From Arequipa: Colca Canyon and Condor Watching Day Trip

Tucked away in the Andes, Colca Canyon offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic condor in its natural habitat. This day trip from Arequipa promises an unforgettable adventure, blending stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and the chance to observe these magnificent birds. With an experienced guide, travelers can expect a well-paced itinerary that showcases the canyon’s highlights and leaves them eager to explore further. Whether a nature enthusiast or an adrenaline seeker, this Colca Canyon experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Key Points

A day trip from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, with a focus on condor observation and exploration of the Colca Valley.
The tour includes scenic viewpoints, a visit to the colonial town of Maca, hot springs, and lunch in Chivay, with an approximate duration of one day.
The price starts at $27.00 per person and includes tourist transportation, an official guide, and continental breakfast, while excluding the Colca Canyon entrance fee and hot springs cost.
Altitude sickness precautions are necessary, and warm clothing is advised due to cool temperatures, especially in the early hours of the trip.
The best condor viewing opportunities are at the Cruz del Condor, Mirador de los Volcanes, Mirador de Yanque, Mirador de Maca, and Mirador de Chivay, with varying sighting probabilities throughout the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

This day trip from Arequipa to Colca Canyon offers an opportunity to explore one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Priced from $27.00 per person, the tour lasts one day and provides a live English and Spanish-speaking guide. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

The itinerary includes visiting scenic viewpoints, observing condors, exploring a colonial town, relaxing at hot springs, and enjoying lunch in Chivay before returning to Arequipa with stops at a camelid reserve and volcano overlooks.

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Itinerary Details

The day trip begins early, with pickup from hotels or the main square in Arequipa between 3:00 and 3:30 am. The drive to Chivay for breakfast takes approximately 3 hours. Guests then visit viewpoints in the Colca Valley to see pre-Inca terraces and local culture. After exploring the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons globally, there is an hour for condor observation. The tour continues to Maca town to see its colonial church and traditional attire, followed by a relaxing soak in hot springs. Lunch is served in Chivay before the return to Arequipa.

| Timing | Activity |

| — | — |

| 3:00 – 3:30 am | Pickup from hotels or main square |

| 3 hours | Travel to Chivay for breakfast |

| 1 hour | Condor observation in Colca Canyon |

| 1 hour | Relax at hot springs |

What’s Included and Excluded

The day trip includes tourist transportation, an official guide, and a continental breakfast.

However, the tour excludes the Colca Canyon entrance fee of S/.70.00 and the cost of visiting the hot springs, which is an additional S/.15.00 per person.

Lunch is also not included, so you will need to budget for their own midday meal.

While the tour provides a comprehensive itinerary, any additional personal expenses incurred during the day will be the responsibility of the traveler.

Important Considerations

Though the day trip to Colca Canyon offers an opportunity to witness the majestic condors, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Travelers should be aware of the following important considerations:

Not recommended for those susceptible to altitude sickness or with infants under 1 year old. The high elevation can be challenging.
Dress warmly, as the canyon can be quite cool, especially in the early hours.
Refrain from bringing drones, alcohol, drugs, or littering, as these are strictly prohibited on the tour.

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Condor Viewing Opportunities

When visiting Colca Canyon, what are the best opportunities to spot the majestic Andean condors? The Colca Canyon is one of the prime locations to observe these massive birds in flight. A popular viewing spot is Cruz del Condor, where the canyon walls provide excellent vantage points. Condors are most active in the morning hours, soaring on the thermals that rise from the canyon depths. Visitors should also keep an eye out at other scenic overlooks along the Colca Valley route, as condors may be spotted at various points during the day trip.

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Exploring Colca Valley

As visitors travel through the Colca Valley, they’re treated to a stunning landscape dotted with pre-Inca terraces and traditional Andean villages.

The day trip offers the opportunity to explore this remarkable region, including:

Viewing the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, and catching a glimpse of the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead.
Visiting the charming town of Maca, known for its colonial church and traditional textile artistry.
Relaxing in the soothing hot springs, a chance to unwind after a day of adventure.

Cultural Highlights

One of the cultural highlights of the Colca Canyon day trip is the opportunity to visit the town of Maca. Nestled in the Colca Valley, Maca is known for its well-preserved colonial church and the traditional attire worn by the locals. Visitors can explore the town’s charming plazas and marvel at the intricate architecture of the church.

| Cultural Attraction | Description | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Maca Town | Historic town in Colca Valley | Colonial church, traditional attire |

| Local Culture | Vibrant indigenous communities | Pre-Inca terraces, weaving demonstrations |

| Chivay | Gateway town to Colca Canyon | Lunch, opportunity to see camelids |

The day trip also offers the chance to witness the local culture firsthand, with visits to viewpoints showcasing pre-Inca terraces and opportunities to observe traditional weaving demonstrations. Travelers can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Colca region.

Practical Information for Booking

To book the Colca Canyon and Condor Watching Day Trip, travelers must provide a WhatsApp number with the correct country code.

The tour includes:

The tour includes a continental breakfast in Chivay, an hour for condor observation, and visits to hot springs, Maca town, and camelid reserves.

Pickup from the hotel or main square between 3:00 – 3:30 am
A continental breakfast in Chivay
An hour for condor observation in Colca Canyon
A visit to the hot springs and Maca town
Lunch in Chivay
Stops at volcano viewpoints and a reserve for observing South American camelids

The tour isn’t suitable for those with altitude sickness or babies under 1 year.

Travelers should bring warm clothing and aren’t allowed to use drones, consume alcohol or drugs, or litter.

Things To Know

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is primarily fixed, but travelers can request minor adjustments. Any major customizations would likely incur additional fees and may not be possible given the group nature of the day trip.

How Do I Apply for the Student/Senior Discount?

To apply for the student or senior discount, you’ll need to provide valid ID upon booking. The discounted rate for students and seniors is $24 per person. Let the tour operator know when reserving to receive the reduced price.

Is It Possible to Add an Extra Stop Along the Route?

Yes, you can add an extra stop along the route. However, this may incur an additional cost and require advance notice. It’s best to discuss any changes or additions with the tour operator when booking to ensure the itinerary can accommodate your request.

What Is the Policy for Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention accommodating dietary restrictions or allergies. Customers should contact the provider in advance to inquire about their ability to cater to any special dietary needs. Additional fees may apply.

Can I Bring a Camera/Drone for Photography During the Tour?

Cameras are allowed, but drones are not permitted on the tour. The tour prohibits bringing alcohol, drugs, and littering. Visitors should bring warm clothing and avoid the tour if they have altitude sickness or babies under 1 year old.

Sum Up

This day trip from Arequipa to Colca Canyon offers an unforgettable experience. Participants will witness stunning landscapes, observe majestic condors, and explore the cultural highlights of the region. With a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural insights, making it a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers visiting Arequipa.

You can check availability for your dates here: