A day trip from Arequipa to the Colca Valley: breakfast in Chivay, condors in flight at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the Antahuilque and Huayrapunku viewpoints, the villages of Maca and Yanque and the Chacapi hot springs. On the way back, the Volcanoes Viewpoint (Mirador de los Volcanes) at Patapampa, 4,910 m above sea level. Includes transportation, a Spanish- and English-speaking guide and breakfast.
The Colca Valley is a natural destination surrounded by mountains, deep Andean landscapes and traditional villages. In a single day you see the depth of the canyon and the flight of the Andean condor.
You leave Arequipa in the early hours, have breakfast in Chivay and reach the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint early. On the way back you pass the Antahuilque and Huayrapunku viewpoints, the villages of Maca and Yanque and the Chacapi hot springs, have lunch in Chivay and return to Arequipa with stops to see the Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca Hualca and Mismi volcanoes and the wildlife of the Salinas Reserve.
Highlights
- Condors in flight at Cruz del Cóndor
- Antahuilque and Huayrapunku viewpoints
- Chacapi hot springs in Yanque
- Volcanoes Viewpoint, at 4,910 m above sea level
Itinerary
-
Pickup at your hotel in Arequipa
Between 2:30 and 3:00 a.m.
-
Departure for Chivay
-
Breakfast in Chivay
-
Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint
Condors in flight and the depth of the canyon, with an optional walk.
-
Antahuilque and Huayrapunku viewpoints
On the way back, along with the traditional villages of Maca and Yanque.
-
Chacapi hot springs
In Yanque.
-
Lunch in Chivay
-
Return to Arequipa
With stops at the Volcanoes Viewpoint (Patapampa), the Tocrapampa and Patahuasi wetlands, and the wildlife of the Salinas Reserve: vicuñas, alpacas, llamas and flamingos, depending on the season.
-
Arrival in Arequipa
Included
- Shared transportation
- Spanish- and English-speaking guide
- Continental breakfast
Not included
- Colca Valley tourist ticket: Peruvians S/ 20.00; Latin Americans S/ 40.00; foreigners S/ 70.00
- Hot springs entrance: S/ 15.00
- Buffet lunch: S/ 45.00 to S/ 55.00
Gallery
What to bring
- Warm clothes
- Comfortable shoes for short walks
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small backpack
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
- Cash
Important notes
- Altitude The Colca Valley sits at 3,635 m above sea level, and the highest point of the tour is Patapampa, at 4,910 m above sea level.
- The rainy season in Chivay runs from January to March.
- Optional You can end the tour in Puno.
Frequently asked questions
What time is pickup for the Colca Canyon day trip?
Between 2:30 and 3:00 a.m., at your hotel in Arequipa. At 6:00 a.m. you have breakfast in Chivay.
What time can you see the condors?
You reach the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint at 8:15 a.m. to watch the condors in flight and take in the depth of the canyon.
What does the Colca Canyon day trip include?
Shared transportation, a Spanish- and English-speaking guide and a continental breakfast. The Colca Valley tourist ticket, the hot springs entrance and the buffet lunch are paid separately.
What altitude does the Colca tour reach?
The valley sits at 3,635 m above sea level, and the highest point is the Volcanoes Viewpoint, at Patapampa, 4,910 m above sea level.
How is it different from the 2-day, 1-night tour?
The day trip covers the route in one day, leaving in the early hours. The 2-day tour overnights in Chivay, adds the hot springs in the afternoon and the optional peña (folk show), and sees the condors on the morning of the second day.
