Two days from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon: the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the Volcanoes Viewpoint (Mirador de los Volcanes) at 4,910 m above sea level, a night in Chivay with the Chacapi hot springs and, the next day, condors in flight at Cruz del Cóndor. Includes lodging, breakfast and a certified tour guide.
The Colca Canyon is an Andean landscape on a monumental scale, with rock walls more than 4,000 meters deep beneath an intense sky. The valley unfolds traditional villages, ancient farming terraces and hot springs that contrast with the dry surroundings.
On day one you cross the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, go up to the Volcanoes Viewpoint and reach Chivay to relax in the Chacapi hot springs. On day two, from Cruz del Cóndor, you watch the majestic flight of the Andean condors, especially in the morning.
Highlights
- Vicuñas and alpacas in Salinas y Aguada Blanca
- High-Andean birds in the Tocrapampa wetlands
- A night in Chivay, the valley’s capital
- Traditional villages of Yanque and Maca
Itinerary
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Day 1 · Pickup at your hotel in Arequipa
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Day 1 · Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Skirting the slopes of the Chachani volcano, with vicuñas, llamas and alpacas.
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Day 1 · Patahuasi
A rest stop of about 10 minutes with hot drinks (coca, muña, chachacoma or mate inca) to help prevent altitude sickness.
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Day 1 · Tocrapampa
Wetlands with high-Andean and migratory birds.
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Day 1 · Volcanoes Viewpoint
At Patapampa, 4,910 m above sea level, with a view of the volcanic range.
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Day 1 · Chivay
The valley’s capital: lunch and hotel check-in.
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Day 1 · Chacapi hot springs
In the afternoon.
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Day 1 · Peña folk show (optional)
In the evening, traditional Colca dances.
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Day 2 · Yanque village
After breakfast, departure for the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint.
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Day 2 · Cruz del Cóndor
Andean condors in flight and the depth of the canyon.
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Day 2 · Viewpoints and Maca village
Stops at viewpoints along hiking trails.
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Day 2 · Chivay and return to Arequipa
Lunch in Chivay and boarding for the trip back to Arequipa.
Included
- Tourist transportation
- Certified tour guide
- Lodging
- Breakfast
- Ongoing assistance
- Oxygen tank
- First-aid kit
Not included
- Colca Canyon tourist ticket
- Hot springs entrance
- Lunches
- Dinner
- Unspecified expenses
Gallery
What to bring
- Warm clothes
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
- Hat and sunscreen
- Cash for entrance fees
Important notes
- Colca Canyon tourist ticket Foreigners S/ 70.00; Latin American tourists S/ 20.00; children 6 to 15 S/ 20.00. Peruvians: visitors S/ 20.00; children 6 to 15 S/ 5.00; students S/ 5.00; over 65 S/ 5.00.
- Altitude 4,910 m above sea level on day 1 (Volcanoes Viewpoint) and 4,000 m above sea level on day 2.
- Optional At the end of day 2 you can go straight on to Puno from Chivay. Departure at 1:15 p.m., with stops at the Patapampa and Patahuasi viewpoints and at Lagunillas (flamingos depending on the season), arriving in Puno around 7:00 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
What time is pickup for the Colca tour?
Between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m., at your hotel in Arequipa. On day 2 you head back to Arequipa after lunch in Chivay.
What does the 2-day, 1-night Colca Canyon tour include?
Tourist transportation, a certified tour guide, one night’s lodging in Chivay, breakfast, an oxygen tank and a first-aid kit. The Colca Canyon tourist ticket, the hot springs entrance, lunches and dinner are paid separately: bring cash for the entrance fees.
What altitude does the Colca tour reach?
On day 1 you go up to the Volcanoes Viewpoint, at Patapampa, 4,910 m above sea level. On day 2 the route is at 4,000 m above sea level.
When can you see the condors in the Colca?
On day 2, from the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you head after breakfast by way of Yanque village. The condors are seen flying mostly in the morning.
Can I continue to Puno after the tour?
Yes, it’s optional: on day 2 you leave Chivay at 1:15 p.m. and reach Puno around 7:00 p.m. Along the way you stop at the Patapampa and Patahuasi viewpoints and at Lagunillas.
