Colca Canyon Excursion 2D/1N
Colca Canyon 2 Day Tour: Hot Springs, a Night in Chivay and the Flight of the Condor
Our Colca Canyon 2 day tour lets you explore the valley without rushing. First, you relax in the La Calera hot springs and spend the night in Chivay; then you get up early to watch the condors fly at the Cruz del Cóndor, with the option to continue to Puno.
Two days in the valley of wonders
Summary
Trip overview
The Colca Canyon 2 day tour lets you discover the valley more calmly, without the very early start of the one-day tour. Therefore, you have time to enjoy the landscapes, villages and hot springs of one of the deepest canyons in the world.
On the first day, you travel from Arequipa through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and the Patapampa volcano viewpoint to Chivay. Then, in the afternoon, you relax in the La Calera hot springs.
On the second day, you visit the Cruz del Cóndor in the early morning and explore the valley’s traditional villages. Finally, you return to Arequipa or, alternatively, continue your journey to Puno.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Arequipa, Patapampa and Chivay
High Andean landscapes, then the La Calera hot springs.
We pick you up at your hotel in Arequipa in the morning and drive through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can see vicuñas, alpacas and llamas. Then we pass the Patapampa viewpoint, overlooking the volcanoes, before descending to Chivay. After lunch and checking into your hotel, we visit the La Calera hot springs, so you can relax in its warm pools. Later, in the evening, you can optionally attend a dinner with music and traditional dances of the valley.
Day 2
Cruz del Cóndor, valley villages and return
Condor watching before the return to Arequipa or the continuation to Puno.
Very early, we drive to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to watch the condors gliding over the canyon. On the way back, we visit the villages of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque and their viewpoints over pre-Inca terraces. After lunch in Chivay, we return to Arequipa. However, if you are continuing to Puno, we transfer you to a tourist bus that takes you directly to that city.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pickup from hotels in central Arequipa
- Tourist transportation throughout the tour
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- 1 night in a tourist hotel in Chivay
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 2 buffet lunches in Chivay
- Entrance to the La Calera hot springs
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
What's not included?
- Colca tourist ticket
- Dinner on the first day
- Tourist bus to Puno (optional)
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- Warm layered clothing, beanie and gloves
- Windbreaker jacket
- Swimsuit and towel for the hot springs
- Comfortable sneakers
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Cash for the Colca tourist ticket
- Passport or identification document
Weather
The Colca Valley has sunny days and very cold nights, which can drop below freezing. Also, rain is common between January and March.
Best season
The program operates all year. However, from April to November days are clearer and views of the canyon and volcanoes are better.
Acclimatization
Chivay is at 3,635 meters and the route goes above 4,800. Therefore, we recommend spending at least one day in Arequipa before the trip and drinking plenty of water.
Recommendations
Condor sightings depend on natural conditions, so they cannot be guaranteed. Also, bring cash in soles, because there are few ATMs in the valley.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Hotel in Chivay
One night in a tourist hotel in Chivay, including heating or extra blankets for the cold nights.
Transportation
Tourist transportation from Arequipa, the valley tour and, then, the return to Arequipa.
Meals
Breakfast at the hotel, as well as buffet lunches with regional dishes.
Travel assistance
Professional guide throughout the trip, as well as support from our team.
Connection to Puno
Option to continue by tourist bus from Colca to Puno when the program ends.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of the 2-day version?
The Colca Canyon 2 day tour avoids the very early start and lets you enjoy the La Calera hot springs and a night in the valley; as a result, you reach the Cruz del Cóndor well rested.
Can I continue to Puno at the end of the tour?
Yes. At the end of the second day, you can take a tourist bus from Colca to Puno, which we can book for you.
What type of hotel is included?
A tourist hotel in Chivay. However, we can quote higher-category hotels in the valley if you prefer.
What is the Colca tourist ticket?
It is the entrance ticket to the tourist area of the valley, which is paid at the access checkpoint. Also, its price differs for Peruvian and foreign visitors.
Am I sure to see condors?
It is very likely, especially early in the morning; however, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate it as a private service, upgrade the hotel category or, also, add activities such as hikes in the valley.
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