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Thi W TripadvisorSignature Peru Tour
Colca Canyon Tour: Puno to Arequipa
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StartsStarts at
Duration1 Day
Physical LevelEasy
SitesCusco, Soraypampa
Trip Overview
Hey travelers! Looking for a smart way to see the awesome Colca Canyon? This 2-day trip is a popular route that saves you time and money because you start in Puno and finish up right in Arequipa – no need to backtrack!
What You’ll See & Do
- Check out the super high Patapampa viewpoint
- Visit the famous Cruz del Condor to hopefully spot giant condors
- See cool wetlands like Tocrapampa where camelids graze
- Explore Chivay town, the main hub in the Colca area
- Get the chance to chill out in relaxing thermal baths
- See the massive Colca Canyon itself
- End your trip conveniently in the historic center of Arequipa
Day by Day Schedule
Alright, day one kicks off bright and early around 6:00 AM. We’ll meet you near the main square (Plaza de Armas) in Puno (which sits pretty high at about 3,827 meters or 12,556 feet) or pick you up from nearby hotels. Then, we hit the road towards Chivay.
The drive itself is part of the adventure. We’ll make a few stops along the way. Your guide will fill you in on why these spots are important. Keep your eyes peeled – you’ll likely see South American camelids just hanging out, like vicuñas (the wild ones!), alpacas, and llamas. Lots of travelers love snapping pics here. We’ll pass through areas like the Tocrapampa wetlands where they often graze.
One really cool stop is Patapampa, nicknamed “The Viewpoint of the Andes.” This is the highest point of your whole trip, way up at 4,800 meters (around 15,748 feet!). Take it easy walking around here; the altitude is no joke and can definitely leave you breathless.
Around 12:30 PM, give or take, we’ll roll into Chivay town (altitude here is about 3,635 meters / 11,926 feet). We’ll get you sorted and dropped off at your hostel or hotel for the night.
The afternoon is kind of yours to explore Chivay or relax. A super popular thing to do is visit the local thermal baths – nice hot water to soak in after the journey. Going is optional though, and you’ll pay the entrance fee yourself if you decide to go. After that, just settle in for the night in Chivay.
Wakey wakey! We’ll grab breakfast at the hotel around 6:30 AM. Gotta get moving early again!
Next up, we head straight for the Cruz del Condor viewpoint (located around 3,700 meters / 12,140 feet). This place is the classic spot. You really get a sense of how incredibly deep the Colca Canyon is. Plus, this is the prime location to see the massive Andean Condors soaring on the air currents, sometimes really close! It’s pretty epic when they show up. Just remember, seeing them isn’t guaranteed – they’re wild animals, but fingers crossed!
On the drive back towards Chivay, we’ll see some different stuff. You’ll spot old archaeological remains, ancient pre-Inca farming terraces built right into the mountainsides (amazing how they did that!), and just generally awesome panoramic views of the Colca Canyon from new angles.
We’ll pass through some traditional little villages like Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque. We’ll make a quick stop in one or two so you can have a look around, maybe see their old colonial-style churches, check out local handicrafts, and see the locals wearing their typical colorful clothing.
Once we’re back in Chivay, you’ll have some free time to find a spot for lunch (this one’s on you).
After lunch, it’s time to hop back in the transport and start the journey towards the city of Arequipa.
We expect to arrive in Arequipa around 5:30 PM, depending on traffic and road conditions. We’ll drop you off near the historic center. And that’s it, tour done! You’re free to find your next accommodation, explore Arequipa’s beautiful white buildings, or whatever your plan is.
Inclusions
What’s Included
What’s Included in the Price?
- Transport: Covers the whole journey: Puno -> Chivay -> Cruz del Condor -> Chivay -> Arequipa. Basically, all the driving between the main places mentioned.
- Accommodation: One night in a basic hotel or hostel in Chivay. Expect it to be simple and clean, maybe not super fancy, but a place to crash for the night. Remember, nights can get chilly at this altitude!
- Meals: You get breakfast included on Day 2 to fuel up before visiting the Cruz del Condor.
- Guided Visits: A guide will be with you to show you the Colca Canyon, the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, and other scenic stops. They’ll share info about the area, the culture, and maybe point out some wildlife.
Assistance: You’ll have general support and guidance from the tour staff throughout the two days.
What’s Not Included
It’s good to know what costs aren’t covered so you can budget right.
- Colca Valley Tourist Ticket (BTC): This entrance fee is required to get into the Colca protected area. Think of it like a national park pass. The price depends on your nationality. It’s best to have cash in Peruvian Soles ready for this when you enter the valley.
- Thermal Baths Entrance: If you fancy a dip in the hot springs near Chivay on Day 1, the entry fee is separate (usually around S/.15 Peruvian Soles). It’s totally optional.
- Room Heating: Some basic hotels in Chivay might offer heating in the room for an extra charge, especially during the colder months (May-August). This could be around S/.25 Soles if you need it and the hotel offers it. Not all places have it or charge for it.
- Lunches and Dinners: You’ll need to cover your own lunch on both Day 1 and Day 2, plus dinner on Day 1 in Chivay. There are usually local options available.
- Snacks and Drinks: Any extra water bottles, sodas, coffee, or snacks you want during the drives or stops are on you. Staying hydrated is important at altitude!
- Tips: Tips for your guide and driver are not included in the price. If you feel they did a great job and you want to show your appreciation, a tip is always welcome (and common practice for travelers in Peru), but it’s completely voluntary.
More Tour Information
Price Information
| Item | Cost (USD / PEN) | Notes |
| Tour Price Per Person | $65.00 USD | Covers transport, 1 night basic accommodation, 1 breakfast, guide |
| Not Included Costs: | Must be paid separately, usually in cash (Peruvian Soles – PEN) | |
| Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC) | Peruvians: S/.20 PEN<br>South Americans: S/.40 PEN<br>Other Nationalities: S/.70 PEN | Mandatory park entrance fee. Prices subject to change by authorities. |
| Thermal Baths Entrance | Approx. S/.15 PEN | Optional activity. |
| Room Heating | Approx. S/.25 PEN | Optional, depends on hotel and if needed/available. |
| Lunches & Dinner | Variable | Pay for your own meals. |
| Snacks & Drinks | Variable | Pay for your own extras. |
| Tips | Variable / Optional | Voluntary gratuity for guide/driver. |
Good to Know / Traveler Tips
- Altitude Sickness: This trip goes high pretty quick! Patapampa is seriously high up. Listen to your body. Drink TONS of water, try the local coca tea (it really helps many people!), avoid big heavy meals and alcohol right before or during the highest parts. Move slowly when you first arrive at high altitudes. Some folks get headaches, feel dizzy, or nauseous. It’s common, but take it seriously. If you feel really bad, tell your guide.
- What to Pack: Layers are key! Mornings and evenings can be cold, especially at altitude, but the sun can be strong during the day. Bring sunscreen (high SPF!), sunglasses, a hat. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Don’t forget your camera! Maybe pack a swimsuit and small towel if you think you’ll hit the thermal baths. Crucially, bring cash in Peruvian Soles for those entry tickets, meals, and any souvenirs.
- Money: While there might be an ATM in Chivay, it’s way better to bring enough cash (Peruvian Soles) from Puno or Arequipa for the things not included. Smaller towns might not always have working ATMs or accept cards everywhere.
- Be Flexible: Hey, it’s Peru! Sometimes things run a little late. Traffic, road conditions, or even a great condor sighting might adjust the schedule slightly. Just roll with it – that’s part of the travel experience here! Enjoy the journey.
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