1D Full Tour to Colca Canyon With Breakfast and Lunch Buffet

Exploring the breathtaking Colca Canyon is a must-do for any traveler visiting Peru. This full-day tour provides a comprehensive experience, offering breakfast, a buffet lunch, and the chance to witness the majestic Andean condors soaring above the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Visitors will also have the opportunity to soak in the soothing Chacapi hot springs and discover the charming colonial towns of Pinchollo and Maca. With an early departure and inclusions valued at $38 per person, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion to Colca Canyon, priced from $38 per person, including transportation, bilingual guide, breakfast, and buffet lunch.
• The tour departs early (02:30-03:00 AM) to visit the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint for Andean condor spotting and explore colonial towns, pre-Incan tombs, and natural landscapes.
• Includes a relaxing soak at the Chacapi hot springs and a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes in Chivay.
• Scenic stops during the return journey offer opportunities to observe volcanic landscapes, wetlands, and herds of alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.
• The tour provides ample exploration time and is designed to offer a peaceful experience with minimal traffic and optimal conditions for photography.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Colca Canyon tour offers a full-day excursion to one of Peru’s natural wonders. Priced from $38 per person, the 15-hour tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch.

Departing early in the morning, the tour visits the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to observe the rare Andean condor. It also stops at colonial towns, pre-Incan tombs, and natural landscapes.

After a hot springs visit and lunch, the return trip features scenic stops to see wildlife. The tour is available in Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing as early as 02:30 to 03:00 AM from the meeting point, the tour heads directly to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint.

Visitors arrive around 8:30 AM to witness the majestic Colca Canyon and spot condors in their natural habitat.

The tour then visits the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, showcasing colonial churches, pre-Incan tombs, and stunning Colca landscapes.

The tour visits quaint towns showcasing colonial churches, ancient tombs, and the breathtaking vistas of the Colca Canyon.

Travelers can observe traditional costumes, camelids, trained birds, and local drinks.

At 11:30 AM, the group visits the Chacapi hot springs before a buffet lunch in Chivay at around 12:30 PM.

Hot Springs and Lunch

After the sightseeing at the towns, the tour takes visitors to the Chacapi hot springs around 11:30 AM. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the naturally heated waters.

Following the hot springs, the tour continues to Chivay for a buffet lunch at approximately 12:30 PM. The lunch features a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, allowing travelers to sample the local cuisine.

This midday break provides a chance to refuel and recharge before the return journey, which includes scenic stops at a volcano viewpoint and wildlife-filled wetlands.

Scenic Stops on Return

Following the buffet lunch in Chivay, the tour heads back, making a few scenic stops along the way.

First, they visit a viewpoint at 4,910 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of volcanic landscapes.

Next, they stop at the Tocrapampa wetlands, where participants can observe wild birds and herds of alpacas and llamas.

The final stop is at Pampa Cañahuas, part of the Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve, to spot vicuñas, a wild relative of the llama.

Pampa Cañahuas, part of the Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve, offers the chance to spot the elusive vicuña, a wild relative of the llama.

These stops provide opportunities to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the Colca region.

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Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes various amenities, such as tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine.

Also included is the mandatory entrance ticket, which varies in price depending on the traveler’s nationality – 20 soles for Peruvians, 40 soles for South Americans, and 70 soles for Europeans and others.

Visitors have the option to purchase a ticket for the Chacapi hot springs at an additional 15 soles.

Early Departure

The tour departs early, between 02:30 and 03:00 AM, from the designated meeting point. This allows for a direct trip to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where visitors can witness the vast Colca Canyon and the majestic Andean condors.

The early start ensures:

• Minimal traffic, allowing for a smooth journey

• Catching the best light conditions for breathtaking photography

• Avoiding the crowds and enjoying a more peaceful experience

• Arriving at the viewpoint before the majority of other tour groups

• Having ample time to explore the canyon and surroundings without feeling rushed

Viewing the Condor Sanctuary

What awaits visitors at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint? An awe-inspiring sight – the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Arriving around 8:30 AM, guests can witness the majestic Andean condors soar effortlessly on the thermals, their impressive wingspan spanning over 10 feet.

Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will be thrilled to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With luck, visitors may even spot several condors at once, gliding gracefully above the dramatic canyon walls.

This is a truly unforgettable experience, a highlight of the Colca Canyon tour.

Exploring Colonial Towns

After witnessing the majestic Andean condors at Cruz del Cóndor, the tour continues to the picturesque colonial towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque.

Visitors can explore the charming colonial churches, pre-Incan tombs, and breathtaking Colca landscapes.

The highlights include:

• Admiring the well-preserved colonial architecture and religious structures

• Learning about the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditions

• Observing locals dressed in vibrant, traditional costumes

• Encountering camelids, trained birds, and sampling local drinks

• Taking in the serene, rural atmosphere of these quaint Andean villages.

Since You Asked

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Lunch Option Available?

The tour includes a buffet lunch with typical Peruvian food. While there may not be dedicated vegetarian or vegan options, the buffet likely offers various vegetable dishes that could accommodate those dietary needs.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Water on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snacks and water on the tour. The tour overview states there are no restrictions on bringing personal food and beverages.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

Tour group sizes can vary, but typically range from 8 to 15 people. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience and easier navigation through the Colca Canyon region. Specific group sizes may be confirmed when booking the tour.

Is There an Option to Skip the Hot Springs Visit?

Yes, the hot springs visit is optional. The tour package includes the entrance fee, but guests can choose to skip the hot springs and the associated 15 soles cost if they prefer.

Can I Extend My Stay in Colca Canyon After the Tour?

The tour does not offer the option to extend your stay in Colca Canyon after the tour. It’s a one-day, full-day excursion with a set itinerary and return to the starting point by the end of the day.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour to Colca Canyon offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the chance to spot majestic condors at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to the relaxing soak in hot springs and the exploration of charming colonial towns, this excursion provides a well-rounded exploration of this remarkable destination. With breakfast, a buffet lunch, and early morning departure included, it’s a convenient and value-packed way to discover the wonders of Colca Canyon.

You can check availability for your dates here: