Tour Description
Experience the breathtaking vastness of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, on this comprehensive full-day tour from Arequipa. Designed for travelers with limited time, this tour takes you deep into the heart of the Andes to witness spectacular landscapes, traditional villages, and incredible wildlife.
The highlight of the day is the visit to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you will have the unparalleled opportunity to watch the majestic Andean Condor—the largest flying bird in the world—gliding effortlessly on thermal updrafts. Along the way, you will cross the high-altitude Patapampa pass, see wild vicuñas and alpacas in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and marvel at the intricate pre-Inca agricultural terraces that line the valley walls.
Highlights
- Cruz del Condor: The best spot in South America to observe wild Andean Condors in flight.
- Colca Canyon: Marvel at a canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA.
- National Reserve: Spot wild vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas in their natural high-altitude habitat.
- Patapampa Pass: Reach the highest point of the journey at 4,910m (16,108ft) for views of the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Hualca Hualca volcanoes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: The Land of the Condor
- 03:00 AMEarly pick up from your hotel in Arequipa.
- 06:30 AMArrival in the town of Chivay for a buffet breakfast.
- 08:00 AMArrival at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Spend time watching the condors fly over the deep canyon.
- 10:00 AMReturn journey through traditional villages like Maca and Pinchollo, observing pre-Inca terraces.
- 12:00 PMOptional visit to the La Calera hot springs (entrance fee not included).
- 01:00 PMBuffet lunch in Chivay (not included).
- 02:30 PMBegin the return trip to Arequipa, stopping at the Patapampa Volcano Viewpoint (4,910m) and the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve to see vicuñas.
- 05:30 PMArrival back in Arequipa city center.
Included
- Early morning pick up from your hotel in Arequipa
- Tourist transportation
- Official bilingual guide
- Breakfast in Chivay
Not included
- Colca Canyon Tourist Ticket (BTC): S/ 70 for foreigners, S/ 40 for South Americans, S/ 20 for Peruvians
- Buffet lunch in Chivay
- Entrance to La Calera Hot Springs (approx S/ 15)
- Gratuities
What to bring
- Warm clothing (very cold in the early morning)
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Camera and extra batteries
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cash in Soles for the tourist ticket, lunch, and hot springs
- Swimsuit and towel (if visiting the hot springs)
Expert Tips
- The tour reaches a very high altitude at Patapampa (4,910m). Drink plenty of water and coca tea to prevent altitude sickness.
- Dress in layers as temperatures fluctuate wildly between the freezing early morning and sunny afternoon.
