Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2 Days

The Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2 Days tour offers an opportunity to explore one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders. With breathtaking viewpoints, the chance to witness majestic condors, and cultural experiences, it’s an adventure that many travelers find appealing. However, past feedback suggests there may be some concerns around the bus travel time and visibility issues. Prospective travelers should weigh these factors carefully to decide if this tour aligns with their expectations and preferences.

Key Points

• 2-day tour from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, priced at $50 per person, with group size limited to 15 participants and available in Spanish and English.
• Highlights include sightings of vicuñas, observation of alpacas, and a visit to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor to see condors in flight.
• Tour includes pick-up, professional guide, and entrance ticket, but excludes meals, accommodations, and optional activities like hot springs and folkloric dinner show.
• Cancellation allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now and pay later option is available.
• Previous customer feedback highlights issues with excessive bus time, poor visibility, and a perceived lack of authenticity, suggesting the value may not align with the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2 Days tour is priced from $50.00 per person and lasts for 2 days.

The Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2 Days tour is priced from $50.00 per person and lasts for 2 days.

The group size is limited to 15 participants, and the tour is offered in Spanish and English.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is available.

The tour includes tourist transportation, a professional guide, permanent assistance, and an entrance ticket.

Meals, accommodations, and optional activities like hot springs visits and folkloric shows are extra.

Itinerary – Day 1

On the first day, travelers embark on the Colca Canyon adventure by being picked up in Arequipa as early as 7:30 am.

The journey begins by passing through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, offering sightings of vicuñas. Stopping at Patahuasi, travelers enjoy coca tea to help prevent altitude sickness.

Next, they visit the Bofedales de Toccra to observe alpacas, followed by a mandatory stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes, perched at an impressive 4,800 meters above sea level.

Upon arrival in Chivay around 12:30 pm, the rest of the day is at the traveler’s leisure, with optional activities such as hot springs and a folkloric dinner show.

Itinerary – Day 2

After breakfast in Chivay, travelers visit the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, the observation point for Colca Canyon and the chance to spot the majestic condor in flight, spending approximately 45 minutes there.

Next, the tour stops at viewpoints to see the Andenería del Valle, the stunning terraced fields of the Colca Valley.

They then visit the town of Maca, where they can see the colonial church and optionally taste the local Colca Sour drink.

Lunch is served in Chivay at noon, before the return trip to Arequipa, arriving around 5:00 pm.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes tourist transportation, pick-up at the historic center, a professional guide, and permanent assistance. The entrance ticket to Colca Canyon is also included, costing 20 Peruvian soles.

The tour excludes:

1. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

2. Accommodations

3. Optional activities such as the hot springs visit, folkloric dinner show, and tasting of local drinks

4. Any other expenses not explicitly listed as included.

Clients are responsible for covering the cost of these exclusions during the tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback

Based on the provided information, the customer feedback for this Colca Canyon 2-day tour appears to be rather critical.

The tour only received a 2/5 rating based on a single review. The main issues cited were the excessive bus time, poor visibility due to fog, and a perceived lack of authenticity in the activities.

While the tour includes transportation, a guide, and entrance tickets, the value may not be perceived as commensurate with the price.

Potential travelers should weigh these concerns carefully when deciding whether this tour aligns with their expectations and interests.

Exploring the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve

As the tour departs Arequipa, it passes through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, providing an opportunity to observe the majestic vicuñas in their natural habitat.

This protected area:

1. Covers over 366,000 hectares of high-altitude landscapes, including grasslands, wetlands, and volcanic mountains.

2. Is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the vicuña, a relative of the llama and a symbol of Peruvian heritage.

3. Allows visitors to witness the graceful movements and social behaviors of these camelids as they graze in the vast, scenic terrain.

4. Offers a glimpse into the delicate balance of this high-altitude ecosystem and the conservation efforts to protect it.

Discovering the Bofedales De Toccra and Alpacas

After passing through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the tour arrives at the Bofedales de Toccra, a unique wetland ecosystem home to a thriving population of alpacas.

Visitors can observe these gentle camelids grazing peacefully in the lush, high-altitude bogs. The guide provides information about the alpacas’ biology, behavior, and importance in Andean culture.

Participants have the opportunity to take photos and appreciate the serene setting before continuing the journey. This stop offers a glimpse into the diverse wildlife and landscapes of the Colca Canyon region.

Witnessing the Majestic Condors at Mirador De La Cruz Del Cóndor

Visitors reach the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, the premier observation point for spotting the majestic Andean condor in its natural habitat.

The condor, the largest flying bird in the world, can be seen soaring effortlessly over the vast Colca Canyon.

Guests can:

1. Observe the impressive 3-meter wingspan of the condors as they ride the thermals.

2. Witness the birds’ graceful gliding and sharp-eyed hunting behaviors.

3. Capture stunning photographs of the condors against the dramatic canyon backdrop.

4. Learn about the cultural significance of the condor in Andean mythology and conservation efforts to protect this iconic species.

Since You Asked

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hiking in Colca Canyon?

The hike in Colca Canyon is moderate in difficulty, requiring a good level of fitness and endurance. Visitors should be prepared for steep terrain, uneven paths, and high altitudes, but the views make the effort worthwhile.

Is It Possible to Visit Other Sites in Arequipa Before or After the Tour?

Yes, visitors can easily visit other sites in Arequipa before or after the Colca Canyon tour. Arequipa is a vibrant city with many historical and cultural attractions that can be explored at one’s leisure.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome, but parents should consider their kids’ stamina for the long bus rides and high altitudes. The activities are generally suitable for families.

Can Travelers Bring Their Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and snacks on the tour. However, it’s best to confirm this with the tour operator as policies may vary. Following the tour guidelines helps ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop During the 2-Day Itinerary?

The itinerary allows 30-60 minutes at each stop, with longer durations of around 45 minutes at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor and brief stops for sightseeing on the return trip to Arequipa.

The Sum Up

The Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2 Days tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of Peru. While the itinerary showcases breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences, travelers should consider the extended bus travel time and potential visibility issues. This adventure provides an immersive exploration of the Colca Canyon, but individuals should weigh the pros and cons before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here: