Amazing trip, thoughtful logistics, and a guide who made Machu Picchu unforgettable.
Thi W TripadvisorSignature Peru Tour
Colca Canyon Full Day Trip
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StartsCusco
Duration1 Day
Physical LevelEasy
SitesCusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Trip Overview
This day trip to the Colca Canyon is your best option if you have a limited amount of time in Arequipa. You will get the best view of one of the deepest canyons in the world and have the opportunity to get to know various sites in the Colca Valley.
Day by Day Schedule
Alright so bright and early we’re snatching you from your hotel in Arequipa. Think somewhere between 3:00 and 3:30 AM. Yeah its early bird gets the worm kinda thing. Then buckle up for a 3-hour ride northwest to Chivay. Chivay is this little town chilling behind the Chachani Volcano that’s always got snow on top. People call Chivay the capital of Colca Canyon so its kinda a big deal. Arequipa is at about 7600 feet or 2300 meters altitude by the way. Chivay is way higher up at 12007 feet or 3660 meters altitude. In Chivay we’ll grab a super simple breakfast just bread and stuff to get you going.
After breakfast its another 2-hour drive to the Condor Cross. Pro tip have some snacks for the road you know how it is. Condor Cross is the money shot. This is where you stare down into the canyon and it’s like whoa. Plus condors those massive birds they nest around here so you’ll probably see them soaring overhead. Seriously a view you won’t forget.
Done with the views? Cool. We’re heading back towards Chivay but making stops. First stop Antawilke. Get ready for terraces. Hundreds of them. Pre-Inca and Inca terraces still working today. They grow all sorts of stuff there corn quinoa kiwicha the works. Next up Maca. Small town vibes. We’ll check out the old colonial church and the main square. Keep an eye out for the local ladies in their traditional dresses with all that needlework. Last stop before lunch Yanque. Hot springs time! Totally optional but soaking in natural hot baths? After all that driving? Yeah do it. You get about an hour to chill in the springs if you’re keen.
Around Chivay we’ll find a local place for lunch. Typical food stuff you know the deal. After lunch its back to Arequipa but not non-stop. First stop Andes viewpoint. Hold on to your hat because this spot is HIGH. 15748 feet high or 4800 meters in the Patapampa mountain pass. Highest point of the whole trip. Then we cruise down to the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve wetlands. Wildlife spotting time. Keep your eyes peeled for vicuñas alpacas llamas and all sorts of birds and plants. Back in Arequipa around 5:30 PM. We’ll drop you off a couple blocks from the main square easy peasy.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Transportation round trip in a comfy tourist bus
- Official tour guide who speaks English like a pro
- One breakfast to start your day
What’s Not Included
- National Reserve entrance fee gotta pay 70 soles
- Hot springs if you go 15 soles to get in
- Lunch budget like 20 to 35 soles depending where you eat
- Tips for your guide if they do a good job
More Tour Information
- Extra cash for fees lunch tips you know the drill
- Small backpack for your stuff
- Sunscreen hat sunglasses sun is strong up there
- Warm sweater or jacket it gets chilly especially early and high up
- Shorts or pants comfy for walking around
- Swimsuit sandals towel for the hot springs if you’re going
Important Traveler Tips:
- Altitude Awareness: The Colca Canyon is at a high altitude. Take it easy on arrival, drink plenty of water, and avoid heavy meals and alcohol initially. Arequipa itself is already at a significant altitude (around 7,600 feet / 2,300 meters).
- Early Wake-Up: Be ready for a very early start to maximize your day.
- Flexibility: It’s a day trip with a set itinerary, but some flexibility is always helpful. Be open to slight changes.
- Enjoy the Ride: The drives themselves offer incredible scenery. Don’t forget to look out the window!
- Ask Questions: Your guide is a valuable resource. Don’t hesitate to ask about the canyon, the villages, or anything else you’re curious about.
Is it Worth It?
Absolutely! For travelers with limited time in Arequipa, the Colca Canyon Day Trip is a fantastic way to experience the grandeur of the Andes, witness unique wildlife, and immerse yourself in local culture. Get ready for a day of breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.
How long are we actually talking for this day trip?
Dude it’s a FULL day. “Day trip” isn’t kidding. Hotel pickup super early like 3:00 – 3:30 AM and you’re back around 5:30 PM. Yeah, it’s a long haul but you pack a ton in. Worth it for the canyon views and all that.
What exactly is included in the price?
Fair enough. Price covers your ride there and back in a tourist van, a guide who speaks English (hopefully they’re good!), and a basic breakfast to kick things off. Pretty straightforward.
And what’s not included then? Spill the beans.
Okay so you gotta pay for a few things extra. Entrance to the National Reserve to see the canyon is 70 soles. Hot springs if you wanna soak is another 15 soles. Lunch you’re on your own for, budget like 20-35 soles. And if you think your guide did a solid job, tips are always appreciated, but not mandatory. Basically, factor in some extra cash.
What should I actually bring with me?
A: Smart thinking. Essentials are: extra cash (see above!), a small backpack to carry your stuff, sunscreen (sun is STRONG), a hat, sunglasses. Layers are key too – warm sweater or jacket cause it gets chilly especially early and high up. Comfy pants or shorts for walking around. If you’re doing the hot springs swimsuit, sandals, and a towel are a must. Easy peasy.
Is this trip like, super hard?
It’s mostly riding in the van and then short walks at viewpoints and villages. The altitude is the bigger thing to be aware of. You’ll be pretty high up especially at Patapampa Pass. Take it easy, drink water, and you should be fine. If you’re worried about altitude sickness maybe chat with your doctor before you go just to be safe.
So what exactly am I gonna see?
You’re seeing one of the deepest canyons on the planet for starters. Condors flying around at Condor Cross is a major highlight. Plus you hit up Antawilke with the ancient terraces, Maca a cute little village, and Yanque hot springs if you’re up for it. And you see some seriously impressive mountain scenery and maybe some wildlife on the way back. It’s more than just a hole, trust me.
How much time do we get at each place?
It’s a day trip so yeah things move at a decent pace. You get enough time at Condor Cross to soak in the views and hopefully spot condors. Village stops are shorter, enough to wander around a bit, see the church, maybe grab a quick souvenir. Hot springs you get about an hour. It’s not super rushed but it’s not a slow-paced chill day either. You cover a lot of ground in one day.
Is this trip worth it if I’m short on time in Arequipa?
Totally. If you only have one day to see something outside of Arequipa, this Colca Canyon trip is a top pick. You get a taste of the Andes, incredible scenery, wildlife, and a cultural glimpse all in one day. For a quick hit of amazing landscapes, yeah it’s worth getting up early for.
Hopefully that covers most of it! Anything else you’re wondering about just ask.
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