valley.
06:15 AM – Breakfast in Chivay
We arrive in the picturesque town of Chivay, the gateway to the valley. Here, we will enjoy a traditional regional breakfast to recharge our energy.
07:15 AM – Scenic drive to Cruz del Cóndor
We continue our journey by vehicle, traveling deep into the Colca Canyon on a one-hour scenic drive.
Along the way, we will also enjoy the first views of the impressive pre-Inca agricultural terraces that decorate the mountainsides.
08:15 AM – Andean Condor Watching
We arrive at the most iconic viewpoint of the tour. You will have approximately 45 minutes of free time to admire the immense depth of the Colca Canyon and, with a bit of luck, witness the spectacular flight of the Andean condor in its natural habitat.
09:30 AM – Explore the Viewpoints and the Town of Maca
We begin our return journey, stopping at strategic viewpoints to photograph the agricultural terraces.
Later, we will visit the town of Maca to explore its beautiful colonial church and enjoy the opportunity to taste local beverages, including the famous Colca Sour.
11:00 AM – Relax at the Yanque Hot Springs
We stop in the town of Yanque, where admission to its thermo-medicinal hot springs is included.
This is the perfect opportunity to relax in waters with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 38°C while enjoying the surrounding scenery.
12:30 PM – Andean Lunch in Chiva
We will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients and traditional dishes at a tourist restaurant in Chivay, surrounded by the warm hospitality of the Colca Valley.
01:45 PM – Stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint (Patapampa)
We begin our return to Arequipa, ascending to the highest point of the route at 4,800 meters (15,748 ft) above sea level. From here, you will enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the volcanoes and the Western Andes.
02:45 PM – Toccra Wetlands and Pampa Cañahuas
We continue descending and make stops to observe Andean wildlife. First, at the Toccra wetlands, home to alpacas and native birds, and later along the slopes of the Chachani volcano in the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, where we will admire graceful wild vicuñas.
05:30 PM – Arrival in Arequipa and Farewell
We arrive in downtown Arequipa, leaving you just a short distance from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
Our official guide will conclude the tour and bid farewell to the group, marking the end of our Colca Canyon Full Day Tour. Tips are voluntary.
Considerations of the area
Maximum altitude
4,800 m.a.s.l. / 15,748 ft
Minimum altitude
3,600 m.a.s.l. / 11,811 ft
Maximum temperature
23°C / 73°F
Minimum temperature
-2°C / 28°F
Usually with cold winds.
Expert Travel Recommendations
What type of clothing should I wear for the Colca Canyon Tour?
It is recommended to wear layered clothing, as temperatures during the Colca Canyon Tour can vary significantly between the early morning and midday.
A warm jacket is ideal for the first hours of the day, along with comfortable walking clothes, shoes with good traction, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Is it recommended to acclimatize before taking the Colca Canyon Tour?
Yes. The Colca Canyon Tour reaches elevations above 4,000 meters (13,123 ft) above sea level during the route, so it is recommended to spend at least one or two days in Arequipa before the excursion to help your body adapt to the altitude.
What should I avoid during the Colca Canyon Tour?
To fully enjoy the Colca Canyon Tour, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages the night before, making unnecessary physical efforts during the tour, and exposing yourself to the sun without proper protection.
Why is this tour different?
- Hotel pick-up included.
- Viewpoint exploration + hot springs on the same day.
- Buffet lunch included
- Expert local guide
- Book with just 50%
Book with confidence
- Instant confirmation
- Over 6 years creating unforgettable experiences
- Personalized WhatsApp assistance
- Specialized local tour operator
- Guaranteed departures
INCLUDED
Our Colca Canyon Full Day Tour from Arequipa includes:
- 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
- Pick-up from hotels located in downtown Arequipa.
- Round-trip tourist transportation (Arequipa – Chivay – Arequipa).
- Professional Spanish/English-speaking guide.
- Buffet lunch included.
- Admission to the Chivay hot springs.
- Sightseeing stops throughout the entire tour.
NOT INCLUDED
- Swimsuit.
- Tips for the guides.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Travel insurance (Peruvian laws recommend entering Peru with travel insurance purchased in your country of origin).
- We work with some clinics and can help you arrange medical care if needed (the clinics will apply the insurance you purchased previously; however, they do not provide travel insurance).
What to Bring!
- Personal medications.
- A legible photo of your passport.
- Small daypack (with a rain cover if possible).
- Water (we recommend bringing 1L per day).
- Rain poncho or jacket.
- Extra snacks.
- Hiking shoes and pants.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Lip balm.
- Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, fleece, long-sleeve shirts, etc.).
- Cash in SOLES (Peruvian currency).
PAYMENT
AVOID SCAMS!
