Colca Canyon Tour 2 Days with Connection to Puno

Discover the impressive Colca Canyon from Arequipa on an unforgettable 2-day tour, one of the most complete and fascinating experiences for those who wish to visit one of the most emblematic destinations in southern Peru. Considered one of the deepest canyons in the world, the Colca Canyon offers a perfect combination of nature, Andean culture, adventure, and relaxation, making it an essential visit for both domestic and foreign travelers. During this journey through the majestic Colca Valley, you will enjoy spectacular mountain landscapes, extensive pre-Inca terraces, natural viewpoints, traditional towns, and relaxing hot springs, in an environment where history, biodiversity, and ancestral customs remain alive. This tour to the Colca Canyon from Arequipa will allow you to admire some of the most beautiful scenarios of the Andean region, crossing high-altitude routes that reach between 2,900 and 4,500 meters above sea level, with panoramic views showing the immensity of the Peruvian Andes. One of the most anticipated moments of the trip is the visit to the famous Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, one of the most iconic points of the tour, where you can observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor, symbol of the Andes and one of the most representative birds of Peru, while contemplating the depth of the canyon and the grandeur of a landscape that leaves you breathless. Along the route, you will also have the opportunity to appreciate the natural wealth of the highlands, observing typical species such as alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos, which are part of the charm of this journey and turn each section into a unique visual experience for nature and photography lovers. The tour also includes visits to charming traditional towns such as Chivay, Yanque, and Maca, where the hospitality of their inhabitants, local architecture, rural life, and customs inherited for generations reflect the authentic cultural essence of the Colca Valley. These localities preserve a strong Andean identity and allow the traveler to connect with the living history of the place, learn closely about the traditions of the highlands, and enjoy a peaceful environment surrounded by mountains, crop fields, and unforgettable landscapes. The Colca hot springs add an ideal moment of relaxation within the tour, providing a comforting pause in the middle of the adventure and complementing an experience that combines discovery, well-being, and contact with nature. This 2-day tour to the Colca Canyon is ideal for those seeking much more than a conventional excursion, as it offers an authentic immersion into one of Arequipa’s most impressive tourist destinations, where natural beauty meets cultural richness and the ancestral history of the Peruvian Andes. Perfect for couples, groups of friends, independent travelers, and lovers of nature and culture tourism, this trip allows you to explore one of the most surprising landscapes in the country while breathing pure mountain air and living a real connection with the environment. If you are looking for an excursion to the Colca Canyon from Arequipa, an experience with spectacular landscapes, towns full of tradition, Andean fauna, unforgettable viewpoints, and the imposing spectacle of the condor in flight, this is one of the best options to discover the true essence of southern Peru. Live the magic of the Colca Valley, marvel at its pre-Inca terraces, contemplate its biodiversity, relax in its thermal baths, and let yourself be surprised by a destination that gathers adventure, living culture, history, and nature in a unique and unforgettable journey.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arequipa – Chivay – Hot Springs

07:30 am – 08:00 am Pick-up in Arequipa

Pick-up of passengers from hotels located in the center of Arequipa.

08:00 am

Start of the tour to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in the world. During the journey to Chivay, we will enjoy various natural attractions of the Andean highlands:

Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve (Pampa Cañahuas): Sighting of vicuñas in their natural habitat.

Patahuasi: Stop to taste the traditional coca tea, ideal for preventing altitude sickness (soroche).

Toccra Wetlands: Observation of alpacas and high-Andean fauna in unique landscapes.

Volcanoes Viewpoint (4,800 masl): Highest point of the journey, with panoramic views of the volcanic mountain range.

12:30 pm: Arrival in Chivay

Capital of the Colca Valley. Free time to enjoy a typical lunch. Subsequently, transfer and check-in at the selected hotel.

Free Afternoon

ptional visit to the famous Chivay Hot Springs (La Calera), whose natural pools have temperatures between 35°C and 38°C, ideal for relaxing after the trip.

Night Folkloric Show Dinner

Optional dinner accompanied by an Andean folkloric show with typical dances from Colca.

Overnight in Chivay

Accommodation in a hotel in Chivay with rest in the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

Day 02: Cruz del Cóndor, Maca and Route Chivay to Puno

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, we will begin our excursion to the famous Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, located approximately 1 hour from Chivay. This is the main observation point for the Colca Canyon and the majestic flight of the Andean condor, one of the most impressive experiences of tourism in Peru.

We will stay for around 45 minutes, an ideal time to enjoy panoramic views of the canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world.

Return to Chivay

On the way back, we will make stops at different viewpoints in the Colca Valley, where we will appreciate the traditional pre-Inca terracing. We will also visit the picturesque town of Maca, known for its colonial church and local products. Here you can optionally taste typical drinks such as the Colca Sour, made with Andean ingredients.

01:00 pm – Route to Puno

We will begin the trip from Chivay to Puno, crossing impressive high-Andean landscapes. During the journey, we will make two main stops:

Volcanoes Viewpoint (4,800 masl), Panoramic view of the volcanic mountain range.

Lagunillas Viewpoint, Observation of the high-altitude lagoon surrounded by local fauna.

07:30 pm – Arrival in Puno

Arrival in the city of Puno, ending the service near the Plaza de Armas.

¿What does the Tour include?

Tourist transport and logistics

Pick-up from central hotels in Arequipa. Modern and comfortable tourist transport equipped with oxygen on board. Direct transfer Chivay – Puno in a tourist bus. Professional driver with experience in Andean routes. Assistance throughout the journey.

Tourist transport

Professional guide and accompaniment

Official bilingual guide in Spanish and English throughout the tour. Explanations at each tourist point in the Colca Valley. Personalized attention during the trip.

Experiences and tourist stops

Access to the La Calera Hot Springs in Chivay. Photo stops at the main viewpoints of the Colca Canyon. Observation of Andean fauna such as vicuñas and alpacas. First aid kit and oxygen available.

Additional services included

Assistance before and during the tour. Transfer and orientation upon arrival in the city of Puno near the Plaza de Armas. Luggage coordination throughout the journey.

¿What is not included?

Accommodation and meals

Hotel night in Chivay not included. Breakfast on the second day not included. Buffet lunch on the first day in Chivay not included. Dinner on the first day in Chivay not included. Lunch on the second day during the route to Puno not included.

Entrance fees and mandatory payments

The Colca Canyon tourist ticket is not included and is paid directly at the valley control point. Reference rates: foreigners S/ 70.00, nationals S/ 20.00, and students S/ 40.00.

Services and personal expenses

Travel insurance not included. Optional tips for guide and driver. Personal expenses during the tour.

Additional logistics

Transfers outside the historic center of Arequipa not included. Any service not mentioned in the program is considered additional.

Recommendations 

Preparation before the trip

It is recommended to acclimate in Arequipa at least one night before starting the Colca Canyon tour. It is important to stay hydrated, drink water or coca tea to prevent altitude sickness, and consume light meals. Sleeping well the night before will help to have a better experience during the tour.

What to bring to the Colca tour

Bring warm clothing in layers due to temperature changes in the Colca Valley. It is recommended to use sneakers or trekking boots for greater comfort. Do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. It is also important to bring a swimsuit and towel for the Chivay hot springs, cash for local payments, and a camera or cell phone for photos.

Recommendations during the journey

Walk slowly in high-altitude areas to avoid soroche. Consume coca tea or Andean infusions like muña. Always follow the tour guide’s instructions and respect the established schedules. It is important to look after the natural environment and not feed the animals.

Tips for the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint

Arriving early allowed for a higher probability of observing the flight of the Andean condor. Keeping quiet helps not to disturb the environment. Using a camera with zoom is recommended to capture better images of the canyon and birds.

Connection trip Chivay to Puno

During the journey to Puno, it is recommended to wrap up warm due to the cold highland weather. Take advantage of the photo stops at viewpoints and Andean landscapes. Having the address of the hotel in Puno handy will facilitate the final transfer

Health and safety in the Colca

If any symptoms of altitude sickness occur, it is important to communicate it to the guide. Avoid the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes during the trip. Having travel insurance provides greater peace of mind.

Final tips for your trip to the Colca

Respect local communities and their customs. Support the local economy by buying handicrafts. Enjoy every moment of the experience in one of the most impressive destinations in Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Is it safe to visit the Colca Canyon?

The Colca Canyon is a safe tourist destination that has established routes, local controls, and certified professional guides. As in any remote natural area, it is recommended to maintain basic caution with personal belongings and always follow the routes marked by the authorities.

¿What is the best time to travel to the Colca Valley?

The best season to take the Colca Canyon tour is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. In these months, the sky is clear and there is less probability of rain, which facilitates visibility at the viewpoints, although it should be noted that nights are colder.

¿How to get to the Colca Canyon and where do the tours start from?

Most excursions depart from the city of Arequipa in specialized tourist transport towards Chivay. There are also options to connect later with the city of Puno. While it is possible to depart from Puno, this route requires special logistics and usually has additional costs.

¿What is the difference between a conventional tour and a Colca trekking

The conventional tour is carried out mainly by transport with stops at viewpoints and towns, being ideal for those seeking comfort and panoramic views. Conversely, trekking involves descending on foot to the bottom of the canyon and staying overnight in local lodges, which requires excellent physical condition due to the steep slope.

¿Can the Colca tour be started from Puno?

It is possible to coordinate the start of the service from Puno, although it is most common for travelers to join the main route in the valley. This type of itinerary usually requires prior coordination with the operator and may involve variations in the final price of the tour.

¿Where can I leave my large luggage during the trip?

Most hotels in Arequipa offer a free or low-cost luggage storage service while you take the two-day tour. If your trip ends in Puno, the tourist transport has secure compartments to carry all your suitcases throughout the entire route.

¿What time can the flight of the condor be seen?

Sighting the flight of the Andean condor at the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint usually happens very early in the morning, between 08:00 am and 09:30 am. It is during this time when thermal currents allow these majestic birds to ascend from the bottom of the canyon.

¿Are there ATMs or are cards accepted in the Colca?

In towns like Chivay, there are some ATMs, but in more remote locations like Cabanaconde, they are almost non-existent. It is recommended to carry enough cash in soles, as card payment is infrequent and exchange rates for dollars or euros may not be favorable.

¿Is it mandatory to present a passport to visit the valley towns?

It is not strictly mandatory to carry a passport to transit through the towns, but it is indispensable to present it or show an identification document when checking into the hotels selected for the overnight stay.

¿What should I do if I feel symptoms of altitude sickness or soroche?

To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended to spend at least one night acclimating in Arequipa before going up to the valley. It is vital to maintain constant hydration with water or infusions of coca and muña, avoid alcohol, and move slowly on the first day. Additionally, our transport is equipped with oxygen and a first aid kit to attend to any eventuality.