Venture into one of the deepest canyons in the world by joining us on this 2-day Colca Valley tour. We will visit viewpoints, natural reserves, and traditional villages, and watch the impressive flight of the Andean condor. You can also choose whether you prefer to end the tour in Puno.
Trip Details
Day 1: Arequipa – Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve – Chivay
At the indicated time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa and head toward the spectacular Colca Valley, a destination that combines volcanic landscapes, unique wildlife, and ancestral traditions. Are you ready to venture into the heart of the Peruvian Andes? Let’s go!
The road will take us through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a natural setting where herds of vicunas, llamas, and alpacas graze freely under the gaze of the surrounding volcanoes.
As we ascend the mountain range, we will stop at various viewpoints to enjoy unforgettable panoramas of the Misti, Chachani, and Ampato volcanoes. The highest point will be the Patapampa viewpoint at 4,910 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level, from where you can see a horizon crowned by snow-capped peaks.
Around noon, we will arrive in Chivay, the charming town that welcomes visitors to the Colca Valley. Here you will have one hour for lunch on your own, and then we will drop you off at your reserved accommodation, where you will have 40 minutes to an hour to settle in.
In the afternoon, if you wish, we'll take you to some local thermal baths, such as the hot springs at La Calera or similar sites. Here, you'll have an hour to relax in the outdoor pools, surrounded by mountains. The perfect time to unwind as the sun sets behind the Andean landscape!
Finally, we'll drop you off at your hotel in Chivay.
Day 2: Chivay – Cruz del Cóndor – Arequipa
Early in the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Chivay to begin a scenic route through the Colca Valley. Along the way, we will make stops in small villages and natural viewpoints that allow you to enjoy the grandeur of the Andean landscapes.
After about 30 minutes of travelling, we will make our first stop in the picturesque town of Maca, where we will admire its colonial church, the plaza, and observe locals dressed in colorful traditional clothing. Then we will continue to the Antahuilque viewpoint, from where you can enjoy unique views of the agricultural terraces built by the Incas and the Collaguas, still in use today.
Next, we will reach the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, one of the most emblematic locations in the valley. From here, you will not only see the vastness of the Colca Canyon, but also witness the breathtaking flight of the Andean condors, soaring majestically among the mountains using the morning air currents. An unforgettable natural spectacle that will remain in your memory!
Finally, we will return to Chivay, where you will have free time for lunch. Refreshed, we will make the journey back to Arequipa, where we will drop you off at your hotel in the historic center at 5 pm.
Ending the Tour in Puno
When booking, you can choose whether to end the tour in Arequipa or in Puno. If you choose the latter, the itinerary remains the same, except that on the second day, we will depart in the afternoon from Chivay to Puno.
During this six-hour journey, we will make stops at Patapampa and Lagunilla. An immersion in the nature of the Colca Valley! The tour will finally end in Puno at 7 pm.
Condor Watching
Colca Canyon is a strategic location for spotting the flight of the Andean condor. However, the animals are unpredictable. The number of animals you may spot can vary due to several factors.. Keep in mind that during the rainy season, from December to March, the chances of seeing condors decrease.
Pickup Info
This tour only includes pickup from accommodations located in the historic center of Arequipa. If you're staying outside this area, we'll contact you to provide you with an alternative meeting point.
Please also note that on day 2, pickup is only included from accommodations in the town of Chivay. If you're staying at Colca Lodge, Casitas del Colca, El Refugio or other hotels located outside the town, we'll provide you with an alternative meeting point, or you'll have to pay an additional supplement of 13USD per person. Furthermore, if you're staying outside Chivay, you won't be able to enjoy the optional activities, such as the visit to the thermal baths.
Accommodation Info
Please note that this tour does not include accommodation, so you will need to book your preferred hotel in Chivay.
If you prefer to do this same activity with accommodation included, we recommend choosing our 2-day Colca Valley tour with accommodation.
Children Under 4
Although children under 4 can participate for free, they must sit on an adult’s lap, as they will not have their own seat on the bus.
