From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Day Trip With Buffet Meals

Situated just a few hours from Arequipa, the Colca Canyon boasts some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. This day trip provides the perfect opportunity to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural wonders. From soaring views at Cruz del Cóndor to relaxing in thermal hot springs, the itinerary offers a well-rounded experience for travelers seeking to discover the best of this remarkable destination. With convenient transportation, an expert guide, and authentic local cuisine, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• A 15-hour day trip from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon, including a visit to a condor sanctuary and colonial towns, priced from $36 per person.
• The tour features natural hot springs, a buffet lunch showcasing regional Peruvian cuisine, and opportunities to witness the canyon’s landscape and wildlife.
• Early morning pick-up, arrival at Cruz del Cóndor around 8:30 AM for canyon and condor viewing, and stops in Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque.
• Exploration of pre-Incan tombs, experience of local culture with traditional costumes and the Colca Sour drink, and a midday break at Chacapi hot springs.
• Inclusions cover tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide, full breakfast, and buffet lunch, with optional entrance tickets available for the hot springs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Colca Canyon Day Trip from Arequipa offers a comprehensive tour experience, with prices starting from $36.00 per person.

The Colca Canyon Day Trip from Arequipa offers a comprehensive tour experience, with prices starting from $36.00 per person.

This 15-hour adventure includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Highlights include viewing the majestic Colca Canyon and the condor sanctuary at Cruz del Cóndor, exploring colonial towns, and experiencing local culture.

The tour also features a visit to natural hot springs and a buffet lunch showcasing regional cuisine.

With a professional bilingual guide and tourist transportation provided, this day trip promises an immersive Colca Canyon experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The Colca Canyon Day Trip from Arequipa begins early, with pick-ups from the meeting point between 02:30 and 03:00 AM.

Travelers journey to the Cruz del Cóndor, arriving around 8:30 AM to witness one of the deepest canyons and a condor sanctuary.

Along the way, they stop in Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque to explore colonial churches.

At Miradores de Antahuilque and Choquetico, they view pre-Incan tombs and the Colca landscape.

The tour also includes experiencing local culture, such as traditional costumes, camelids, trained birds, and the Colca Sour drink.

After the canyon, guests visit hot springs and enjoy a buffet lunch in Chivay.

Hot Springs and Lunch

After exploring the Colca Canyon, the tour takes guests to the Chacapi hot springs at around 11:30 AM.

The natural hot springs offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can soak in the therapeutic mineral waters and relax before enjoying a buffet lunch in Chivay at 12:30 PM.

The lunch features a spread of local Peruvian cuisine, providing an opportunity to immerse in the region’s culinary culture.

This midday break allows travelers to recharge before the return journey to Arequipa, with additional sightseeing stops along the way.

Return Journey and Sightseeing

Following the relaxing visit to the Chacapi hot springs and fulfilling buffet lunch, the tour commences the return journey to Arequipa.

Along the way, visitors stop at a volcano viewpoint situated 4,910 meters above sea level. Next, they explore the Tocrapampa wetlands, home to diverse wild birds and herds of alpacas and llamas.

Visitors stop at a volcano viewpoint 4,910 meters up, then explore the Tocrapampa wetlands with diverse birds, alpacas, and llamas.

The final stop is Pampa Cañahuas, where vicuñas, known for their fine fibers, can be observed.

The day trip provides ample opportunities to witness the stunning Colca Canyon landscape and diverse wildlife before the return to Arequipa.

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Inclusions

The Colca Canyon day trip includes several key features to enhance the experience.

The tour provides tourist transportation and a professional bilingual guide to share their expertise in English and Spanish.

Plus, the package includes a full breakfast and a bountiful buffet lunch, allowing travelers to sample the local Colca cuisine.

On top of that, the mandatory entrance ticket is covered, with different pricing tiers for Peruvians, South Americans, and Europeans/others.

Lastly, an optional entrance ticket to the Chacapi hot springs is available for those seeking a relaxing soak amidst the natural surroundings.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect an early start to the day, with pickup times typically between 2:30 and 3:00 AM. The journey takes them to the stunning Cruz del Cóndor, where they’ll witness one of the deepest canyons and a condor sanctuary. Along the way, they’ll visit charming towns with colonial churches and stop at viewpoints to admire the pre-Incan tombs and Colca’s breathtaking landscapes. The tour also includes a relaxing visit to the Chacapi hot springs and a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine. Finally, the return journey offers more sightseeing opportunities, including a volcano viewpoint and wildlife spotting.

| What to Expect | Details |

| — | — |

| Early Departure | 2:30 – 3:00 AM |

| Canyon Viewpoint | Cruz del Cóndor |

| Town Visits | Pinchollo, Maca, Yanque |

| Sightseeing Stops | Antahuilque, Choquetico |

| Hot Springs & Lunch | Chacapi, Buffet in Chivay |

Preparing for the Tour

Although the day trip to Colca Canyon starts early, travelers can prepare in a few key ways. First, pack snacks, water, and layers of clothing to stay comfortable throughout the long journey.

Second, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to navigate the uneven terrain at the canyon viewpoints.

Lastly, bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the high elevation and clear skies can intensify UV exposure.

With these simple preparations, travelers can make the most of their Colca Canyon experience and focus on marveling at the stunning natural landscapes.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking this day trip to Colca Canyon can be done with ease, as the operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Alternatively, travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, a convenient option for planning. The tour is priced at $36 per person, with mandatory entrance fees ranging from 20 to 70 soles depending on nationality. An optional 15 soles hot springs ticket is also available. The full itinerary and inclusions ensure a comprehensive Colca Canyon experience.

| Pricing | Cancellation | Reservations |

| — | — | — |

| $36 per person | Free up to 24 hours | Pay later option |

| Entrance fees 20-70 soles | Full refund | Book now, pay later |

| Optional hot springs 15 soles | | |

Things To Know

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Listed Price?

Beyond the listed price, there are optional entrance fees for the hot springs (15 soles) and mandatory entrance tickets ranging from 20 to 70 soles depending on the traveler’s nationality. No other additional costs are mentioned.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour price includes a full breakfast and buffet lunch, so there’s no need to pack your own meals. The tour operator provides all the meals and refreshments.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The group size for the Colca Canyon Day Trip varies, but there’s no minimum or maximum. The tour can accommodate both small and large groups. Exact group size details are not provided, allowing flexibility based on demand.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

While the standard itinerary is set, the tour operator may accommodate customization requests. Guests can discuss options with the guide to personalize their experience within the overall structure of the day trip.

Are There Any Special Requirements or Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no special requirements, but travelers should be prepared for a long day with early morning pickup. The tour has some physical activity, so guests should be reasonably fit. Dress warmly as temperatures can be cool in the canyons.

Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable Colca Canyon adventure from Arequipa, priced at just $36.00 per person. This 15-hour tour offers stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and relaxation at hot springs, all with inclusive transportation, a bilingual guide, and flexible cancellation. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views, delicious cuisine, or an immersive local experience, this day trip promises a memorable journey for all travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: