From Arequipa: Full Day Tour of Colca Canyon With Breakfast

Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest, awaits adventurous travelers from Arequipa. This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, from spotting majestic condors to exploring charming villages. With early morning pickup, a scenic drive, and visits to thermal baths and viewpoints, it promises an unforgettable journey. But the real highlight? Witnessing the canyon’s breathtaking grandeur first-hand. What surprises might this tour have in store?

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Key Points

Full-day adventure to explore the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, with early pick-up from Arequipa hotels.
Opportunity to spot Andean condors at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint and visit colonial churches and viewpoints in Chivay.
Breakfast included in Chivay after the canyon viewpoint, along with optional visits to thermal baths and a volcano viewpoint.
Tour concludes around 5 PM back in Arequipa, with additional costs for entrance tickets, hot springs, and buffet lunch.
Best weather for the tour is from April to December, with acclimatization and warm clothing recommended due to high altitude.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Colca Canyon Tour

The Colca Canyon Tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of the deepest canyons in the world. This full-day adventure starts with an early pickup from Arequipa hotels, followed by a scenic drive to the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to witness the majestic Andean condors.

The tour then continues to the town of Chivay for a delicious breakfast. Throughout the day, travelers will visit colonial churches, natural thermal baths, and a volcano viewpoint, providing a well-rounded experience of the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

The tour wraps up around 5 PM back in Arequipa.

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Tour Highlights and Itinerary

The tour kicks off with an early morning pickup from hotels in Arequipa, typically between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM, to embark on the journey to the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

The first stop is at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint around 8:30 AM, where visitors can witness one of the deepest canyons in the world and observe the majestic condors.

At the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, visitors can witness one of the deepest canyons in the world and observe the majestic condors.

Next, the group enjoys a 45-minute breakfast in Chivay before exploring the colonial churches and viewpoints in Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque.

The tour then proceeds to the Chacapi thermal baths and a volcano viewpoint at the highest point of 4,910 meters, offering opportunities to observe wildlife.

The excursion concludes with a return to Arequipa around 5:00 PM.

Included and Extra Costs

The tour package includes tourist transportation, a bilingual professional guide (English/Spanish), and breakfast. However, there are additional fees that visitors should be aware of. A table below outlines the entrance ticket and optional add-on costs:

| Item | Price (Peruvian Soles) |

| — | — |

| Entrance Ticket – Peruvian | 20 |

| Entrance Ticket – South American | 40 |

| Entrance Ticket – European and Others | 70 |

| Optional Hot Spring Ticket | 15 |

| Optional Buffet Lunch | 40 |

These extra fees are not included in the base tour price and must be paid separately on the day of the tour.

Important Information for Visitors

Best weather for the tour is from April to December.

It’s recommended to acclimatize for a day prior due to the high altitude. Warm clothing is advised, as precautions against altitude sickness are crucial.

This tour isn’t suitable for:

Children under 6
Pregnant women
Individuals with altitude sickness or pre-existing conditions, and those over 95 years.

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Customer Ratings and Feedback

The Colca Canyon tour receives positive reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 94 reviews.

Customers praise the well-chosen stops and sighting of condors, finding the excursion interesting with an engaging guide. However, one reviewer noted a rushed return due to one participant’s schedule.

The guide is highly rated at 4.5 out of 5, while the transportation and value for money are also well-received at 4.2 and 4 out of 5, respectively.

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Getting to the Pickup Location

Be ready at your hotel lobby by 3:00 AM, as the bus will arrive shortly after.
The bus driver or guide will identify you and direct you to the vehicle.
Relax during the approximately 3-hour drive to the first stop at Cruz del Cóndor, where you’ll have the chance to see the majestic condors soar.

What to Expect During the Tour

After being picked up from your hotel, the tour begins with a scenic drive through the Andes mountains towards the stunning Colca Canyon.

The first stop is the famous Cruz del Cóndor, where you’ll have the chance to witness the majestic Andean condors soaring over the canyon.

Next, you’ll enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast in Chivay before continuing to explore the picturesque towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, known for their colonial churches and stunning viewpoints.

Enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast in Chivay before exploring the picturesque towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque.

The tour also includes a visit to the relaxing Chacapi thermal baths and a viewpoint overlooking snow-capped volcanoes, before returning to Arequipa in the late afternoon.

Tips for an Enjoyable Experience

To make the most of your Colca Canyon tour, it’s important to come prepared. Consider these tips:

Dress in layers. The weather can change rapidly, so bring warm clothing, a hat, and sturdy shoes.
Hydrate and acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and give your body time to adjust to the high altitude.
Bring snacks and medication. Pack high-energy foods and any necessary medications, as options may be limited during the long day.

Things To Know

Can I Request a Vegetarian/Halal/Kosher Meal Option?

Vegetarian, halal, and kosher meal options are not explicitly mentioned in the tour details. However, customers should check with the tour provider to inquire about availability and make any special dietary requests in advance.

Is There an Option to Visit the Local Markets?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention stops at local markets. However, there may be opportunities to explore the nearby towns and their markets during the tour. Participants should inquire with the tour operator about any optional market visits.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs Along the Tour Route?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase local souvenirs along the tour route. Visitors can browse the colonial churches and markets in towns like Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque to find traditional handicrafts, textiles, and other regional products.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer discounts for seniors or students. However, travelers may find opportunities to purchase souvenirs along the route during the stops at colonial churches and viewpoints.

How Often Do the Bathroom Stops Occur During the Long Journey?

The tour typically includes regular bathroom stops, approximately every 1-2 hours, to ensure comfortable travel. The length and frequency of these breaks may vary depending on the group’s needs and the tour’s schedule.

Sum Up

The Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa promises an unforgettable day of breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and cultural exploration. With early morning pickup, a scenic drive, and a variety of activities, visitors can enjoy the stunning natural wonder of this region. Whether it’s witnessing the majestic condors, relaxing in thermal baths, or discovering charming colonial villages, this full-day adventure is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Colca Canyon.