Arequipa: Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno

Setting out on a journey from Arequipa to the renowned Colca Canyon is a must-do for any traveler exploring Peru’s natural wonders. This one-day excursion offers an immersive experience, showcasing the canyon’s breathtaking vistas and providing opportunities to spot the elusive Andean condor. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a relaxing dip in thermal baths, the tour promises an enriching exploration of the region’s cultural heritage. What awaits beyond the stunning viewpoint of the Cruz del Condor is a captivating adventure that leaves you eager to uncover more.

Good To Know

• A 1-day journey from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, ending in Puno, with a starting price of $80 per person.
• Highlights include the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, Chacapi Thermal Baths, and wildlife spotting along the way.
• The tour includes transportation, a guide, meals, and entry fees, ensuring a convenient and well-supported experience.
• Opportunities to see local camelids, birds, and the majestic Andean landscape, including flocks of vibrant flamingos.
• The Chacapi Thermal Baths provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience after exploring the Colca Canyon.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The excursion takes travelers on a 1-day journey from Arequipa to the stunning Colca Canyon, culminating in Puno. Priced from $80 per person, the tour includes transportation, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, continental breakfast, lunch, and entry fees to Colca Canyon.

Booking is flexible, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance. The itinerary highlights include stops at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, Chacapi Thermal Baths, and the opportunity to spot local camelids and birds.

Travelers should bring their passport, water, and cash, and refrain from littering during the excursion.

Itinerary Highlights

The excursion begins with an early 3:15 am pickup from the hotel, followed by a 3-hour drive to the town of Chivay.

Here, guests enjoy a typical Peruvian breakfast. The main highlight is the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where the Colca Canyon and majestic condors can be spotted.

Additional viewpoints like Wayrapunko or Antahuilque may also be visited. Afterward, guests can experience the healing waters of the Chacapi Thermal Baths before lunch in Chivay.

The tour concludes at the Puno terminal. Throughout, an English and Spanish-speaking guide provides transportation and commentary.

Included Services

This excursion includes several key services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. The tour provides round-trip transportation, with an English and Spanish-speaking guide accompanying the group throughout the day. A continental breakfast and lunch are included, so travelers can fuel up before and during the adventure. Entry fees to the Colca Canyon are also covered, allowing for hassle-free exploration.

| Included Services | Details |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Provided throughout the tour |

| Guide | English and Spanish speaking |

| Meals | Continental breakfast and lunch |

| Entry Fees | Colca Canyon (70 S/ or €17.40) |

| Other | N/A |

The package offers value and convenience, taking care of the logistical details so travelers can focus on seeing the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Colca Canyon.

Wildlife and Scenic Stops

Along the journey, travelers have the opportunity to spot local camelids and birds at the Salinas and Lagunillas Reserve.

This scenic stop offers a chance to witness:

• Majestic alpacas and llamas roaming the Andean landscape

• Flocks of vibrant flamingos wading in the serene lagoons

• Soaring condors, the emblematic birds of the Colca Canyon

• Diverse species of waterfowl and migratory birds in their natural habitats

These wildlife encounters and stunning vistas provide a captivating prelude to the main highlight – the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon and the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint.

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The Journey to Chivay

The excursion begins with an early pickup from hotels in Arequipa at 3:15 am, kicking off the 3-hour drive to Chivay, the main town in the Colca Canyon region. Along the way, travelers will marvel at the changing landscapes, from the arid desert to the lush green valleys.

| Scenery | Duration |

| — | — |

| Arid Desert | 1 hour |

| Green Valleys | 2 hours |

Upon arrival in Chivay, guests will enjoy a typical Peruvian breakfast, fueling up for the day’s adventures in the Colca Canyon.

Experiencing the Colca Canyon

After a hearty breakfast in Chivay, the tour heads to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, the main highlight of the Colca Canyon excursion.

Perched atop the canyon’s rim, visitors are treated to a breathtaking vista of the world’s second-deepest gorge. With luck, they may spot the majestic Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world, soaring effortlessly on the thermals.

Additional viewpoints, like Wayrapunko and Antahuilque, offer equally stunning panoramas. The tour also includes a visit to the Chacapi Thermal Baths, where travelers can relax in the soothing, mineral-rich waters before continuing on to Puno.

• Awe-inspiring vistas of the Colca Canyon

• Chance to witness the mighty Andean condor

• Rejuvenating soak in the Chacapi Thermal Baths

• Exploration of lesser-known viewpoints

Relaxing at Chacapi Thermal Baths

One of the highlights of the Colca Canyon excursion is the opportunity to relax in the soothing Chacapi Thermal Baths.

After an adventurous day exploring the canyon, the thermal baths provide a chance to unwind and rejuvenate. Visitors can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The entry fee is a reasonable 15 S/ or €3.70. The thermal baths are an excellent way to recharge before continuing the journey to Puno.

With their therapeutic properties, the Chacapi Thermal Baths are a welcomed respite on this Colca Canyon adventure.

Concluding the Tour in Puno

With the therapeutic respite of the Chacapi Thermal Baths behind them, the tour now concludes at the Puno terminal.

Weary travelers disembark, their minds filled with the day’s sights and experiences. As they reflect on the journey, a sense of fulfillment sets in:

• The stunning vistas of Colca Canyon, where majestic condors soared overhead.

• The culture in Chivay, savoring a traditional Andean breakfast.

• The rejuvenating soak in the healing thermal waters.

• The opportunity to witness the diverse local wildlife and landscapes.

The Colca Canyon excursion has left an indelible mark, a memory to cherish long after the tour’s end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not specified. However, it’s a private tour that can accommodate individual travelers or small groups. The tour provider likely arranges group sizes to provide a personalized experience.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Gear for This Tour?

You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. Just bring your passport or ID, water, and some cash. The tour provides transportation, guide services, meals, and entry fees to the Colca Canyon.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Make Any Special Requests?

Guests can request minor adjustments to the itinerary, subject to guide and group approval. Special requests, such as dietary needs or mobility assistance, should be communicated when booking to ensure the tour operator can accommodate them.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included in the Price?

The price includes transport, guide, meals, and entry fees. However, there are some additional costs like the optional thermal bath entry fee (15 soles) that aren’t included in the base price. Travelers should budget for any additional expenses.

Can I Extend My Stay in Puno at the End of the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour ends at the Puno terminal, so you can’t extend your stay on this particular excursion. However, you could book additional nights in Puno separately to explore the area further on your own.

The Sum Up

This Arequipa to Colca Canyon excursion concludes in Puno, offering an enriching exploration of Peru’s natural wonders. Guests can expect stunning canyon views, wildlife sightings, and a relaxing thermal bath experience, all while benefiting from convenient transportation, knowledgeable guidance, and flexible booking options. With its captivating itinerary and inclusive services, this tour promises an unforgettable experience of Peru’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: