Amazing trip, thoughtful logistics, and a guide who made Machu Picchu unforgettable.
Thi W TripadvisorSignature Peru Tour
COLCA CANYON FULL DAY + TRANSFER TO PUNO
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StartsStarts at
Duration1 Day
Physical LevelEasy
SitesCusco, Soraypampa
Trip Overview
This is a super packed one-day tour designed to show you the best of the Colca Canyon and get you all the way to Puno in a single shot. Perfect if you’re short on time! You’ll start crazy early from Arequipa see the amazing canyon maybe spot some condors check out cool viewpoints and end your day in Puno near Lake Titicaca. It’s a whirlwind but a popular option for travelers trying to see a lot quickly.
Day by Day Schedule
3:00 AM – 3:30 AM: Yep you read that right! We’ll pick you up from your hotel or hostel in Arequipa (Altitude: roughly 7,661 ft / 2,335 m). Make sure you bring all your luggage with you for this trip as you’ll finish in a different city. It’s a long drive ahead to the Colca region so try and catch some sleep on the bus – most people do!
6:30 AM – 7:00 AM: We arrive in the main canyon town Chivay (Altitude: approx 11,978 ft / 3,651 m). Time for a quick breakfast to wake you up properly. Good news breakfast is included in this tour.
Drive to the Condor Cross: After breakfast we head straight out to the famous viewpoint called “Cruz del Condor”. This is the spot everyone talks about for condor watching.
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM (approx): You’ll hang out at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint for about an hour. This is usually the best time of day to see the giant Andean Condors soaring on the air currents rising from the canyon below. Seeing them glide close is an awesome “Wow!” moment. The views into the Colca Canyon itself are just massive here really gives you a sense of how deep it is. Just remember spotting condors involves a bit of luck they’re wild animals after all but this is your best chance. Enjoy the amazing scenery maybe spot some unique plants or see some local folks selling crafts.
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM (approx): We start making our way back towards Chivay but with cool stops. We’ll check out the Antahuilque viewpoint for great pics of the ancient farming terraces (‘andenerias’) built by Inca and pre-Inca cultures. Then onto the Choquetico viewpoint where you can see old ‘hanging tombs’ tucked into the cliffs – pretty wild stuff.
Visit Yanque Village & Optional Hot Springs: We’ll stop in the village of Yanque. Here you have the option to take a quick dip in the local thermal baths. The water’s naturally heated to around 38°C (about 100°F) nice and relaxing. If you want to do this you’ll have about an hour but you need to pay the entrance fee yourself (it’s not included).
Lunch in Chivay: After the morning’s exploring we head back to Chivay for lunch. Lunch is not included in the tour price so you’ll need to buy your own. Often there’s a buffet option available for around S/.40 Soles or you can grab something quicker elsewhere.
1:15 PM (approx): Time to leave Chivay and start the scenic afternoon drive towards Puno (Altitude: about 12,556 ft / 3,827 m).
Stops on the way to Puno: This drive isn’t just about getting there it has some great viewpoints too!
- Patapampa Viewpoint: Also known as the ‘Viewpoint of the Volcanoes’. It’s incredibly high up (around 15,748 ft / 4,800 m) offering amazing panoramic views of several snow-capped volcanoes. Great photo op!
- Tocrapampa: We pass through a high-altitude wetland area. Keep your eyes peeled! This is where travelers often get excited shouting “Look llamas!” or “Alpacas!” as you can usually see herds of these South American camelids.
- Patahuasi & Lagunillas: We’ll make a stop near Patahuasi at the Lagunillas viewpoint. From here you can see several small high-altitude lakes which sometimes look like mirrors reflecting the sky. It’s also a habitat for birds like flamingos sometimes.
7:30 PM (approx): After a long but amazing day we arrive in the city of Puno. The tour service usually finishes near the main square (Plaza de Armas) making it convenient to find your hotel or hostel and get ready for your Lake Titicaca adventures.
Inclusions
What’s Included
What’s Included in Your Day Trip
Here’s what the tour price covers:
- Hotel Pickup (Central Arequipa): We’ll collect you right from your hotel or hostel very early in the morning (as long as it’s centrally located).
- Tourist Transportation: This covers all the driving in a tourist bus or van: the long haul from Arequipa to Chivay the trip out to Cruz del Condor and viewpoints and the final transfer all the way to Puno. Your main luggage will travel securely too.
- Official Bilingual Guide: You’ll have a professional guide who speaks both English and Spanish accompanying you telling you about the places history and culture.
- Breakfast: A basic breakfast is provided when you arrive in Chivay to get you started.
What’s Not Included
What’s NOT Included (Extra Costs to Budget For)
It’s really important to know what extra money you’ll need. These costs are usually paid in Peruvian Soles (S/.) bring enough cash or “plata” as they say here!
| Item You’ll Need to Pay For | Estimated Cost (Peruvian Soles – S/) | Important Details |
| Colca Canyon Tourist Ticket | S/ 70.00 (approx $20 USD*) | Mandatory entrance fee (“Boleto Turístico”). This price is for most foreign (non-South American/non-Peruvian) tourists. You must pay this. |
| S/ 40.00 (South Americans) | Lower price if you hold a passport from another South American nation. | |
| S/ 20.00 (Peruvians) | Price for Peruvian citizens with their DNI card. | |
| Hot Springs Entrance (Optional) | S/ 15.00 | Only pay this if you choose to go into the thermal baths in Yanque village. |
| Lunch in Chivay | Around S/ 40.00 (for buffet option) | Lunch isn’t included. Guides often suggest a buffet restaurant costing about this much or you can find your own food maybe quicker/cheaper. |
| Drinks Snacks & Other Extras | Varies | Any extra drinks water snacks souvenirs tips for the guide/driver etc are not included. |
*USD equivalent is approximate based on typical exchange rates check current rates.
More Tour Information
What We Recommend You Bring (Packing Smart!)
Remember you need to bring all your luggage on this trip as you finish in Puno. It travels with you on the bus. For your daypack keep these handy:
- Small Day Backpack: To carry essentials like water camera sunblock etc during the day’s stops.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses hat and strong sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended). The sun at high altitude is intense even when it’s cloudy. Avoid the classic “Colca burn”!
- Camera/Phone: For photos! Make sure batteries are charged bring a power bank if needed.
- Warm Jacket & Layers: Essential! It’s cold early morning high up at the viewpoints and Puno can be chilly too. Think fleece jacket maybe a windproof/waterproof outer layer beanie gloves.
- Cash (Peruvian Soles): Crucial for the Colca ticket lunch maybe the hot springs drinks souvenirs toilet fees (some charge S/.1). Don’t rely just on cards ATMs might be tricky outside cities.
- Towel and Swimwear: Only if you plan on using the optional hot springs. A lightweight travel towel is best.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated to help with the altitude. You can buy water easily or refill your own bottle.
- Snacks: It’s a very long day having some extra snacks (nuts fruit bars etc) is a good idea.
- Bus Comforts: Maybe headphones a neck pillow eye mask to make the long bus journeys more comfortable especially the early start.
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