Arequipa: One-Day Colca Canyon Tour

Exploring the captivating Colca Canyon is a must-do for visitors to Arequipa. The one-day tour promises an immersive experience, whisking travelers away to uncover one of the world’s deepest canyons. From the dramatic viewpoints to the charming villages, this adventure offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes and cultural engagement. With an experienced guide and convenient inclusions, the tour provides an effortless way to discover the region’s natural wonders. But there’s more to uncover as the day unfolds…

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Key Points

Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa priced at $35 per person, featuring a 15-hour duration with hotel pickup, bilingual guide, breakfast, and entrance fees.
Highlights include the Cruz del Condor (condor sanctuary), picturesque villages, and optional natural thermal baths.
Itinerary includes early morning departure, visits to viewpoints and villages, and an opportunity to soak in thermal baths.
Tour includes tourist transport, professional bilingual guide, and entrance tickets to Colca Canyon, with optional additional costs for thermal baths and lunch.
Important information emphasizes respect for the environment, proper communication, and guidelines for a smooth and enjoyable Colca Canyon adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The one-day Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa offers an opportunity to explore one of the world’s deepest canyons. Priced from $35 per person, the 15-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, breakfast, and entrance fees.

Highlights include visiting the Cruz del Condor, a condor sanctuary, and exploring picturesque villages with colonial churches. The tour also features stops at various viewpoints and the option to soak in natural thermal baths.

With flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience in the stunning Colca Canyon.

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

Itinerary Highlights

Departing as early as 3:00 AM to 3:30 AM, the tour begins with hotel pickups in Arequipa.

The first stop is the famous Cruz del Condor, home to one of the world’s deepest canyons and a sanctuary for the majestic Andean condor.

Next, the tour explores picturesque villages like Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, each boasting colonial churches.

Picturesque villages like Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, each boasting colonial churches are explored on the tour.

Visitors can admire pre-Inca tombs and local culture at viewpoints like Antahuilque and Choquetico.

An optional experience is soaking in the natural thermal baths of Chacapi.

Lunch is served in Chivay at 12:30 PM, followed by visits to a volcano viewpoint, Tocrapampa wetlands, and Pampa Cañahuas to see wildlife.

Inclusions

The tour includes tourist transport, a professional bilingual guide (English-Spanish), and breakfast.

Hotel pick-up near the Historic Center is provided. Entrance tickets to the Colca Canyon are mandatory and included in the price.

Visitors have the option to pay extra for access to the natural thermal baths in Chacapi and a buffet lunch in Chivay.

Guests should bring their passport or ID card, sunscreen, water, and cash.

To avoid issues, travelers should ensure they provide the correct contact number with country code for WhatsApp communication, especially for last-minute reservations.

What to Bring

Visitors should bring their passport or ID card, sunscreen, and water for the one-day Colca Canyon tour.

Additional essentials include:

Cash for optional activities and expenses
Warm layers, as the weather can be chilly
Comfortable walking shoes for navigating uneven terrain
Binoculars to spot the famous Andean condors soaring overhead.

With these items in tow, travelers can fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences that the Colca Canyon has to offer.

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Important Information

Avoiding littering is crucial during the Colca Canyon tour. Visitors should be mindful of their actions and properly dispose of any waste.

Providing the correct contact number, including the country code, is essential for WhatsApp communication in case of emergencies or changes.

Ensuring a reliable WhatsApp connection during the Colca Canyon tour requires providing the correct contact number with country code.

For last-minute reservations, it’s advised to check availability via email before booking to ensure tour spots are still available.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Ultimately, respecting the environment and maintaining clear communication are key to making the most of the Colca Canyon adventure.

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Departure and Pickup

The tour departs between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM, with hotel pick-up arranged in Arequipa’s historic center.

This early start ensures travelers make the most of the day and witness the incredible Colca Canyon at its prime.

The itinerary includes:

Departure from your hotel in the wee hours of the morning
Comfortable tourist transport throughout the journey
Expert bilingual guide to provide insights and commentary
Convenient hotel pick-up service near Arequipa’s historic attractions

This well-planned tour maximizes your time and offers a seamless experience from start to finish.

Exploring the Colca Canyon

How does the tour explore the Colca Canyon?

The tour takes visitors to the renowned Cruz del Condor, home to the Colca Canyon and a popular condor sanctuary. Guests can witness the majestic birds soaring above the vast canyon.

The itinerary also includes visits to charming Andean villages, such as Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, where colonial churches and local culture can be explored. Optional experiences include soaking in the natural thermal baths of Chacapi.

Throughout the day, the tour makes stops at scenic viewpoints, like Antahuilque and Choquetico, offering glimpses of pre-Inca tombs and stunning landscapes.

The afternoon includes a visit to a volcano viewpoint, wetlands, and a chance to see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.

Optional Experiences

Although the one-day Colca Canyon tour includes numerous highlights, it also offers several optional experiences for visitors to enhance their journey.

These include:

Soaking in the natural thermal baths at Chacapi, which provide a rejuvenating break from the day’s activities.
Indulging in a buffet lunch in Chivay, featuring a variety of local Peruvian dishes.
Exploring the Tocrapampa wetlands, where visitors can spot a diverse array of wild birds, alpacas, and llamas.
Observing the majestic vicuñas, a protected camelid species, at the Pampa Cañahuas region.

These optional experiences allow travelers to delve deeper into the rich cultural and natural wonders of the Colca Canyon.

Things To Know

What Are the Safety Precautions for the Tour?

The tour encourages travelers to avoid littering and provide their correct contact information for WhatsApp communication. It’s also important to bring personal items like sunscreen and water to stay safe and comfortable during the day-long excursion.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements to Participate?

There aren’t any age or fitness requirements, but the tour involves hiking at high altitudes. Participants should be able to walk for extended periods. Children under 3 may not be suited for the full itinerary.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The operator offers private tours for those who prefer a more personalized experience. Group size and pricing may vary, so it’s best to inquire directly for details.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour’s duration can be extended. Travelers can customize the itinerary and request a longer tour. However, this may incur additional costs. It’s best to discuss any changes with the tour operator to ensure availability and pricing before booking.

How Much Should I Budget for Additional Expenses During the Tour?

Travelers should budget around $55-$70 per person for additional expenses on the Colca Canyon tour. This includes the mandatory entrance ticket, optional hot spring entrance, and optional buffet lunch. Budgeting this extra amount will ensure a hassle-free experience.

Sum Up

The Arequipa: One-Day Colca Canyon Tour is an unforgettable adventure, offering breathtaking views, culture, and optional experiences. With its affordable price, professional guide, and convenient inclusions, it’s a must-do for visitors seeking to explore one of the world’s deepest canyons and experience Peruvian culture. This immersive tour combines stunning landscapes with rich cultural engagement, making it an exceptional value for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: