Trip Type
Group / Private
Season
All year round
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
15 Hours
Colca Canyon Full Day from Arequipa
Colca Canyon Full Day – Explore one of the deepest canyons in the world in just one day. Witness the majestic flight of the condors, admire the breathtaking Andean landscapes, and visit traditional villages that preserve their culture and charm. 
A perfect adventure for nature and culture lovers!
Información del tour
Duration
9 Hours
Ideal for
General public
Best season
April to December
Languages
English and Spanish
Trip type
Group and private
Group Tour
Best Price.
Private Tour
Best Experience.
Day 1: Colca Canyon Full Day Tour
Group service
Get ready for an intense day of travel and brutal landscapes. We will explore the impressive Colca Canyon (one of the deepest in the world) and witness the awe-inspiring flight of the Andean condor. We will cross high-Andean lagoons, traditional villages, and viewpoints over 4,000 meters above sea level.
With us, you will experience:
- Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint: The best spot to see the sacred bird of the Andes in action.
- Local culture: Stops in Chivay, Maca, and Yanque to connect with their people and try a Colca Sour.
- Nature and wildlife: Epic postcards at the Volcanes Viewpoint and the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve (home of vicuñas and alpacas).
- Gastronomy: Buffet lunch featuring the best of Arequipa’s cuisine.
STARTS: 03:15 AM (Pick-up at your hotel in downtown Arequipa).
ENDS: 05:30 PM (Near the Plaza de Armas).
- Transport
- 1 KM
- Guide
- Tickets
- 15 Hours
03:15 AM – Hotel Pick-up in Arequipa
We start the trip directly from your accommodation in downtown Arequipa towards the Colca Valley.
06:15 AM – Breakfast in Chivay
We arrive at the picturesque town of Chivay, the gateway to the valley. Here, we will enjoy a typical regional breakfast to recharge our energies.
07:15 AM – Scenic Route to Cruz del Cóndor
We set off in our vehicle, venturing into the geography of the Colca Canyon on a one-hour journey.
We will also enjoy the first views of the impressive pre-Inca agricultural terraces that adorn the mountains.
08:15 AM – Bird Watching at Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint
We arrive at the most famous point of the tour. We will have free time (approx. 45 minutes) to contemplate the magnitude and depth of the canyon and, with luck, marvel at the spectacular flight of the Andean condor in its natural habitat.
09:30 AM – Exploration of Viewpoints and Maca Village
We begin our return, stopping at strategic viewpoints to photograph the agricultural terraces.
Then, we will visit the town of Maca to see its beautiful colonial church and have the opportunity to taste local drinks like the famous Colca Sour.
11:00 AM – Relaxation at Yanque Hot Springs
We make a stop in the town of Yanque to access (admission included) its thermo-medicinal pools.
A perfect moment to immerse yourself in waters ranging from 35 °C to 38 °C and relax with the surrounding landscape.
12:30 PM – Andean Lunch in Chivay
We will enjoy a buffet lunch with local ingredients and typical dishes at a tourist restaurant in Chivay, surrounded by the warmth of the valley's service.
01:45 PM – Stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint (Patapampa)
We begin the return journey to Arequipa, ascending to the highest point of the route at 4,800 meters above sea level. From here, you can appreciate an exceptional panoramic view of the volcanoes and the western mountain range.
02:45 PM – Toccra Wetlands and Pampa Cañahuas
We continue descending and make stops to observe the Andean wildlife: first at the Toccra wetlands, home to alpacas and local birds, and then bypassing the Chachani snow-capped mountain in the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, where we will contemplate the elegant wild vicuñas.
05:30 PM – Arrival in Arequipa and Farewell
We arrive in downtown Arequipa, dropping you off very close to the Plaza de Armas.
Our official guide will conclude the tour and say goodbye to the group, ending our full-day Colca Canyon tour. Gratuities or tips are voluntary.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full Day |
| Maximum altitude | 3,812 m s. n. m. |
| Hike | 1 km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best season | April – November |
| Tour type | Group |
Expert Travel Recommendations
Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, and in soles, in case you want to buy something or take pictures with the local alpacas, which is done for a tip to the locals.