GET IN PERU will only charge you a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.
The remaining amount must be paid 3 days before your departure.
Contact your travel advisor to learn more details or visit our Terms of Service Agreement.
Travel your way
$ Price per person
Our tour packages are available in both group and private formats. Consult with one of our travel experts to tailor your journey and enjoy a personalized experience led by our specialized local guides.
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$85USD
per person
- Best Price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$295USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Better Photo Opportunities
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
- Specialized Local Guides
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$295USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- Exclusive Guide for Your Group
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$85USD
per person
- Best price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Secure your spot with only 50%
Pay the rest later
- Secure Payment Processing
- Instant Booking Confirmation
- All Major International Cards Accepted
- Pay in Your Preferred Currency
More than 7500+ Happy Travelers
- 182+ TripAdvisor reviews
- 25+ Google Reviews
- 51+ WT Reviews
- 6 years Creating unforgettable journeys
Everything in one place
Secure booking
Immediate confirmation and personalized assistance.
Get on and enjoy
Tours, hotels, flights, and transfers managed in one place.
Real support
Personalized assistance before, during, and after your trip
Everything you need to know
before traveling
What is included in the Colca Canyon Tour?
The Colca Canyon Tour generally includes tourist transportation, a professional guide, hotel pick-up from downtown Arequipa, and visits to the main attractions along the route, such as the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints. Depending on the tour option you choose, it may also include breakfast, lunch, or admission to the hot springs.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Before booking, check which services are included and which require an additional payment, such as the Colca Tourist Ticket or admission to the hot springs. This will help you plan your budget more effectively.
🦅 Did you know? The Colca Valley is home to dozens of natural viewpoints spread throughout the route, each offering a unique perspective of the canyon and the volcanoes surrounding the area.
How long is the Colca Canyon Tour?
What is the best time of year to take the Colca Canyon Tour?
The Colca Canyon Tour can be enjoyed year-round, although the dry season, from April to November, usually offers clearer skies and better conditions for watching the Andean condors in flight and admiring the valley’s landscapes.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: If you travel between May and August, bring extra warm clothing, as temperatures in the early morning can drop below 0°C (32°F).
☀️ Did you know? Even during the dry season, the sun in Colca can be very intense due to the high altitude, so wearing sunscreen is essential.
Is it recommended to take the Colca Canyon Tour on my first day in Arequipa?
It is not the most recommended option. Since the Colca Canyon Tour reaches elevations above 4,000 meters (13,123 ft) above sea level, it is best to spend at least one or two days in Arequipa before the excursion to help your body acclimatize to the altitude.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Stay well hydrated from the moment you arrive in Arequipa and avoid eating heavy meals before the tour.
🌄 Did you know? The city of Arequipa is located at approximately 2,335 meters (7,661 ft) above sea level, making it an excellent place to gradually adapt to the altitude.
Can I see the Andean condor during the Colca Canyon Tour?
Yes. One of the main highlights of the Colca Canyon Tour is the visit to the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, considered the best place to observe the Andean condor flying in its natural habitat. Sightings depend on weather conditions and the birds’ natural behavior.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Avoid making loud noises at the viewpoint and stay alert from the moment you arrive, as condors can appear at any time.
🦅 Did you know? The Andean condor has one of the largest wingspans of any flying bird in the world, reaching up to three meters (nearly 10 feet) with its wings fully extended.
What should I wear for the Colca Canyon Tour?
Is the Colca Canyon Tour difficult?
Is the Colca Canyon Full Day Tour worth it?
Yes. The Colca Canyon Full Day Tour is an excellent option for travelers with limited time who want to visit the valley’s main attractions, including the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, traditional villages, and breathtaking Andean landscapes in a single excursion.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: If your stay in Arequipa is short, schedule this tour during your first available days to avoid possible disruptions caused by weather changes.
📍 Did you know? The Colca Valley is part of one of the most visited tourist routes in southern Peru thanks to its unique combination of nature, culture, and history.
What is the highest altitude reached during the Colca Canyon Tour?
During the Colca Canyon Tour, you will pass through areas above 4,900 meters (16,076 ft) above sea level, including the Andes Viewpoint (Patapampa), one of the highest points of the route before descending into the valley.
💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Always carry a bottle of water and avoid running or climbing stairs quickly during stops at the highest-altitude points.
🏔️ Did you know? From Patapampa, it is possible to see several of Arequipa’s iconic volcanoes, including Misti, Chachani, and Ampato, when the weather is clear.
What animals can I see during the Colca Canyon Tour?
Recommended Tours in Peru
Humantay Lake
Machu Picchu at Sunset
The Best of Cusco in 6 Days
Didn't find what you were looking for?
We design custom trips all over Peru. Hotels, flights, and tours included.