From Arequipa: Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno

Nestled in the heart of Peru, the Colca Canyon offers a stunning natural wonder that captivates visitors. This one-day excursion from Arequipa to Puno promises an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the canyon’s breathtaking vistas and charming towns. Priced affordably, the tour provides comprehensive services, ensuring a seamless experience. But what truly sets this journey apart is the chance to witness the majestic condors soaring above the canyon’s edges – an encounter that will leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this remarkable expedition.

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Good To Know

A one-day excursion from Arequipa to Colca Canyon that ends in Puno, with prices starting at $72.00 per person and a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours before.
The excursion includes transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast, and lunch, with an early pickup at 3:15 a.m. from Arequipa and a return journey to Puno taking approximately six hours.
Key highlights of the itinerary include visiting the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint for condor sightings, exploring towns and viewpoints, and a one-hour relaxation at Chacapi hot springs.
The excursion package covers bus transportation, a bilingual guide, continental breakfast and lunch, and entrance fees to Colca Canyon and Chacapi hot springs.
The journey to Puno includes stops at the Patapampa viewpoint and the Salinas and Lagunillas Reserve, offering panoramic views and wildlife observation opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The excursion from Arequipa to Colca Canyon ends in Puno, with prices starting from $72.00 per person.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund. Reserving now doesn’t require upfront payment.

The one-day tour departs Arequipa at 3:15 a.m. Highlights include visiting the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, exploring towns, and soaking in the Chacapi hot springs.

Start your day early on this one-day tour from Arequipa, visiting the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, exploring towns, and relaxing in the Chacapi hot springs.

Services like transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast, and lunch are included.

After exploring Colca Canyon, the tour continues to Puno, arriving around 7:30 p.m. to conclude the excursion.

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

Activity Duration and Departure

This excursion from Arequipa to Colca Canyon has a duration of 1 day.

The day begins with an early 3:15 a.m. pickup from a coordinated point in Arequipa. After a three-hour bus ride, travelers will arrive at Chivay, which sits at an elevation of 3,000 meters.

The return journey to Puno takes approximately six hours, with stops at scenic viewpoints like Patapampa and the Salinas and Lagunillas Reserve.

Participants can expect to arrive at the Puno Terminal around 7:30 p.m. upon completion of the excursion.

Itinerary Highlights

After the early morning pickup in Arequipa, the day begins with a three-hour bus ride to Chivay, a town situated 3,000 meters above sea level. There, travelers enjoy a continental breakfast before visiting the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to witness the majestic Colca Canyon and its resident condors. The tour then explores additional scenic towns and viewpoints, including Wayrapunko and Antahuillque. Next, guests have the opportunity to relax at the Chacapi hot springs for one hour. Following a free lunch in Chivay, the journey continues to Puno with stops at the Patapampa viewpoint and Salinas and Lagunillas Reserve.

| Itinerary Highlights | Description |

| — | — |

| Chivay | Town situated 3,000 meters above sea level |

| Cruz del Cóndor | Viewpoint to see Colca Canyon and condors |

| Wayrapunko, Antahuillque | Additional towns and viewpoints |

| Chacapi Hot Springs | One-hour visit |

Included Services

The Included Services for this excursion to Colca Canyon encompass bus transportation, a bilingual guide fluent in both Spanish and English, a continental breakfast and lunch, as well as the necessary entrance fees.

This excursion to Colca Canyon includes bus transportation, a bilingual guide, a continental breakfast and lunch, and all necessary entrance fees.

The bus will transport you from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon and then on to Puno. The bilingual guide will provide commentary and assistance throughout the day.

The breakfast and lunch are included, along with the entrance fees to the Colca Canyon (S/70 per person) and the Chacapi hot springs (S/15 per person).

These services ensure a seamless and well-supported experience on your journey.

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Colca Canyon: Viewpoints and Exploration

One of the highlights of the Colca Canyon excursion is the opportunity to visit several captivating viewpoints and destinations.

First, travelers will visit the renowned Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, a prime spot to observe the majestic Andean condors soaring above the canyon.

Plus, the tour explores the towns of Wayrapunko and Antahuillque, offering chances to immerse in local culture and scenery.

A standout activity is the soak in the Chacapi hot springs, providing a rejuvenating break before the journey continues to Puno.

Throughout the day, participants can revel in the breathtaking landscapes that make Colca Canyon a renowned natural wonder.

There's plenty more to explore in Chivay

Hot Springs Visit

During the Colca Canyon excursion, visitors get to enjoy a relaxing soak in the Chacapi hot springs. After exploring the canyon and viewing the majestic condors, travelers have the opportunity to unwind in the natural thermal pools for one hour. The hot springs offer a soothing respite from the day’s activities.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Chacapi |

| Water Temperature | Warm and therapeutic |

| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers |

| Duration | 1 hour |

| Cost | S/15 per person |

The hot springs visit is a well-deserved break before the journey continues to Puno, the final destination.

Lunch and Free Time

After soaking in the rejuvenating Chacapi hot springs, visitors get free time to enjoy lunch in Chivay.

The town offers a variety of delicious local cuisine:

Rocoto Relleno: A stuffed spicy red pepper dish, a regional specialty.
Cuy Chactado: Crispy fried guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy.
Trucha a la Plancha: Grilled trout, plentiful in the nearby rivers.

With ample time for lunch, travelers can explore Chivay’s charming streets, browse local markets, or simply relax before continuing the journey to Puno.

Journey to Puno

Finally, it’s time to journey towards Puno, the final destination of this excursion. After exploring the Colca Canyon, the group departs Chivay for the 6-hour drive to Puno. Along the way, they make stops at the Patapampa viewpoint and the Salinas and Lagunillas Reserve.

| Stops | Duration | Highlights |

|——-|———-|————|

| Patapampa Viewpoint | 30 minutes | Panoramic views of the Andes |

| Salinas and Lagunillas Reserve | 1 hour | Observation of local wildlife and salt ponds |

| Arrival in Puno | Around 7:30 p.m. | Conclude the day-long adventure |

The excursion ends with the group’s arrival at the Puno Terminal, completing the journey from Arequipa to Colca Canyon and finally to Puno.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Make Stops Along the Way to Puno?

Yes, the excursion allows for stops along the way to Puno. The itinerary highlights include visits to additional towns, viewpoints, and the Salinas and Lagunillas Reserve before arriving in Puno around 7:30 p.m.

What Should I Bring for the Excursion?

For this excursion, you’ll want to bring layers of clothing, a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, and a camera. It’s also a good idea to pack a swimsuit if you plan to use the hot springs.

Is There Any Way to Customize the Itinerary?

The excursion has a set itinerary, but you can customize your experience. Speak with the tour operator about adjusting the schedule or activities to better suit your interests and needs within the day-long program.

Can I Extend My Stay in Chivay or Puno?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Chivay or Puno. The tour operator offers the flexibility to extend your visit at either destination for an additional cost. Simply inform them of your preference when booking the tour.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Mentioned in the Package?

The provided package details all included costs. Any additional expenses, such as personal purchases, tips, or optional activities at the hot springs, would be the traveler’s responsibility. The package pricing covers the specified services and transportation.

The Sum Up

This excursion from Arequipa to Colca Canyon and Puno offers an incredible one-day adventure. At just $72 per person, the tour provides transportation, a bilingual guide, and meals, ensuring a seamless experience. Travelers will enjoy breathtaking views, charming towns, and hot springs before continuing on to Puno, making this a must-do activity for those visiting the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: