From Arequipa: Tour to Colca Canyon 2 Days 1 Night in Chivay

Exploring the stunning Colca Canyon just got easier with this 2-day, 1-night tour from Arequipa. Travelers can enjoy the breathtaking Andean landscapes, witness the majestic Andean condors, and experience the local culture. With hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and small group settings, this tour promises an intimate and enriching adventure. But the real question is – what hidden gems await beyond the iconic viewpoints?

Good To Know

• 2-day, 1-night Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa, priced from $65 per person, includes hotel pickup, private accommodations, breakfast, transportation, and English-speaking guide.
• Itinerary includes stops at Salinas National Reserve, Patahuasi, Toccra Bofedales, Mirador de los Volcanes, and Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor for Andean condor spotting.
• Lunch and dinner on Day 1, as well as Colca Canyon and hot springs entrance fees, are not included in the tour price.
• Acclimatization to high altitudes, up to 4,800 meters, is crucial, with recommendations to arrive in Arequipa a day prior and consume light meals.
• Small group size limited to 18 participants, with flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers a 2-day, 1-night excursion from Arequipa to the renowned Colca Canyon. Priced from $65 per person, it includes hotel pickup, private accommodations, breakfast, transportation, and an English-speaking guide.

The flexible booking allows reservation now and payment later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The small group is limited to 18 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

Highlights include visits to the Salinas National Reserve, Patahuasi, Toccra Bofedales, and the Mirador de los Volcanes at an altitude of 4,800 meters.

Itinerary Day 1

The tour begins with a pickup from Arequipa hotels between 7:30 am and 8:00 am, after which participants depart for the approximately 4-hour journey to Colca Canyon.

Along the way, they’ll visit the Salinas National Reserve to see vicuñas, stop at Patahuasi for coca tea, and see alpacas at the Toccra Bofedales.

At the Mirador de los Volcanes, they’ll enjoy panoramic views at 4,800 meters above sea level.

Upon arrival in Chivay around 12:30 pm, the group will have lunch at their own expense.

In the afternoon, there’s an optional visit to the hot springs, followed by dinner with a folklore show, also at the participant’s expense.

Itinerary Day 2

Participants begin the second day with breakfast.

They then visit the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, a prime spot for spotting the majestic Andean condors.

Next, they make stops at various viewpoints and the town of Maca.

At 12:00pm, they’ve lunch in Chivay, before departing for Arequipa at 1:00pm.

Lunch in Chivay at noon, then departure for Arequipa at 1:00pm.

The return journey includes optional stops along the way.

The tour arrives back in Arequipa around 5:00pm, with drop-off near the main square.

The second day provides opportunities to witness the natural wonders of Colca Canyon and its indigenous culture.

Included and Excluded Items

The tour includes hotel pickup in Arequipa, a private room in Chivay, tourist accommodation, breakfast on Day 2, as well as tourist transportation and stops with a professional guide who speaks both Spanish and English.

However, entrance fees to Colca Canyon and the optional hot springs aren’t included. Depending on visitor origin, the Colca Canyon entrance fee ranges from S/. 20.00 for Peruvians to S/. 70.00 for European and US visitors.

The hot springs entrance fee is S/. 15.00. Lunch and dinner on Day 1 are also at the client’s expense, with an optional buffet meal costing S/. 45.00.

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Mitigating Altitude Sickness

Acclimatizing to altitude is crucial for this tour, as the Colca Canyon reaches elevations up to 4,800 meters above sea level.

The tour recommends arriving in Arequipa at least one day prior to the excursion to allow time for the body to adapt. Light meals are suggested before activities to mitigate altitude sickness symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

Coca tea, a traditional Andean remedy, is provided at Patahuasi to further aid acclimatization.

Tour Highlights

One of the tour’s highlights is the comfortable visits to stunning viewpoints, including the Mirador de los Volcanes at 4,800 meters above sea level.

Travelers can enjoy spotting wildlife like vicuñas and alpacas at the Salinas National Reserve and Toccra Bofedales.

The tour also offers the opportunity to experience local culture, with a dinner and folklore show in Chivay.

Plus, the optional visit to the Chivay hot springs provides a relaxing opportunity to unwind after a day of exploration.

These diverse experiences allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Colca Canyon region.

Booking and Availability

Visitors can check availability for specific dates and times when booking the Colca Canyon 2 Days 1 Night tour from Arequipa.

The tour offers flexible payment options, allowing travelers to reserve their spots conveniently. It’s recommended to provide the hotel name for pickup arrangements when making the booking.

With limited capacity set at 18 participants, early reservations are advised to secure a spot on this popular tour.

The free cancellation policy, up to 24 hours in advance, offers added flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Pre-Planning Recommendations

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, it’s highly recommended to arrive in Arequipa at least one day prior to the Colca Canyon tour. This allows adequate time to acclimatize to the high altitude.

During the tour, it’s advisable to have light meals before activities to help mitigate altitude sickness. The tour highlights stunning viewpoints, thermal baths, and immersion in local culture.

However, entrance fees for the Colca Canyon and optional hot springs aren’t included in the tour price. These pre-planning recommendations will help maximize the Colca Canyon adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though meals and some refreshments are provided. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies or recommendations regarding outside items.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Small Group?

Yes, the tour offers a private option instead of a small group tour. Private tours can be arranged for an additional fee and provide a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide and transportation.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Senior Citizens?

Yes, there are discounts for children and seniors on this tour. Children under 12 receive a 15% discount, while seniors over 65 get a 10% reduction in the base rate.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a specific language for the tour guide. The tour provides guides who speak both Spanish and English, so you can request the language preference when making your booking.

Are There Any Restrictions on Luggage or Personal Items I Can Bring?

The tour allows reasonable-sized personal luggage, but there aren’t any strict restrictions. Travelers should pack light and bring essentials like warm layers, hiking shoes, and sun protection. No oversized or bulky items are permitted.

The Sum Up

This Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa offers an immersive experience in Peru’s stunning Andes. Visitors will witness the majestic Andean condors, explore local culture, and enjoy scenic landscapes. With an English-speaking guide and small group settings, the tour provides an intimate and enriching adventure. Convenient hotel pickup, included activities, and altitude sickness mitigation make this a practical and well-rounded 2-day, 1-night getaway.

You can check availability for your dates here: