Full day Colca Canyon tour + condors and hot springs
- 10k reviews 14 h
Sign up for this adventure that will take you to one of the deepest canyons on the planet. During this tour, you’ll pass through rural villages that sow and harvest on the mountainsides. Upon reaching the Condor Viewpoint, you’ll make a prolonged stop to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor.
Before returning to Arequipa, you’ll take a break in Chacapi, some hot springs of volcanic origin.
The Colca is a valley with pre-Hispanic terraces and colonial churches, an ancestral territory inhabited by Cabanas and Collaguas, two highland peoples predating the Inca rule in ancient Perú. The entire valley is formed by the persistence of the river of the same name.
If you’re in Arequipa and want to see the best of the region, this full-day tour to the Colca is perfect for you. Get involved! You’ll have an unforgettable experience!
Itineray
Get ready to rise early because we’ll pick you up around 3:30 in the morning.
We’ll collect you from your hotel, provided it’s located in the Historic Centre.
If you have any concerns or special requests, remember we’re entirely at your disposal. Rest assured, we’re passionate about showcasing our destinations and strive to provide you with the best service possible.
*To ensure you have all the information you need about the conditions of our full-day tour to Colca Canyon, we invite you to read the Details and Notes tab.
Before the white city of Arequipa awakens to a new day, you’ll depart in a tourist vehicle towards Chivay, the capital of the Caylloma province and the largest town in the Colca Canyon and valley.
The journey lasts approximately three hours and takes place on a paved road. During the trip, the vehicle will navigate many curves and ascend to very high altitudes. Take precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
Before continuing towards the Cruz del Condor viewpoint and the Chacapi hot springs, we’ll make a stop in Chivay for you to refuel, where you can enjoy a local breakfast including vegetarian options.
Keep in mind that Chivay is located at 3635 meters above sea level, so having a light breakfast is most suitable because the digestive process is slower at high altitudes. Dare to try some coca tea, which is very effective in combating altitude sickness.
After breakfast, our tourist vehicle will head towards the Cruz del Condor, one of the main attractions of the Colca Canyon and valley. The renowned viewpoint is approximately an hour away from Chivay.
The journey itself is part of the adventure. So, focus on the route because from the bus, you’ll see the terraced fields and the mountains. You’ll also have the opportunity to admire the traditional clothing of the women from the valley.
From this natural vantage point at the edge of the abyss, you’ll behold the canyon in its entirety and the mountainous panorama that complements a geographical scene of breathtaking beauty.
But that’s not all. The viewpoint is one of the few places in Peru and South America where you can see the daily flight or glide of the Andean condors, the mythical and legendary bird that the Incas considered a messenger of the gods.
Enthralled after the aerial spectacle of the Colca condors, you’ll return to the vehicle to embark on the journey towards the Chacapi baths, where you can enjoy the warmth of its volcanic hot springs.
The journey is quite captivating. Stay alert to gaze upon the landscapes that unfold beyond the vehicle’s windows. Your attention will be rewarded as you discover the rural geography of the colonial towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque.
Get ready to experience a moment of tranquil relaxation at the six pools of Chacapi, the hot springs that will soothe you with their stress-relieving waters and the scenic views they “gift” you with.
The hot springs are located in the district of Yanque, known for the architecture of its colonial church. The waters of Chacapi reach up to 45 degrees Celsius, the perfect temperature to recharge your energy and continue with the itinerary.
The emotions, the hustle and bustle, and the relaxing bath in Chacapi will surely whet your appetite. Lunch is scheduled around 13:30, in Chivay, the chosen place for you to pamper your palate with the best flavors of the Colca Canyon and valley.
Please note that lunch is not included in the tour cost and is at your own expense. Our guide, knowledgeable about the gastronomic offerings of Chivay, will recommend the best restaurants. The information is there. The choice is yours!
Back to the “White City” after an intense and emotion-filled day in the Colca Canyon and valley. The return journey will allow you to appreciate the rugged landscapes along the route, which were overshadowed by the dawn on the outbound trip.
On the way back to Arequipa, you may find yourself tempted by sleep, although it’s best to stay wide awake. This way, you can admire the plains, the volcanoes, and even the vicuñas grazing alongside the road.
Our transportation will drop you off very close to the Plaza de Armas, around 17:30. Once in the Historic Centre, you can easily head to your hotel or accommodation.
If you still have energy and want to extend your travel day, ask your guide for suggestions on urban attractions to visit to round off the afternoon. Or if you fancy a snack, consult them about a good place to celebrate your visit to the Colca.
Price
The prices shown in the table are:
- Per person in US dollars ($).
- Pple. = people.
- Group = group service, shared.
| Pple. | Group | Private |
| 1 | $25 | $330 |
| 2 | $25 | $165 |
| 3 | $25 | $135 |
| 4 | $25 | $120 |
| 5 | $25 | $100 |
Details
| Details | Group | Private |
| Schedule | 3:30 to 17:30 | 4:00 to 17:30 |
| Days | Every day | Every day |
| Language | es/en simultaneously | es or en |
| Size | 15 to 30 pax. | You and your friends |
| Included | Group | Private |
| Pick up from your hotel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Breakfast with vegetarian options | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lunch | ❌ | ❌ |
| Professional Guide | ✅ | ✅ |
| Driver | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tourist vehicle | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ticket for the Colca Canyon: 70 soles pp | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ticket for the hot springs: 15 soles pp | ❌ | ❌ |
| Personalized service | ❌ | ✅ |
| Drop off at your hotel | ❌ | ✅ |
Accessibility: Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
What do I bring?
- Sweaters
- Rain ponchos
- Anti-slip shoes
- Caps or hats
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A bottle of water
- Local currency in cash for your entrance tickets
- * Dollars, Euros and cards are not accepted
- * You can buy the entrance tickets the same day of your tour
WhatsApp:
Notes
Pick-ups and timings:
Group tours:
- Pick up times and tour ending times are approximate.
- Bus stop times to visit the attractions, to eat (if applicable) or other activities are always approximate, never exact.
- Arrival times to the attractions on foot are approximate.
- We will pick you up as long as you are in the historic center; otherwise, we will coordinate another meeting place.
- If your hotel doesn’t have a car access, the streets are one-way only or there is a lot of car traffic, then you will walk some blocks to get in the bus.
- We may not pick you up for some tours due to schedules, festivals and strikes.
- When being picked up, we will call for your name, lastname and tour destination; otherwise, don’t get on the bus.
- We will coordinate all pick-up time details one day prior your tour.
Private tours:
- Your pick up time is sharp on time.
- We will do our best to pick you up from your hotel regardless your hotel location.
- We will coordinate all pick-up time details one day prior your tour.
- Your tour ending time is still aproximate; however, we will do our best to end the tour on the scheduled time.
Meal:
- The tourism infrastructure for this tourist destination is basic.
- Both breakfast and lunch are basic, not many options, not many restaurants.
- There are basic vegetarian options.
Vehicle type and seats:
Vehicle types — group tours and private tours:
- We implement vehicles authorized by the Ministry of Transportation of Peru.
- The type and size of vehicle will always depend on the group size.
- We implement modern vehicles with air conditioning: H1, Van, Renault and Sprinter.
Seats — group tours:
- You book a seat in the bus — you don’t necessarily book a specific number of seat.
- If you are picked up first from your hotel, then you can can choose some seats.
- Your pickup time will depend on your hotel location.
- Travel partners or couples seat together to 95%; however, we don’t warranty this will happen to 100%.
Road type:
- Much of the road is paved track.
- The last part of the road is a dirt road (compacted earth) with bumps, therefore:
- Dust comes in through the windows.
- The vehicle ride is sometimes bumpy.
Driver:
Group tours:
- Authorized by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
- He drives fast due to distance and time issues.
- He sometimes listens to music while driving to stay awake.
Private tours:
- Authorized by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
- He drives at normal speed.
Guide:
Group tours:
- Authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism.
- He goes as a companion, he is always behind the group to make sure that everyone reaches their destination.
- There is not much explanation either on the bus or on the attraction, the route is focused more on a short walk, not on history.
Private tours:
- Authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism.
- He is always there to help you.
Operability and itinerary:
This tour is subject to variation without any prior notice, due to weather conditions, strikes and any other event that doesn’t allow the normal tour operation.
Cancellations
The cancellation is free as long as you do it 48 hours in advance; otherwise, a fee of 100% of the tour cost will apply.
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