Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour From Arequipa

The Colca Canyon, one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders, beckons adventurers with its breathtaking landscapes. A full-day tour from Arequipa provides an opportunity to explore this captivating destination. Travelers can expect to witness the majestic Andean condors, discover charming colonial villages, and savor local cuisine. With a professional guide and convenient transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. What secrets might this 14-hour journey unveil?

Good To Know

• A full-day tour from Arequipa to explore Colca Canyon, including transportation, guided visits to scenic viewpoints, and opportunities to observe Andean condors.
• The tour itinerary highlights picturesque villages, local cuisine, and high-altitude viewpoints, with a focus on immersive cultural experiences.
• Comprehensive tour package with services such as hotel pickup/drop-off, meals, and entrance fees included, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenery without logistical concerns.
• Recommendations for appropriate attire and essential items to ensure comfort and preparedness for the diverse and dynamic environment of Colca Canyon.
• Overall positive customer feedback, with highlights including unforgettable encounters with condors and local culture, though some mentions of a rushed itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The full-day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa offers visitors an opportunity to explore one of Peru’s most impressive natural wonders. Priced from $59 per person, this 14-hour adventure includes pickup from accommodations in Arequipa and multilingual guides.

Set out on a 14-hour adventure to explore the impressive Colca Canyon from Arequipa, with guided tours and accommodations pickup.

Highlights include observing the majestic Andean condors at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, visiting colonial villages, and enjoying local cuisine.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour’s itinerary covers scenic landscapes, cultural stops, and picturesque viewpoints, providing an immersive experience in the Colca Canyon region.

Itinerary Highlights

The Colca Canyon Tour’s itinerary highlights a captivating journey through stunning landscapes and cultural touchpoints.

Guests are picked up at 3:00 AM from their Arequipa accommodations and drive towards the Pampa Cañahuas, home to vicuñas. After breakfast in Chivay, the group heads to the iconic Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor to observe the majestic Andean condors.

The tour also includes visits to:

• Picturesque villages with colonial churches

• Scenic viewpoints like Choquetico and Antahuilque

• The town of Chivay for a lunch stop and optional thermal baths

The day culminates with a stop at the Patapampa high-altitude viewpoint before returning to Arequipa.

Included Services

This Colca Canyon Tour includes several valuable services to enhance the experience.

The tour provides transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, so travelers don’t have to worry about getting around. Meals are included, with breakfast and lunch served in Chivay.

A professional guide accompanies the group, providing insights and information throughout the day. Entrance fees to the Colca Canyon are covered, though the optional thermal baths in La Calera have an additional cost.

With these services, travelers can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and wildlife without logistical hassles.

Recommendations and Requirements

To get the most out of the Colca Canyon Tour, travelers should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and other essential items like snacks, a poncho, gloves, and a hat.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.

Plus, visitors should pack the following:

• Sunglasses to protect their eyes from the bright sun

• Sunscreen to prevent sunburn

• Insect repellent to ward off bugs

• A water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day

These recommendations will ensure travelers are prepared for the diverse and dynamic environment of the Colca Canyon.

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Customer Feedback

Based on 107 reviews, the Colca Canyon Tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customers highlight the tour’s unforgettable experiences, such as seeing majestic condors and enjoying local cuisine. However, some found the itinerary a bit rushed. Notable feedback includes:

| Reviewer | Rating | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Yousef (USA) | 5 | Unforgettable experience, saw condors and enjoyed local cuisine |

| Kate (Peru) | 4 | Enjoyed the tour but felt it was rushed due to packed itinerary |

| Andrea (USA) | 5 | Wonderful experience, appreciated the unexpected stop to see alpacas |

The tour’s diverse offerings and professional guide seem to satisfy most customers, though pacing remains an area for potential improvement.

Exploring Pampa Cañahuas and Vicuñas

As the tour begins, the coach departs Arequipa early in the morning, heading towards Pampa Cañahuas via the Yura road. This habitat is home to the elusive vicuña, a relative of the llama and alpaca.

The coach winds through the rugged Andes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival, the group disembarks and:

The coach winds through the rugged Andes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival, the group disembarks to explore the serene landscape.

• Observes the graceful vicuñas grazing in the vast, open grasslands

• Learns about the conservation efforts to protect this endangered species

• Takes in the serene beauty of the high-altitude landscape

• Snaps photos to capture the unique wildlife and stunning vistas

Admiring the Condors at Mirador De La Cruz Del Cóndor

After taking in the sights of the Pampa Cañahuas, the tour heads to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor.

This viewpoint offers a prime location to observe the majestic Andean condors in their natural habitat. As the group arrives around 6 AM, they’re greeted by the impressive wingspan of these massive birds as they soar effortlessly over the canyon below.

The condors’ graceful movements captivate onlookers, providing an unforgettable wildlife experience. Visitors can spend time photographing the condors and taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Colca Canyon from this strategic overlook.

Discovering Colonial Villages and Scenic Viewpoints

After admiring the majestic condors at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, the Colca Canyon tour continues its exploration of the region’s colonial heritage and scenic vistas.

The tour makes stops at quaint villages, including Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, each boasting well-preserved colonial churches. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic viewpoints at Choquetico and Antahuilque, offering stunning vistas of the Colca Valley.

The tour also includes a stop in Chivay for a traditional Peruvian lunch, and an optional visit to the nearby thermal baths at La Calera for a relaxing soak.

• Discover colonial villages with historic churches

• Take in scenic viewpoints overlooking the Colca Valley

• Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch in Chivay

• Optional visit to the thermal baths at La Calera

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Lunch or Is It Provided?

Lunch is provided as part of the tour. The itinerary includes a stop in Chivay for a lunch meal. Participants don’t need to bring their own lunch, as it’s included in the tour services.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

There is no mention of a discount for children or seniors on this tour. The price listed is a per person rate, without any indication of special pricing for certain age groups.

Can I Customize the Tour to Spend More Time at Certain Sites?

You can customize the tour to spend more time at certain sites, but this may incur additional costs. The tour provider can work with you to adjust the itinerary based on your interests and preferences.

Is There a Way to Book the Tour in a Different Language?

Yes, the tour can be booked in Spanish or English. The itinerary and services are offered in both languages, so travelers can choose their preferred option when making the reservation.

Are There Any Bathroom Stops Planned Throughout the Long Tour?

The tour itinerary includes several stops where guests can use restroom facilities, including in Chivay for breakfast and lunch. Plus, the tour makes short stops at various viewpoints and villages along the way, providing opportunities for bathroom breaks.

The Sum Up

The Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa offers an unbeatable opportunity to explore one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders. With a packed itinerary, convenient services, and stunning scenery, this tour provides excellent value for just $59 per person. Whether you’re admiring the majestic Andean condors or discovering charming colonial villages, this adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

You can check availability for your dates here: