Exploring the magnificent Colca Canyon is a must-do activity for visitors to Peru. This full-day tour offers a comprehensive experience, immersing travelers in the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From an early morning pickup to a delightful breakfast and a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure. The highlight, of course, is the awe-inspiring Cruz del Cóndor, where the chance to witness the majestic condors soaring overhead is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What else might this captivating tour have in store?
Key Points
- The full-day Colca Canyon tour is priced at $38.40 per person after a 20% discount and includes transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch.
- The tour duration is approximately 15 hours, with an early morning pickup from Arequipa hotels starting at 02:30 AM and a return time around 5:30 PM.
- The itinerary highlights include visiting the Cruz del Cóndor for condor sightings, stops at colonial towns, and an optional visit to Chacapi Hot Springs for an additional fee.
- The tour includes entrance fees, which vary based on visitor nationality, and recommendations for warm clothing and precautions against altitude sickness.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 32 customer reviews, with the tour guide and value for money receiving particularly high ratings.
Tour Overview
The full-day Colca Canyon tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of this stunning natural wonder. Priced at $38.40 per person after a 20% discount, the tour lasts approximately 15 hours and is available in English and Spanish.
Guests can conveniently reserve the tour now and pay later. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior for a full refund, providing flexibility.
The itinerary highlights include visiting the famous Cruz del Cóndor for condor sightings, exploring colonial towns, and enjoying a buffet lunch with typical Peruvian cuisine.
Transportation is provided via a tourist van with a knowledgeable bilingual guide.
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Itinerary Highlights
Starting as early as 02:30 AM, the tour begins with pickup from hotels in Arequipa.
The 3.5-hour van journey leads to the Cruz del Cóndor, where visitors can marvel at canyon views and spot the majestic Andean condors.
The tour continues with stops at the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, allowing exploration of colonial churches and scenic viewpoints.
Exploring colonial churches and scenic viewpoints in the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque.
Highlights include:
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Visit to the Chacapi Hot Springs (optional, extra fee)
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Lunch in Chivay, featuring a buffet of typical Peruvian cuisine
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Stops at a volcano viewpoint and Pampa Cañahuas for wildlife observation
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Approximate return time to Arequipa is 5:30 PM.
Inclusions
What does the tour include?
The tour includes transportation via a tourist van, plus the services of a professional bilingual guide who speaks both English and Spanish.
Breakfast and a buffet lunch with typical Peruvian fare are provided.
Entrance fees are covered – 20 soles for Peruvians, 40 soles for South Americans, and 70 soles for Europeans and others.
There’s an optional extra fee of 15 soles for access to the Chacapi Hot Springs.
Warm clothing and swimwear are recommended, and caution regarding altitude sickness is advised.
Important Information
Best weather for the Colca Canyon tour is from April to December. Visitors are advised to acclimate themselves to the high altitude.
The tour includes several important considerations:
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Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can be cool, especially at higher elevations.
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Pack swimwear if planning to visit the optional Chacapi Hot Springs.
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Be mindful of potential altitude sickness and take precautions accordingly.
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Check the current entrance fee, which varies based on visitor nationality.
Customer Reviews
The Colca Canyon tour has received an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 32 customer reviews.
Reviewers praised the quality of the tour guide, who earned a perfect 5/5 rating.
The transportation received a 4.1/5 score, with customers noting the comfort of the tourist van.
Value for money was rated 4/5, with highlights including the delicious buffet lunch and impressive views of the canyon.
Though some mentioned the early morning pickup, the majority of travelers felt the Colca Canyon tour provided an excellent experience and were satisfied with their purchase.
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Getting to the Canyon
The tour begins with an early morning pickup from hotels in Arequipa, typically between 2:30 and 3:00 AM.
The tour begins with an early morning pickup from hotels in Arequipa, typically between 2:30 and 3:00 AM.
This kickstarts the journey to the iconic Colca Canyon, located approximately 3.5 hours away. The drive offers a glimpse of the stunning Andean landscape, with stops along the way to:
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Enjoy the breathtaking views at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where the elusive Andean condors can often be spotted.
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Explore the charming towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, each with its own colonial-era churches and scenic vistas.
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Visit the Chacapi Hot Springs (optional, with an additional fee) for a relaxing soak.
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Savor a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch in Chivay.
Exploring the Canyon
After arriving at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, guests can gaze upon the impressive Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons.
From this vantage point, they’ll have the chance to spot the majestic Andean condors soaring above the canyon’s depths.
The tour continues with stops at colonial towns like Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, where visitors can admire the historic churches and enjoy stunning views.
An optional visit to the Chacapi Hot Springs offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate before a delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine in Chivay.
Returning to Arequipa
As the day draws to a close, the tour group embarks on the return journey to Arequipa.
The van makes several stops along the way, including:
Along the way, the van makes stops at scenic viewpoints and wildlife-viewing areas to stretch their legs and take in the majestic Andean landscape.
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A viewpoint overlooking a volcano, offering panoramic vistas of the stunning Andean landscape.
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The Pampa Cañahuas, where the group has the opportunity to observe local wildlife, such as alpacas and vicuñas, in their natural habitat.
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Occasional rest breaks to stretch their legs and take in the breathtaking scenery.
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Finally, the van arrives back in Arequipa, delivering the group to their respective hotels, tired but exhilarated from their day’s adventure in the Colca Canyon.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, customers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes breakfast and a buffet lunch, so bringing additional snacks may not be necessary. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour does not offer discounts for children or seniors. Pricing is a flat rate of $38.40 per person, regardless of age. The tour’s focus is on providing a comprehensive experience for all participants.
Can I Leave My Luggage at the Hotel During the Tour?
Yes, guests can leave their luggage at the hotel during the tour. The tour operator recommends leaving any unnecessary belongings behind so travelers can fully enjoy the excursion without having to worry about carrying extra items.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Visit Additional Sites?
Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour or visit additional sites. Customers can request extended tour duration or add-on visits to other attractions, though this may incur additional fees. It’s best to check with the tour operator for available options and pricing.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography During the Tour?
There are no explicit restrictions on photography or videography during the tour. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Reasonable use of cameras is generally permitted throughout the tour.
The Sum Up
The Colca Canyon tour offers a stunning and immersive experience, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From spotting majestic condors at Cruz del Cóndor to enjoying a delightful buffet lunch, the tour provides a comprehensive and memorable adventure. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking landscapes or a deeper connection with Peruvian traditions, this full-day excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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