2-Day Colca Canyon Trip: Arequipa to Puno
Get ready for an awesome two-day adventure hitting the highlights from Arequipa, going deep into the famous Colca Canyon, and finishing up in Puno near Lake Titicaca. This is a classic route many travelers do in Peru, packed with unreal views, cool culture, and maybe even some giant birds!
Your trip starts bright and early. We’ll scoop you up from your hotel in Arequipa (Altitude: roughly 7,661 ft / 2,335 m) around 7:45 AM. No need to worry about finding us just be ready to go.
We hit the road heading out via the Yura highway. Keep an eye out for the massive snow-capped Chachani mountain pretty impressive stuff. The drive takes us towards Cañahuas Pampas this is part of the Aguada Blanca National Park. It’s high up here so we’ll stop for some coca tea which locals swear helps with the altitude. This area is wild and it’s where you’ll likely see those cool South American camelids everyone talks about – vicuñas llamas and alpacas just chilling. You’ll probably wanna snap some photos people usually say “Look how fluffy they are!” or something like that.
Next up is Tocra lake. It’s a spot where migrating birds hang out sometimes you even see flamingos which is pretty neat. We’ll pass by the crater of an old volcano called Chucura too.
Then comes a big highlight: the Volcano Viewpoint. This place is crazy high at about 15,748 feet / 4,800 meters! The panorama of the western mountains from here is just wow. You get a real good look at the ancient farming terraces carved into the hillsides called “andenerias”. They were built way back before the Incas its mind-blowing how they did it. You might hear travelers gasp “¡Qué chévere!” which is Peruvian slang for “How cool!”
Around 1:30 PM we roll into the main town of Chivay (Altitude: approx 11,978 ft / 3,651 m). Time for lunch but heads up lunch isn’t included in the tour price so you’ll need to buy your own. It’s a good chance to try some local food maybe some alpaca if you’re feeling adventurous.
The afternoon is more relaxed. You get the chance to soak in the local hot springs La Calera. The water is naturally heated pretty warm around 35º to 38º Celsius (95-100 F) perfect for relaxing after the bus ride. There’s an entry fee for this though.
Come evening around 8:00 PM it’s dinner time (also not included). Often there’s a folk show with traditional Andean music and dancing happening while you eat which is a fun way to experience local culture. After that you’ll check into your hotel in Chivay. You’ll get a private room with your own bathroom and that all-important hot shower basic but comfy.
It’s another early start with breakfast before heading out around 6:30 AM. We drive about 1.5 hours deeper into the canyon area to the super famous viewpoint called “Cruz del Cóndor” (Cross of the Condor).
This spot offers seriously breathtaking views looking down into the massive Colca Canyon one of the deepest in the world. More importantly it’s known as the place to see Andean Condors. These are huge birds and if you’re lucky you might see them soaring on the morning air currents sometimes gliding really close just a few meters overhead which is an unforgettable sight. Just gotta remember though they’re wild animals so sightings aren’t absolutely guaranteed nature does its own thing. While you’re there your guide will probably point out some pre-Inca tombs tucked away high up on the cliffs kind of eerie but fascinating.
On the drive back towards Chivay we’ll make a few stops. We’ll pop into small traditional towns like Maca and Yanque famous for their old pretty colonial churches. We’ll also hit a couple more viewpoints Choquetico and Antahuilque. These give you different angles of the valley’s incredible “andenerias” (those farming terraces again) and more of those cliffside tombs. It’s cool to see how people lived here centuries ago travelers often chat here saying stuff like “Imagine farming on those steep hills!”
We’ll stop for lunch (again you’ll need to cover this yourself).
Then around 1:00 PM it’s time to catch the tourist bus that will take you onwards to Puno (Altitude: about 12,556 ft / 3,827 m) home of Lake Titicaca. This is a common route for backpackers linking the canyon with the lake. The journey itself is pretty scenic taking you through more of the high Andes landscapes. Expect more views of llamas alpacas maybe some distant volcanoes and big snowy mountains. It’s a few hours on the bus a good time to chill look out the window or chat with fellow travelers.
You should arrive in Puno city sometime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The bus will likely drop you near the center or your next accommodation ready for your Lake Titicaca adventures perhaps.
What’s Included in Your Trip
Knowing what’s covered helps you plan better Here’s the rundown:
What’s NOT Included (Stuff You Pay Extra For)
It’s super important to know what costs are not part of the tour price so you can budget. Peru uses the Sol (PEN) but these common tourist costs are often quoted in US Dollars (USD). You can generally pay in either currency.
| Item You’ll Need to Pay For | Estimated Cost (USD) | Why You Need It / What It Is |
| Colca Tourist Ticket | $22 per person | This is the official “Boleto Turístico” required to enter the protected Colca Canyon park area including Cruz del Condor. Mandatory. |
| Meals (Lunches & Dinners) | Varies | None of the lunches or dinners are included. Budget maybe $10-$20 per meal depending on where/what you eat in Chivay. |
| Hot Springs Entry Fee | $5 per person | This is optional if you want to take a dip in the La Calera thermal baths near Chivay you pay the entrance fee there. |
| Single Room Supplement | $25 | If you’re traveling solo and definitely want your own private room this extra fee usually applies. Check when booking. |
What We Suggest You Bring (Packing Tips!)
Packing right makes a huge difference especially with the changing altitudes and weather. Here’s a list of things travelers find super useful for this trip:
At Arequipa Andean Explorer, we are passionate about showcasing Arequipa’s natural beauty through responsible tourism. We offer personalized tours—from scenic hikes to classic adventures—designed to match your unique preferences.
