Colca Canyon 1-Day Excursion
Our Colca Canyon day tour travels from Arequipa to one of the deepest canyons on the planet, so you can see the condors fly at the Cruz del Cóndor and explore the valley's traditional villages in a single day.
The flight of the condor over one of the deepest canyons in the world
Summary
The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons on Earth and, also, home to the Andean condor. This Colca Canyon day tour lets you discover it from Arequipa, while you cross high Andean landscapes of great beauty.
On the way, you cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where vicuñas are commonly seen, and pass the Patapampa viewpoint, at almost 5,000 meters, overlooking a chain of volcanoes. Then, in Colca, you reach the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to watch these birds gliding over the canyon.
On the way back, you visit the villages of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque, with their colonial churches and pre-Inca terraces, and have lunch in Chivay before returning to Arequipa. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the 2-day version includes a night in the valley; also, you can start your trip with our City Tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
03:00 - 03:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Arequipa before dawn.
Our team picks you up at your hotel in the early morning. Then we begin the journey to the Colca Canyon by tourist transportation.
03:30 - 06:30
Drive and volcano viewpoint
Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve and Patapampa.
We cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where vicuñas are often seen at dawn, and then pass the Patapampa viewpoint, overlooking the region’s volcanoes.
06:30 - 07:15
Breakfast in Chivay
Breakfast in the capital of the Colca Valley before continuing.
Later, we arrive in Chivay, the valley’s main town, for breakfast before continuing to the canyon.
08:15 - 09:30
Cruz del Cóndor
Condor watching over the canyon, especially in the morning.
At the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, we watch the condors gliding over the canyon on the morning air currents, while we enjoy views into the depths of Colca.
09:30 - 11:30
Valley villages
Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque, with viewpoints and terraces.
On the way back, we visit the villages of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque, with their colonial churches, plazas and viewpoints over the valley’s pre-Inca terraces.
11:30 - 13:00
Buffet lunch in Chivay
Local cuisine of the Colca Valley.
Then we enjoy a buffet lunch in Chivay, with regional dishes such as grilled alpaca and Andean soups.
13:00 - 17:00
Return to Arequipa
Return by tourist transportation during the afternoon.
Finally, we return to Arequipa, where the tour ends at your hotel or in the city center.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Arequipa
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Breakfast in Chivay
- Buffet lunch in Chivay
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Colca tourist ticket
- Drinks and snacks
- Hot springs entrance
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Warm layered clothing, beanie and gloves
Windbreaker jacket
Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water and snacks
Cash for the Colca tourist ticket
Passport or identification document
Altitude
The route passes the Patapampa viewpoint, at almost 5,000 meters above sea level. Therefore, we recommend spending at least one day in Arequipa before the tour, drinking plenty of water and avoiding heavy meals.
Best season
The tour operates all year. From April to November days are clearer; however, between January and March rain may affect some sections of the road.
Recommendations
It is a long day with a very early start. Also, condor sightings depend on natural conditions, so they cannot be guaranteed.
Gallery
FAQ
Am I sure to see condors?
On the Colca Canyon day tour, sightings are very likely at the Cruz del Cóndor, especially in the early morning hours. However, since they are wild birds, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
What is the Colca tourist ticket?
It is the entrance ticket to the tourist area of the Colca Valley, which is paid at the access checkpoint. Also, its price differs for Peruvian and foreign visitors.
Is doing Colca in one day very tiring?
The Colca Canyon day tour is a long day of about 14 hours, much of it spent in the vehicle. Therefore, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, we recommend the 2-day version.
Could I get altitude sickness?
It is possible, because you go above 4,800 meters at Patapampa. Therefore, we carry emergency oxygen and recommend acclimatizing in Arequipa beforehand.
Can I continue from Colca to Puno?
Yes, with the 2-day version. At the end, you can continue by tourist bus to Puno instead of returning to Arequipa.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, although the length of the day and the altitude should be considered. Therefore, contact us if you are traveling with young children.
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