Is there an internet connection along the Colca route?
Yes, there is an internet signal for most of the route; it only cuts out intermittently during certain sections.
Perfect for disconnecting and enjoying.
Will I get to see condors on the first day?
No, the condors are seen at the end of the trip through the Colca.
Other considerations of the area
- Minimum altitude: 3,600 m
- Maximum altitude: 4,800 m
- Distance: 1 KM
Climate in the area
- Maximum temperature: 23 °C
- Minimum temperature: -2 °C
- Usually with freezing winds
Included
- 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
- Pick-up from hotels in downtown Arequipa.
- Round-trip tourist transportation (Arequipa – Chivay – Arequipa).
- Professional guide in Spanish/English.
- 1 night of accommodation in Chivay.
- Lunch and dinner (Day 01).
- Breakfast at the hotel (Day 02).
- Admission to the Chivay hot springs.
- Sightseeing stops throughout the entire tour.
Not Included
- Not Included
Swimsuit. - Tips for guides.
Meals not mentioned. - Travel insurance (Peruvian laws suggest that you enter Peru with insurance purchased in your country of origin).
- We work with some clinics and can help you manage medical care if you need it (clinics will apply the insurance you previously purchased; however, they do not offer travel insurance).
What to bring
- Personal medications.
- A legible photo of your passport.
- Small adventure backpack (with a rain cover if possible).
- Water (we recommend bringing 1L per day).
- Rain poncho or rain jacket.
- Extra snacks.
- Hiking shoes and pants.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
- Lip balm.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, long-sleeved shirts, etc.).
- Cash in SOLES.
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.
See more photos of the places you'll visit!
- Price per person
Our tour packages include both group and private options. Talk to a travel advisor and customize your experience with our specialized guides.
- Group Tour ⓘ
85.00 USD
- Private Tour ⓘ
295.00 USD
Daily departures
Year around ⓘ
Contact us
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Private Tour: Get to know all these incredible destinations; more time to take the best photos with our specialized tour guides at your service. Rates apply for groups of 2 or more people.
295.00 USD
© The cost decreases or varies with more participants. Talk to your travel advisor.
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Why travel with us?
Small groups
Enjoy each destination with more time and fewer crowds.
Exclusive attention
24/7 support after your booking, so your only concern is to enjoy yourself.
Expert guides
We create memorable experiences, not regular tours.
Have questions?
We got answers
Is the Colca Canyon worth visiting?
Yes. The Colca Canyon is one of the most impressive destinations in southern Peru thanks to its Andean landscapes, traditional villages, and the famous flight of the condor.
How deep is the Colca Canyon?
The Colca Canyon reaches a depth of approximately 3,400 meters, making it one of the deepest canyons in the world.
What clothing should I bring to the Colca Canyon?
We recommend bringing:
- Warm clothing.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Comfortable sneakers and a windbreaker jacket.
How long does the Colca Canyon tour last?
The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night, departing from Arequipa and visiting the main viewpoints and villages of the Colca Valley.
Where can you observe the condors?
The main point to observe the flight of the condors is the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint.
What is the best time to see condors?
Generally, the best times are early in the morning, when the condors take advantage of the air currents to fly over the canyon.
What altitude does the Colca tour reach?
The highest point is usually the Patapampa viewpoint, located approximately 4,910 meters above sea level.
Is acclimatization needed for the Colca?
Yes. We recommend spending at least one day in Arequipa before taking the tour due to the altitude.
Is the Colca tour difficult?
No. The tour is considered easy because most of the journey is done by tourist transportation.
Are there hikes during the tour?
Yes. There are short and optional hikes at some viewpoints and traditional villages.
Are the hot springs included?
It depends on the service booked. Some excursions include the entrance fee while others offer it as an optional activity. At GET IN PERU, we do include them for you.
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