Day Trip to the Colca Canyon With Connection to Puno

Colca Canyon, one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders, is a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers. This day trip seamlessly connects Arequipa to Puno, offering the chance to witness the stunning Cruz del Cóndor, explore colonial towns, and unwind at Chacapi hot springs. With an early morning pickup and a scenic transfer to Puno in the evening, this tour ensures an unforgettable experience filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and wildlife encounters. But what else can you expect from this remarkable journey?

Good To Know

• The Colca Canyon day trip from Arequipa is priced at $59 per person and lasts 16 hours, including round-trip transportation and all meals.
• The tour features an expert guide, highlights such as Cruz del Cóndor and Chacapi hot springs, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The itinerary includes early morning pick-up, exploration of colonial towns, and a transfer to Puno, arriving around 7:00 PM.
• Entrance fees for the Colca Canyon vary based on nationality, with additional costs for optional activities like the Chacapi hot springs.
• Colca Canyon is a prime natural wonder of Peru, known for its depth, Andean condors, and traditional villages, making it an ideal day trip from Arequipa.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

For those interested in exploring the magnificent Colca Canyon, this day trip offers a convenient and comprehensive experience. Priced from $59 per person, the 16-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from Arequipa, an expert guide, and all meals.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s easy to book now and pay later. Highlights include the stunning Cruz del Cóndor, charming colonial towns, and a relaxing soak in the Chacapi hot springs.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group, this day trip is an excellent way to discover the natural wonders of the Colca Canyon.

Itinerary Highlights

The day trip to Colca Canyon begins with an early morning pick-up in Arequipa, between 2:30 and 3:00 AM.

The first stop is the Cruz del Cóndor, a renowned condor sanctuary and one of the deepest canyons in the world, arriving around 8:30 AM.

Along the way, visitors will explore:

• The colonial towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, with their beautiful churches

• The Miradores de Antahuilque and Choquetico, featuring pre-Incan tombs

• The Chacapi hot springs at 11:30 AM

• Lunch in the town of Chivay at 12:30 PM

The journey continues with breathtaking viewpoints, including a volcano, wetlands, and the habitat of vicuñas.

Arrival in Puno

After exploring the highlights of Colca Canyon, the day trip continues with a transfer from Colca to Puno.

This leg of the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Travelers can expect to arrive in Puno around 7:00 PM.

The transfer is included in the tour package, providing a seamless transition between the Colca Canyon experience and arrival in Puno.

Once in Puno, guests have the opportunity to further explore this lakeside city or prepare for any additional activities planned for the following day.

The day trip itinerary ensures a comprehensive experience, from the breathtaking Colca Canyon to the lively city of Puno.

Inclusions and Optional Costs

The day trip to Colca Canyon includes several key features.

The tour provides:

• Tourist mobility, pick-up, official tourist guide, breakfast, and transfer from Colca to Puno.

• Entrance ticket to the Colca Canyon, which costs S/. 70.00 for foreigners, S/. 20.00 for nationals, and S/. 40.00 for Latin Americans.

• An optional entrance ticket to the Chacapi hot springs for S/. 15.00.

• Guided tours in both Spanish and English, with availability varying depending on the start time and meeting point.

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Language and Guide

Live tour guides are available to accompany visitors on the day trip to Colca Canyon. The guides provide commentary in both Spanish and English, ensuring all participants can fully understand and enjoy the experience. The tour is led by official, licensed guides knowledgeable about the canyon’s history, wildlife, and cultural significance.

| Language | Availability |

|———-|————–|

| Spanish | ✓ |

| English | ✓ |

| Other | Check with operator |

Visitors are advised to confirm guide language preferences when booking the tour to ensure their needs are met. The day trip provides a comprehensive, enriching exploration of the Colca Canyon region.

About the Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s prime natural wonders, offering visitors a chance to witness the dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Andes.

This renowned destination is celebrated for:

• Hosting one of the deepest canyons in the world, with a depth of over 3,400 meters.

• Being a premier sanctuary for Andean condors, the largest flying birds in the Western Hemisphere.

• Featuring traditional Andean villages, colonial churches, and ancient Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites.

• Providing opportunities to spot wildlife like alpacas, llamas, and the elusive vicuña.

Best Time to Visit the Colca Canyon

When is the best time to visit Colca Canyon? The ideal months are April to November when the weather is mild and sunny.

Crowds are smaller compared to the busy peak season of June to August. Visitors can enjoy clear skies and see native wildlife like condors, alpacas, and vicuñas. Expect cooler temperatures in the early morning and evening.

The rainy season runs from December to March, with occasional heavy downpours. While the canyon remains beautiful, accessibility and visibility may be affected.

Tips for Your Colca Canyon Day Trip

Although a day trip to Colca Canyon is a popular excursion, travelers can maximize their experience with a few helpful tips.

• Pack layers and sturdy shoes to navigate the canyon’s varied terrain and weather conditions.

• Arrive early at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to increase chances of spotting the majestic Andean condors.

• Bring snacks and water to stay energized throughout the day’s activities.

• Consider booking the optional hot springs visit to relax and soothe tired muscles after the day’s adventures.

With these tips in mind, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Between Arequipa and Colca Canyon Included?

The transportation between Arequipa and Colca Canyon is included in the tour price. The trip includes pick-up from Arequipa and transportation to the canyon and other stops along the way.

Can I Book This Tour if I’m Not Staying in Arequipa?

Yes, you can book this tour even if you’re not staying in Arequipa. The tour includes pick-up from any location in Arequipa, so you can join the group regardless of where you’re staying.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum group size for this tour. Travelers can book it individually and join other participants. The tour operates with a maximum capacity, so early booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. People of all ages can participate in the day trip to Colca Canyon. The tour is suitable for families, groups, and solo travelers alike.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional stops. However, the provider should be consulted, as changes may affect the price and schedule. The standard itinerary can be modified to accommodate specific interests or preferences.

The Sum Up

The Colca Canyon day trip with a connection to Puno offers an unforgettable adventure. Travelers can expect stunning landscapes, rich culture, and wildlife encounters. With an early morning pick-up, a delicious lunch, and a scenic transfer to Puno, this tour provides an efficient and enjoyable way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Colca Canyon. Travelers can make the most of their time by taking advantage of this comprehensive day trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: