From Arequipa: Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno

Set out on a captivating journey from Arequipa to the breathtaking Colca Canyon, culminating in the vibrant city of Puno. This full-day excursion promises an unforgettable adventure, immersing you in Peru’s natural wonders. Marvel at stunning viewpoints, spot majestic condors, and rejuvenate in thermal baths, all while savoring a continental breakfast and lunch. With experienced guides, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes, this immersive tour is an opportunity to discover the heart of Peru’s beauty. Dive in to uncover the details of this remarkable experience.

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Good To Know

A full-day excursion from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, with the final destination being Puno, covering viewpoints, condor spotting, and thermal baths.
Priced at $72 per person, with live tour guides in Spanish and English, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Includes transportation, breakfast, and lunch, as well as admission fees to Colca Canyon and Chacapi hot springs.
Starts with an early 3:15 a.m. pickup from Arequipa hotels, followed by a three-hour bus ride to Chivay at 3,000 meters.
Highlights include the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, Wayrapunko and Antahuillque villages, and Salinas Reserve for wildlife observation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

This excursion offers a full-day trip from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, culminating in Puno. Priced from $72 per person, the adventure lasts one day with live tour guides in Spanish and English.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund. No payment is required to secure a spot – just reserve now and pay later.

The itinerary includes visiting viewpoints, spotting condors, and relaxing in thermal baths, with transportation, breakfast, and lunch provided.

This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience in the stunning Colca Canyon region.

Looking for more options in Chivay? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

The excursion begins with a morning pickup from hotels in Arequipa at 3:15 a.m., followed by a three-hour bus ride to Chivay, a town situated 3,000 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, guests enjoy a continental breakfast of bread, butter, jam, juice, coffee, or tea. The highlight is the visit to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to admire the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, and spot the majestic condors in their natural habitat. Other stops include the villages of Wayrapunko and Antahuillque, and the Chacapi thermal baths for a relaxing soak.

| Highlight | Location |

| — | — |

| Cruz del Condor | Admire Colca Canyon, spot condors |

| Wayrapunko | Visit village |

| Antahuillque | Visit village |

| Chacapi | Thermal baths |

Scenic Stops and Activities

After exploring the cultural stops and relaxing at the thermal baths, the excursion continues with some scenic highlights.

Passengers can admire the Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes from the Patapampa viewpoint. The tour then visits the Salinas Reserve and Lagunillas, where they’ll have the opportunity to spot camelids and wild birds.

The final destination is Puno Terminal, reached at approximately 7:30 p.m. Throughout the journey, travelers can take in the stunning landscapes and wildlife that make the Colca Canyon region so captivating.

Inclusions

The excursion to Colca Canyon includes several key services and amenities.

The excursion to Colca Canyon includes several key services and amenities.

Travelers will receive hotel pick-up in Arequipa and transportation by bus throughout the day. An English and Spanish-speaking guide will accompany the group, providing insights and commentary.

The tour includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Admission fees to Colca Canyon and the Chacapi hot springs are also covered.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID, biodegradable sunscreen, and any necessary personal medication.

The meeting point for the excursion can be found by opening the provided Google Maps link.

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Important Information

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card, biodegradable sunscreen, and any necessary personal medication for the excursion.

The tour provider recommends:

Checking availability for starting times and selecting the desired participants and date.
Meeting at the designated pickup point, which can be found on Google Maps.
Packing layers of clothing, as the weather can be cool, especially at higher elevations.
Being prepared for a long day with an early start and late return, as the trip covers a significant distance.

There's plenty more to explore in Chivay

Hotel Pick-up and Transportation

The excursion to Colca Canyon includes hotel pick-up from your accommodation in Arequipa at 3:15 a.m.

You’ll then embark on a three-hour bus ride to Chivay, located 3,000 meters above sea level. The bus is equipped with large windows, allowing you to take in the stunning Andean landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival in Chivay, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a continental breakfast before continuing your journey to explore the breathtaking Colca Canyon and spot the majestic Andean condors.

The transportation is efficient, ensuring you make the most of your day-long excursion.

Breathtaking Views of Volcanoes and Wildlife

As travelers ascend to the Patapampa viewpoint, they’ll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes.

The panoramic views offer a glimpse into the dramatic volcanic landscapes that define the region.

Beyond the viewpoint, the excursion takes visitors to the Salinas Reserve and Lagunillas, where they can observe:

Camelids like alpacas and vicuñas grazing in their natural habitat.
A variety of bird species, including the elusive Andean condor.
Crystalline lagoons reflecting the majestic mountains in the distance.
Vibrant wetlands teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

These scenic stops and wildlife encounters make for an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian highlands.

Final Destination in Puno

After the scenic stops along the way, the excursion concludes at the Puno Terminal around 7:30 p.m. Puno serves as the final destination, where travelers can explore the city, or continue their journey to Lake Titicaca. The trip includes:

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Duration | 6-hour bus ride |

| Stops | Patapampa viewpoint, Salinas Reserve, Lagunillas |

| Sights | Volcanoes, camelids, wild birds |

| Arrival | Puno Terminal at approximately 7:30 p.m. |

This comprehensive excursion from Arequipa to Colca Canyon and Puno offers a day of breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and a relaxing soak in thermal baths, all for a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Lake Titicaca?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include Lake Titicaca. Visitors can opt for a combined Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca tour, allowing them to explore both natural wonders during their excursion.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Excursion?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the excursion. However, a continental breakfast and lunch are included in the tour price. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is allowed, but not required.

Is There an Option to Add Extra Activities or Stop-Offs Along the Way?

Yes, the tour allows for optional add-ons like visiting additional villages, viewing wildlife at Salinas Reserve, or spending more time at the hot springs. Travelers can customize their experience by discussing preferences with the tour guide.

Do We Need Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Thermal Baths?

No special equipment is needed for the thermal baths. Visitors can wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and swimwear. Towels are typically provided at the baths. Just remember to bring biodegradable sunscreen and any personal medications you may need.

Can We Request a Private Transfer Instead of Joining a Group Tour?

Yes, private transfers can typically be arranged instead of joining the group tour. Clients should contact the tour operator to inquire about availability and pricing for a private transfer option.

The Sum Up

This full-day excursion from Arequipa to Colca Canyon and Puno offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Peru’s stunning natural landscapes. With breathtaking viewpoints, condor spotting, thermal baths, and more, it’s an adventure not to be missed. Starting at just $72 per person, this tour includes transportation, guides, meals, and the chance to experience the heart of Peru’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: