From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Day Trip With Buffet Meals

Exploring the Colca Canyon from Arequipa offers an unforgettable day trip. For $43 per person, travelers can venture into one of the world’s deepest canyons, visiting breathtaking viewpoints and traditional towns. With a buffet lunch, thermal springs, and opportunities to spot wildlife, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience. Led by a professional bilingual guide, the journey promises to showcase the natural wonders that make this region so captivating. What else can you expect from this remarkable expedition?

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Key Points

Colca Canyon Day Trip from Arequipa priced at $43.00 per person, with a tour duration of 15 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Itinerary highlights include visits to Cruz del Cóndor, traditional towns, pre-Incan tombs, and opportunities to observe local costumes, camelids, and taste Colca Sour.
Includes a buffet lunch featuring local Colca cuisine, as well as natural hot springs for relaxation.
Opportunities to see wildlife such as alpacas, llamas, and various bird species, as well as scenic views of the Colca Canyon.
Flexible cancellation and payment policies, with a "Reserve now & pay later" option available for convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Colca Canyon Day Trip from Arequipa offers an affordable and comprehensive experience, priced from $43.00 per person.

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

Highlights include early morning pick-up, a visit to the Cruz del Cóndor condor sanctuary, stops at picturesque towns, and an opportunity to soak in the Chacapi hot springs.

A buffet lunch featuring local cuisine is also included.

With flexible scheduling and convenient inclusions, this day trip provides an excellent value for exploring one of Peru’s natural wonders.

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Itinerary Highlights

Starting as early as 02:30 to 03:00 AM, the tour begins with hotel pick-ups, taking guests on a direct trip to the famous Cruz del Cóndor.

Arriving around 08:30, visitors can witness one of the deepest canyons in the world and a condor sanctuary.

Throughout the day, the tour makes stops at traditional towns like Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, showcasing colonial churches.

Guests also visit Miradores de Antahuilque and Choquetico to see pre-Incan tombs and the stunning Colca landscape.

Along the way, they’ll observe local costumes, camelids, trained birds, and taste the regional drink, Colca Sour.

Thermal Springs and Meals

After the sightseeing, the tour visits the Chacapi hot springs around 11:30 AM, allowing guests to enjoy the natural views. From 12:30 PM, the group heads to Chivay for a buffet lunch featuring local Colca cuisine.

| Included | Additional Costs |

| — | — |

| Full Breakfast | Entrance Ticket: |

| Buffet Lunch | Peruvians: 20 soles |

| | S. Americans: 40 soles |

| | Europeans/Others: 70 soles |

The return trip includes a stop at the volcano viewpoint, 4,910 meters above sea level, before heading back to Arequipa.

Wildlife and Scenic Views

During the return journey, the tour makes a stop at the Tocrapampa wetlands, where guests can observe an array of wild birds, alpacas, and llamas roaming freely.

The next stop is the Pampa Cañahuas, where visitors can witness herds of vicuñas, renowned for their fine fibers.

The best weather months to enjoy the scenic views of the Colca Canyon are from April to December, allowing guests to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

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Inclusions and Additional Costs

The Colca Canyon day trip includes round-trip tourist transport, a professional bilingual guide (English-Spanish), a full breakfast, and a buffet lunch.

There are additional mandatory entrance fees: 20 soles for Peruvians, 40 soles for South Americans, and 70 soles for Europeans and others. Visitors can optionally pay 15 soles to enter the hot springs.

The meeting point is available on Google Maps, providing a convenient starting location.

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Cancellation and Payment Details

What’re the cancellation and payment details for this Colca Canyon day trip?

Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This offers flexibility in case plans change.

Plus, the tour allows customers to reserve their spot and pay nothing today. The "reserve now & pay later" option is convenient, letting travelers book first and pay later when it’s time for the excursion.

These flexible cancellation and payment policies provide peace of mind when reserving this immersive day trip to explore the stunning Colca Canyon.

Meeting Point and Transportation

Although the meeting point is available on Google Maps, the tour company provides convenient pickup service from hotels in Arequipa.

Tour you will be collected from their accommodations between 2:30 AM and 3:00 AM for the early start. The direct trip to Cruz del Cóndor takes around 4 to 5 hours, with a breakfast stop along the way. This ensures visitors arrive at the iconic viewpoint around 8:30 AM when the chances of spotting the majestic Andean condors are highest.

After the day’s activities, the return trip includes a stop at a volcano viewpoint before dropping guests back at their hotels.

Best Time to Visit

When is the best time to visit Colca Canyon? According to the information provided:

The best weather months for the Colca Canyon day trip are from April to December.
The tour includes observations of traditional costumes, camelids, trained birds, and local drinks like Colca Sour.
The trip features stops at wildlife-rich areas like the Tocrapampa wetlands and Pampa Cañahuas, where visitors can observe alpacas, llamas, and herds of vicuñas.
The April to December period offers the optimal combination of favorable weather, diverse wildlife, and cultural experiences for a Colca Canyon day trip.

Since You Asked

What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?

The tour group size is not explicitly stated. However, it’s common for these types of day trips to have small to medium-sized groups, usually ranging from 10 to 25 participants to provide a more personalized experience.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements to Participate?

There are no age or fitness requirements to participate. The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, as it primarily involves transportation and light walking at scenic viewpoints.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Buffet Lunch?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions for the buffet lunch, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Travelers should inform the provider of any dietary needs when booking to ensure their requirements are met.

Is Photography Allowed at the Cruz Del Cóndor Viewpoint?

Yes, photography is allowed at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Visitors can take photos of the stunning canyon and the chance to see the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead.

Can I Purchase Additional Items or Souvenirs During the Tour Stops?

Travelers can purchase additional items and souvenirs during the tour stops. The itinerary includes visits to local towns, where visitors can browse shops and markets for handcrafted goods, textiles, and other traditional Peruvian products.

The Sum Up

The Colca Canyon Day Trip from Arequipa offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the world’s deepest canyons. With a comprehensive itinerary, delectable meals, and expert guidance, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to enjoy Peru’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this day trip is a must-consider for your Arequipa itinerary.