Full Day Excursion to Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, offers an unforgettable full-day excursion. Travelers can explore traditional towns, marvel at the majestic condor, and savor Peruvian cuisine. With hotel pick-ups, guided visits, and optional relaxation, this comprehensive tour promises an immersive experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a cultural explorer, the Colca Canyon excursion has something to captivate your senses. Discover the region’s breathtaking landscapes and uncover its rich heritage – an adventure that will leave you craving for more.

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Key Points

This full-day excursion offers the opportunity to explore the stunning Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Highlights include witnessing the majestic flight of the condor at Cruz del Cóndor and visiting traditional towns with colonial churches.
The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch, with entrance fees varying based on visitor origin.
An optional visit to the Chacapi hot springs is available for an additional fee, providing a chance to relax.
The tour duration is approximately 15 hours, starting with an early hotel pick-up around 2:30-3:00 AM and ending back in Arequipa around 5:30 PM.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day excursion to Colca Canyon starts with an early hotel pick-up between 02:30 – 03:00 AM and ends around 17:30 in Arequipa.

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, providing visitors the opportunity to explore one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Priced at $45.00 per person, the excursion includes tourist transport, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast, and a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine.

Entrance fees vary based on visitor origin, with Peruvians paying 20 soles, South Americans 40 soles, and Europeans/others 70 soles.

An optional visit to Chacapi hot springs is also available for an additional 15 soles.

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Highlights and Activities

The Colca Canyon excursion offers visitors a chance to witness one of the deepest canyons in the world.

The highlight is the flight of the condor at Cruz del Cóndor, where these majestic birds can be observed in their natural habitat. Guests can also explore the traditional towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, known for their colonial churches.

The flight of the condor at Cruz del Cóndor is a breathtaking experience, and the traditional towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque are steeped in colonial charm.

Plus, the tour includes an optional visit to the Chacapi hot springs, where travelers can relax and unwind.

Along the way, visitors can observe pre-Incan tombs and enjoy the stunning landscapes and traditional culture of the region.

Inclusions

The Colca Canyon excursion includes several key elements.

Visitors receive tourist transport to and from their hotel. A professional bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing commentary in both English and Spanish.

Breakfast and a buffet lunch with typical Peruvian cuisine are served. The mandatory entrance ticket is covered, with varying costs for Peruvians, South Americans, and Europeans/others.

Optionally, guests can pay an additional 15 soles to visit the Chacapi hot springs.

Booking and Cancellation

To book the Colca Canyon excursion, customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment. This "reserve now & pay later" option allows them to secure their place on the tour without an immediate financial commitment.

Additionally:

Customers can cancel their reservation for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in their travel plans.
Availability for specific dates and times can be checked on the booking platform, enabling customers to find the best option that fits their schedule.
The tour operator’s cancellation policy allows for easy planning and peace of mind when booking the Colca Canyon experience.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the reviews, customers have provided mixed feedback on the Colca Canyon excursion.

Some found the activity time too short, suggesting a focus on fewer activities for better enjoyment.

Some customers felt the Colca Canyon excursion had too many activities packed into a short time, suggesting a more focused approach for better enjoyment.

Others expressed concerns about the bus driving quality and lack of detailed explanations, particularly for non-Spanish speakers.

The overall rating of 4.2/5 based on 6 reviews indicates that while the majority were satisfied, there’s room for improvement in certain areas.

Addressing these customer concerns could enhance the overall experience and lead to higher satisfaction levels for future participants.

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Getting to Colca Canyon

Getting to Colca Canyon typically starts with a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Arequipa.

The journey takes you through:

Sweeping Andean landscapes dotted with alpacas and vicuñas.
Picturesque villages where women in traditional Andean attire sell handcrafted textiles.
Dramatic cliffs and canyons that provide a taste of the breathtaking scenery to come.

The drive is an integral part of the Colca Canyon experience, allowing you to learn about the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness before reaching the main attraction – the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon itself.

What to Expect During the Tour

The tour begins with an early morning hotel pickup, typically between 2:30 and 3:00 AM.

After a 2-3 hour drive, visitors reach the Colca Canyon viewpoint at Cruz del Cóndor. Here, they can witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds.

The tour then continues to explore nearby towns, including Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, known for their colonial churches. Participants will also see pre-Incan tombs and experience the region’s traditional culture.

An optional visit to the Chacapi hot springs provides a chance to relax before the tour returns to Arequipa around 5:30 PM.

Tips for an Enjoyable Experience

To make the most of the Colca Canyon excursion, travelers should pack appropriately for the early start and changeable mountain weather.

Wear comfortable, layered clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Bring a warm jacket, sun protection, and a water bottle.

Travelers should also be prepared for the high altitude by staying hydrated and pacing themselves during the trek.

Non-Spanish speakers may want to consider a private tour or request a guide fluent in their language to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

With some preparation, the Colca Canyon tour can be an unforgettable adventure.

Since You Asked

How Long Is the Drive to Colca Canyon?

The drive to Colca Canyon takes approximately 3.5 hours, as the tour departs between 2:30-3:00 AM and ends around 5:30 PM in Arequipa, covering the distance of over 160 km.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is fixed at 1 hour, but there’s an optional visit to Chacapi hot springs that can extend the overall experience. Travelers who want more time in the canyon can consider this additional activity.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks/Water?

The tour typically includes breakfast and a buffet lunch, so bringing your own snacks and water is not necessary. However, you may want to pack extra water, especially if you plan to explore on your own.

Are There Any Age or Physical Requirements?

There are no specific age or physical requirements for this tour. However, some walking and hiking on uneven terrain is involved, so participants should be reasonably fit. Children are welcome but parents should consider their abilities.

Can I Arrange Private Transportation Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, private transportation can be arranged instead of a group tour. Customers can request a private tour, which may offer more flexibility and personalized experience, though it may come at an additional cost compared to the group tour option.

The Sum Up

The full-day excursion to Colca Canyon offers a remarkable opportunity to explore one of the world’s deepest canyons. With visits to historic towns, the chance to witness the majestic condor, and optional relaxation at hot springs, this tour provides a comprehensive experience of Peru’s stunning natural and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a nature lover or cultural enthusiast, this excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: