AREQUIPA: COLCA CANYON FULL DAY

Visiting Colca Canyon from Arequipa is a must-do for adventurous travelers. This full-day tour whisks you away to one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders, revealing its rugged beauty and the chance to witness the majestic Andean condor in flight. With an early start, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive, hearty breakfast, and guided insights that bring this awe-inspiring landscape to life. But the real question is, what will you discover once you arrive at the canyon’s edge?

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Key Points

Full-day excursion from Arequipa to explore the breathtaking Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons.
Opportunity to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint.
Scenic stops to admire the agricultural terraces and local wildlife at Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve.
Relaxation option at the Chacapi Hot Springs before enjoying a local lunch in Chivay.
Comprehensive package including hotel pickup, guided tour, entrance fees, and transportation for a hassle-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

What does this full-day excursion to Colca Canyon entail?

It’s a chance to explore one of the world’s deepest canyons. The tour includes hotel pickup in Arequipa at 3-3:30 AM, a 3-hour drive to Chivay for breakfast, and visits to viewpoints like the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor to witness the flight of the Condor.

Explore one of the world’s deepest canyons, witness the flight of the Condor at Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor.

Stops at local towns, optional thermal baths, and lunch in Chivay are also part of the itinerary. The return journey includes more scenic stops before arriving back in Arequipa around 5:30 PM.

With transportation, guides, and entrance fees included, this comprehensive tour offers a great way to experience Colca Canyon.

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Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Arequipa between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM, after which participants embark on the 3-hour journey to Chivay.

There, they enjoy a continental breakfast before heading to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, the renowned observation point for viewing the majestic Andean condor in flight.

The tour then stops at the picturesque viewpoints of Antahuilque and Choqurtico to admire the valley’s agricultural terraces.

After visiting the town of Maca, guests have the option to relax in the Chacapi Hot Springs before a lunch in Chivay and the return journey to Arequipa.

Highlights of the Excursion

One of the primary highlights of this full-day excursion is the opportunity to explore one of the deepest canyons in the world – the Colca Canyon.

Visitors will have the chance to observe the majestic flight of the Condor, the largest bird on the planet.

Observe the majestic flight of the Condor, the largest bird on the planet, during this unforgettable Colca Canyon excursion.

The tour also includes scenic stops at the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, where travelers can witness the native wildlife, including Alpacas and Vicuñas.

Plus, the excursion offers the chance to experience the natural thermal baths at Chacapi and learn about the local culture by visiting the town of Maca and tasting the Colca Sour.

Included in the Tour

This full-day excursion to Colca Canyon includes a comprehensive package of services and experiences.

The tour includes:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arequipa, providing convenient transportation throughout the day.
A guided tour with stops at key viewpoints and attractions, ensuring you don’t miss the canyon’s highlights.
Entrance fees to the Colca Canyon and the optional Chacapi Thermal Baths, allowing you to fully learn about the natural wonders.

Plus, the tour includes a continental breakfast and a delicious lunch, making it a complete and hassle-free adventure.

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What to Bring and Expect

When embarking on this full-day excursion to Colca Canyon, visitors should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a sun hat to protect against the changing weather conditions.

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a sun hat when exploring Colca Canyon to prepare for the changing weather conditions.

They’ll also want to pack sunscreen, cash for optional activities, and their passport or ID. Motion sickness prevention medication may be helpful for the winding mountain roads.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the vehicle, so guests should plan accordingly. Pickup locations will be confirmed, and they should arrive 15 minutes early to the cathedral in downtown Arequipa.

Following these tips will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

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Experiencing the Colca Canyon

The journey to the Colca Canyon begins early in the morning with a 3-hour drive from Arequipa.

Upon arrival, the group’s first stop is the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, an observation point where visitors can witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, the largest bird in the world.

The tour then continues with stops at:

Antahuilque and Choqurtico viewpoints, where the group can admire the stunning terraced valleys.
Maca Town, where they can visit the local church and optionally taste the Colca Sour.
Chacapi Hot Springs, where they can enjoy the medicinal thermal baths.

Marveling at the Condor Sightings

Where does the journey take visitors next? Onward to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, a 30-minute drive from Chivay. This viewpoint offers a prime opportunity to observe the majestic flight of the Andean Condor, the largest bird in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can expect to witness these impressive birds soaring gracefully for up to 45 minutes.

| Condor Facts | Metric | Imperial |

| — | — | — |

| Wingspan | 3 meters | 10 feet |

| Weight | 15 kg | 33 lbs |

| Length | 1.2 meters | 4 feet |

The Colca Canyon experience would not be complete without marveling at the Andean Condor’s remarkable aerial prowess.

Journey Back to Arequipa

After taking in the impressive condor sightings, the tour continues its journey back to Arequipa.

Along the way, the group makes several stops:

Mirador de los Volcanes (4800 masl) for stunning views of the volcanic landscape.
Bofedales de Toccra to spot alpacas and vicuñas in their natural habitat.

Finally, the tour arrives back in Arequipa’s historic center, dropping off participants near the main square around 5:30 pm.

The full-day excursion to Colca Canyon provides an opportunity to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor and take in the region’s natural wonders.

Since You Asked

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary cannot be customized. It follows a fixed schedule to visit the key highlights of Colca Canyon. However, there’s an optional thermal bath experience that travelers can choose to include in their tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the operator doesn’t allow alcohol or drugs in the vehicle. The tour includes a continental breakfast and lunch, so bringing your own meals isn’t necessary.

Is It Safe to Swim in the Chacapi Hot Springs?

The Chacapi Hot Springs have a temperature range of 35°C to 38°C, making them generally safe for swimming. However, it’s always important to exercise caution and follow any posted safety guidelines when using the thermal baths.

Can I Rent Equipment for Photography or Birdwatching?

The tour doesn’t provide photography or birdwatching equipment for rent. However, visitors can bring their own cameras and binoculars to capture the stunning Colca Canyon scenery and spot the majestic condors during the excursion.

Is There a Discount for Larger Groups or Families?

Yes, there’s a group discount for this excursion. The price is $42 per group of up to 18 people, so larger groups or families can save money by booking together.

The Sum Up

Colca Canyon’s full-day tour from Arequipa promises an unforgettable adventure. Travelers can witness the majestic Andean condor, explore picturesque viewpoints, and enjoy thermal baths, all while benefiting from guided insights, meals, and entrance fees. With an early start and comfortable transportation, this hassle-free excursion allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of one of Peru’s natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: