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Discover the impressive Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, on a one-day adventure from Arequipa. Enjoy the majestic flight of the Andean Condor surrounded by Andean landscapes, volcanoes, and traditional villages. Additionally, closely discover the traditional culture of the Colca Valley amidst historical remnants and the natural beauty of one of the most astonishing regions of Peru.
Colca Canyon 1 day tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more authentic experience throughout the journey. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your adventure with complete confidence.
- Adventure, nature and culture in a single experience: Combine watching the flight of the Andean condor from the viewpoints with the high Andean landscapes and the traditional villages of the Colca Valley.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pick-up at your hotel to the end of the experience you will be accompanied by our guide, who will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each attraction along the route calmly, appreciating the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination.
Programme summary
Arequipa – Colca Canyon – Cruz del Cóndor – Chivay – Arequipa
A full day from Arequipa to the breathtaking Colca Valley, with stops at Pampa Cañahuas, Patahuasi, the Toccra wetlands and the Patapampa viewpoint, a visit to the famous Cruz del Cóndor to watch the flight of the Andean condor, and a tour of the traditional villages of the valley.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day: approx. 14 to 15 hours |
| Schedule | From 3:30 a.m. to approx. 6:00 p.m. |
| Distance | Approx. 160 km between Arequipa and the Colca Valley |
| Maximum altitude | Volcanoes Viewpoint, Patapampa: 4,910 m / 16,109 ft |
| Minimum altitude | Arequipa: 2,335 m / 7,661 ft |
| Difficulty | Easy, with no demanding hikes |
| Temperature | Between 0 °C and 22 °C, depending on the area and the season |
Highlights
- Pampa Cañahuas: a protected area of the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, known for sightings of vicuñas in their natural habitat.
- Patahuasi: a traditional Andean stop, ideal for enjoying a coca tea and adapting gradually to the altitude.
- Toccra wetlands: a beautiful high Andean ecosystem, home to alpacas, llamas and a variety of birds from the region.
- Volcanoes Viewpoint, Patapampa (4,910 m / 16,109 ft): the highest point of the route, with impressive panoramic views of the Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca volcanoes.
- Chivay: the main town of the Colca Valley, famous for its traditional culture, its cuisine and its hot springs.
- Cruz del Cóndor: the best viewpoint in the Colca Canyon for admiring the majestic flight of the Andean condor.
- Yanque: a picturesque Andean village known for its living culture, its local traditions and its colonial architecture.
- Maca: a charming traditional village with a beautiful colonial church and privileged views of the valley.
- Colca Valley: home to impressive pre-Hispanic terraces among natural landscapes and traditional communities.
Colca Canyon tour itinerary
Arequipa – Colca Canyon – Cruz del Cóndor – Chivay – Arequipa
A full day among volcanoes, pre-Hispanic terraces and the flight of the Andean condor.
- The tour starts early, with the pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., to set off towards one of the most impressive natural destinations in southern Peru. Along the way we cross unique high Andean landscapes, with views of volcanoes, mountains and vast plains.
- After about 3 hours on the road we stop in Chivay to enjoy a typical breakfast (not included) and recharge before continuing.
- We continue to the famous Cruz del Cóndor, one of the most impressive natural viewpoints in the valley. From there we enjoy a spectacular view of the depth of the canyon and the chance to watch the majestic flight of the Andean condor, with around 45 minutes to 1 hour for photographs and the scenery.
- On the way back to Chivay we visit the traditional villages of Maca and Yanque, where we discover their colonial churches, their ancestral agricultural terraces and the customs that keep the Andean identity alive. Optionally, you can relax in the area's volcanic hot springs for approximately 1 hour (entrance not included).
- At midday we arrive back in Chivay, where we have lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included).
- We begin the return to Arequipa with a stop at the Patapampa viewpoint, the highest point of the route, from where we admire the imposing Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca volcanoes.
- Finally we visit the Pampa Cañahuas area, in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we observe vicuñas in their natural habitat before arriving in Arequipa at around 6:00 p.m.
What the Colca Canyon tour includes
Guaranteed entrance tickets
- Colca Canyon entrance ticket, arranged by us so that you avoid long queues and do not have to worry about additional payments during the tour.
Support and safety
- Virtual assistance before the tour. Before departure, our team answers all your questions about the programme so that you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), trained in history, culture and tourist information, throughout the tour.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive constant first aid training, which guarantees timely assistance during the tour.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Tourist transfers
- Pick-up in a tourist vehicle from your hotel in Arequipa.
- Tourist transport throughout the tour.
Not included
- Breakfast and lunch. Stops are made in Chivay so that you can have breakfast and lunch at local restaurants, according to your preferences.
- Entrance to the hot springs of Chivay, an optional activity paid directly on site.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses caused by circumstances beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policies.
Colca Canyon tour price
Rates
| Rate | Price per person |
|---|---|
| General rate Shared service | USD 55 |
The rate includes tourist transport, guiding and the Colca Canyon entrance ticket. Breakfast, lunch and the entrance to the hot springs are not included and are paid on site.
Plan your visit
The pick-up is between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. and the return to Arequipa is at around 6:00 p.m., so it is worth getting a good night's rest beforehand. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and during high season, and carrying cash in soles, preferably in small notes, for meals and purchases in the villages of the valley.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chivay hot springs | On request | One hour of relaxation in volcanic hot springs. The entrance is paid directly on site. |
| Private service at your own pace | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible schedules, more time for photographs and the freedom to make stops. |
| Tourist transfer Chivay – Puno | On request | Continue your route through southern Peru without returning to Arequipa, on a scenic road that connects the Colca Valley with Lake Titicaca. |
Before you book
The tour operates all year round, although the best time is the dry season, from April to October, when the skies are clearest. The route reaches 4,910 m above sea level at the Patapampa viewpoint, so we recommend acclimatising beforehand in Arequipa, staying hydrated and avoiding unnecessary exertion; if you have any medical condition related to altitude, consult your doctor before travelling. Cancellations or date changes can be requested up to 48 hours before departure, with an administrative charge.
What to bring on the Colca Canyon tour
These are the most important items for this day in the Colca Valley.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- A digital copy of your document, recommended as a backup.
Luggage
- A light backpack or day bag of 20 to 30 litres, for the essentials.
- Water bottle and a snack.
- Cash in soles, preferably in small notes, for meals, the hot springs, souvenirs and tips.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes with a good non-slip sole.
- Light, breathable clothing for the day, and warm clothing for the early morning and the evening.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Hat or cap for the sun, and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photographs at the viewpoints of the valley.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
- Energy snacks: chocolate, nuts or bars.
- Swimsuit and towel, if you wish to visit the hot springs.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Portable charger or power bank, recommended because of the length of the tour.
Important considerations
- This is a good tour for acclimatising in Arequipa before trekking at higher altitudes.
- The route reaches 4,910 m above sea level: walk calmly, stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary exertion at the viewpoints.
- The departure is before dawn and the temperature can drop to 0 °C: dress in layers.
- Avoid heavy luggage so that you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Colca Canyon
What time does the tour start and finish?
The tour starts with the pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. The return to Arequipa is scheduled for around 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic and conditions along the route.
How long does the whole tour last?
Approximately 14 to 15 hours, including the transfers, the scenic stops, the cultural visits and the time at the Cruz del Cóndor.
How far is the Colca Canyon from Arequipa?
The Colca Valley is about 160 km from Arequipa. The journey takes between 5 and 6 hours, including the scheduled tourist stops; the first stop in Chivay is made after about 3 hours of travel.
Which places are visited during the tour?
Pampa Cañahuas, Patahuasi, the Toccra wetlands, the Patapampa viewpoint, the Cruz del Cóndor and the traditional villages of Maca and Yanque, as well as Chivay.
Is the Colca Canyon entrance ticket included?
Yes. The entrance ticket is included, so you will not have to make any additional payment for it during the tour.
How long do we stay at the Cruz del Cóndor?
Between 45 minutes and 1 hour, enough time to enjoy the scenery, watch the flight of the Andean condor and take photographs at one of the most impressive viewpoints in Peru.
Does the tour include breakfast and lunch?
No. Breakfast and lunch are not included. There will be time for breakfast in Chivay on arrival and for lunch at a local restaurant at midday.
Can the hot springs be visited during the tour?
Yes, optionally. In the Chivay area it is possible to visit the volcanic hot springs for approximately 1 hour. The entrance is paid directly on site and is not included in the rate.
What is the best time to visit the Colca Canyon?
The dry season, between April and October, when the skies are usually clearest and the landscapes can be appreciated more fully. Even so, the tour operates all year round.
Can I suffer from altitude sickness during the tour?
It is possible: the route reaches about 4,910 m above sea level at the Patapampa viewpoint, so some people may feel the effects of the altitude. We recommend proper acclimatisation, staying hydrated and avoiding unnecessary exertion.
What happens if I feel unwell during the tour?
Our guides are trained in first aid and carry a first aid kit and an oxygen tank to provide assistance in any eventuality.
What is the difficulty level of the tour?
It is easy: it does not require demanding hikes, as the tour is made mainly by tourist vehicle with stops at the viewpoints and the villages of the valley.
Is the tour suitable for older adults?
Yes. Anyone in adequate health can take part. If you have any medical condition related to altitude, we recommend consulting your doctor before travelling.
How many passengers are there in the shared group?
We work with small groups of up to 18 passengers per vehicle, to offer greater comfort during the tour.
Does this tour work as acclimatisation before a trek?
Yes. It is an excellent option for adapting gradually to the altitude before hiking or trekking in higher areas.
What clothing should I bring?
It is best to dress in layers, because of the changes in temperature: a warm jacket for the early morning, light clothing for the day, comfortable shoes, a cap or hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
Is there mobile phone signal or internet during the tour?
Coverage may vary depending on the area and the operator. Chivay usually has better coverage, while in some sections of the route it may be limited.
Can I continue my trip to Puno after the Colca Canyon?
Yes. We offer the Chivay – Puno tourist transfer, ideal for continuing your route through southern Peru without returning to Arequipa and connecting the Colca Valley with Lake Titicaca. Please check availability and rates with our sales team.
How does the booking process work?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check the available dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To arrange the tour we need, exactly as they appear on the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. Once the forms have been received, we request a deposit per person to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and during high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the service is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your booking will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change the date of your booking up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative charge applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Do you have any other questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism experiences in Peru's main destinations. We have a team of certified guides and operational staff committed to providing unique, safe and high quality experiences.
We stand out for our responsible and sustainable tourism, our respect for local communities and our personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from the planning to the execution of the tour.
With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
