Full Day Tour / Colca Canyon

The Full Day Tour to Colca Canyon from Arequipa offers an exciting chance to explore one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders. Travelers can expect stunning scenery, opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, and knowledgeable guides throughout the day. While the tour includes transportation, meals, and entrance fees, potential issues with food quality and lengthy bus rides may require some planning. Those seeking an adventurous day in the Andean landscape won’t want to miss this Colca Canyon excursion.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion from Arequipa to Colca Canyon with transportation, breakfast, entrance fees, and lunch included.
• Highlights include condor viewing, wildlife spotting, and diverse cactus species, though condor sightings can be difficult.
• Mixed reviews on food quality and portion sizes, with some travelers recommending bringing own snacks.
• Knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery praised, but complaints about timing issues and long travel times.
• Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum of 16 travelers for a personalized experience.

Tour Overview

The Colca Canyon Tour is a full-day excursion from Arequipa, Peru, that takes visitors to one of the deepest canyons in the world.

The guided tour includes transportation, breakfast, entrance fees, and lunch. Early morning pickup between 3:00 – 3:30 AM from accommodations sets the stage for a long day.

Highlights include condor viewing at Condors Cross, wildlife spotting, and diverse cactus species.

The tour has received mixed reviews, with some complaints about food quality and timing issues, though knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery have been praised.

Travelers should prepare for extensive bus travel and bring their own snacks.

Inclusions and Costs

The Colca Canyon Tour includes private transportation, a minimal breakfast, and admission fees to both the Colca Canyon (70 soles) and the hot springs (15 soles).

Lunch at a regional buffet restaurant is also provided, costing 30 soles. Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

While the tour’s inclusions are comprehensive, some reviewers have noted issues with the quality and portion sizes of the food offerings.

Travelers should be prepared to bring their own snacks to supplement the provided meals.

Tour Experience and Feedback

According to reviews, the Colca Canyon Tour experience has been a mixed bag for travelers.

While some appreciated the knowledgeable guides and beautiful views, many complained about the food quality and portion sizes.

Timing issues, such as long wait times and late returns, were also noted.

Travelers had difficulty spotting the elusive condors, especially outside the migration season.

Crowded transportation and lack of interesting stops further dampened the experience for some.

Logistics and Accessibility

The Colca Canyon Tour is designed for ease of travel planning. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it inclusive for all travelers.

Infants must sit on laps, but infant seats are available. Confirmation is received at booking, though the tour is non-refundable.

For those looking to experience the stunning Colca Canyon, this full-day tour provides a convenient way to visit the site. However, travelers should prepare for long travel times, as much of the day is spent on the bus.

Bringing snacks is recommended, as some have reported issues with the quality and portion sizes of the provided meals.

Recommendations and Considerations

While a single-day Colca Canyon Tour can provide a convenient way to experience the stunning landscape, travelers may want to consider a multi-day tour for a more in-depth experience.

Guests should prepare for long travel times, with most of the day spent on the bus. Bringing snacks is advisable, as the breakfast and lunch offerings have received negative feedback.

Some travelers recommend avoiding the more touristy stops in favor of a more direct route to the canyon.

Early Morning Pickup

Though an early morning pickup may be inconvenient for some, it’s a necessary aspect of the Colca Canyon Tour.

Travelers are picked up between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM from their accommodations. This early start is required to reach the Condors Cross viewing point before the optimal condor sighting hours of 8 AM to 10 AM.

While the lengthy bus ride may be tiring, the early departure allows for a full day to explore the canyon and its surroundings. Guests should be prepared for an early wake-up call to make the most of this tour and increase their chances of spotting the majestic Andean condors.

Condor Viewing at Condors Cross

After the early morning pickup, the main highlight of the Colca Canyon Tour is the opportunity to witness the soaring flight of the Andean condor at the Condors Cross viewpoint.

Visitors eagerly await this breathtaking experience:

Visitors eagerly await this breathtaking experience of the majestic Andean condors soaring over the Colca Canyon.

• Majestic birds gliding effortlessly on the thermals

• Massive wings spanning over 10 feet, casting shadows across the canyon

• Graceful swoops and dives, showcasing the condors’ impressive agility

• Chance encounters with these endangered species in their natural habitat

• Awe-inspiring views of the Colca Canyon from the prime observation spot

However, sightings can be hit-or-miss, especially outside the prime migration season.

Diverse Wildlife and Scenery

What else can travelers expect to see on the Colca Canyon Tour beyond the iconic condors? The tour also offers opportunities to spot other wildlife, including alpacas and vicuñas, as well as diverse cactus species.

Along the journey, the scenic vistas are breathtaking, showcasing the rugged, mountainous terrain. Travelers can admire the striking landscapes, from the deep canyon gorges to the rolling hills and high-altitude plateaus.

This diverse scenery provides a glimpse into the natural wonders of the Peruvian Andes. Beyond the main attraction of the condors, the tour allows visitors to enjoy the region’s captivating natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Personal Preferences?

The tour can be customized to suit personal preferences, though options may be limited. Travelers should inquire about customization when booking to determine if the operator offers any flexibility in the itinerary or activities.

Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available?

The tour company doesn’t seem to offer special dietary accommodations. However, travelers can bring their own snacks as the provided meals have received negative feedback for quality and portion sizes. It’s best to come prepared with your own food requirements.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted During the Tour?

The tour provides limited free time, as the schedule is tightly packed. Travelers note the packed itinerary leaves little opportunity for exploring on one’s own, with most of the day spent on transportation or at designated stops.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions or Recommendations?

The tour allows ample time for photos, though guides recommend avoiding flash photography near the condors. Travelers should bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture the scenic canyon landscapes and wildlife from a distance.

Can the Tour Be Booked as Part of a Multi-Day Itinerary?

The tour can be booked as part of a multi-day itinerary. Travelers can combine the Colca Canyon day trip with other destinations in the region for a more comprehensive experience. This provides greater flexibility and allows for a deeper exploration of Peru’s natural wonders.