Overview
Tour Destinations : Arequipa, Peru
Daily Outline
Arequipa - Chivay - Colca Canyon - Chivay - Arequipa
Itinerary
Day 1 Arequipa - Chivay - Colca Canyon - Chivay - Arequipa
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Arequipa between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m. We will then begin our journey toward the Colca Valley, enjoying the changing landscapes of the southern Andes along the way.
After approximately 3 hours of travel, we will arrive in the town of Chivay, where we will stop for breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue directly to the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint, located at approximately 3,800 m. (12,467 ft.) and about 30 minutes from Chivay. This is one of the best places to appreciate the impressive depth of the Colca Canyon and observe the majestic Andean condors soaring above the canyon.
We will spend approximately 45 minutes at the viewpoint, allowing enough time to enjoy the spectacular scenery, watch the flight of the condors, and take photographs.
On the way back, we will make several stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Colca Valley, where you can admire its impressive pre-Inca and Inca agricultural terraces. We will also stop in the traditional town of Maca, known for its charming colonial church and picturesque surroundings.
We will then continue to Yanque, where you will have the opportunity to relax in its medicinal hot springs. The visit to the hot springs is optional and will take approximately 1 hour.
Afterward, we will return to Chivay 3,635 m (11,925 feet), where we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, we will begin our journey back to Arequipa, making stops at some of the most impressive viewpoints and natural attractions along the route.
One of our main stops will be Patapampa pass,located at approximately 4,910 m. (16,109 ft), also known as the Viewpoint of the Volcanoes. From here, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscape and several of the region’s majestic volcanoes.
We will also make a short stop at the Toccra Wetlands, an important high-altitude ecosystem where you can observe South American camelids, including vicuñas and alpacas, roaming freely in their natural environment.
Finally, after a scenic journey through the Andes, we will arrive back in Arequipa around 5:00 p.m., where we will drop you off at your hotel.
What's Included
- Hotel pick up and Drop off in Arequipa Downtown
- Round-trip transportation
- English-Spanish Tour Guide
- Breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant
What's Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Entrance fee to the hot springs (S/.15 Peruvian soles)
- Entrance fee to Colca Canyon (S/.70 Peruvian soles)
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities (optional)
Price
GROUP TOUR
Minimum 1 Persona requiredPRIVATE TOUR
Minimum 2 people required* For groups of 4+ travelers, please contact us directly to unlock special volume discounts.
FAQs
What Is the Best Time to Visit Colca Canyon?
The best time to visit Colca Canyon is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is generally sunny with clearer skies, making it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying panoramic views of the canyon. Days are usually pleasant, although temperatures can be cold in the early morning and at night, especially at higher elevations.
The rainy season runs from November to April. During this period, the landscape becomes greener and more vibrant, but occasional heavy rainfall can affect road and trekking conditions. For the best combination of good weather, clear views, and comfortable outdoor activities, May to October is generally recommended.
Adults
Children
If Circuit 2 tickets are sold out for your travel date, we’ll secure the best available alternative: Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. To secure your preferred circuit and times, we highly recommend booking your Machu Picchu trip as early as possible; tickets are limited and sell out quickly.
