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Colca Canyon, located in the Arequipa region of Peru, is one of the most impressive destinations in South America. With a depth of over 3,200 meters, it is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world. The landscape offers spectacular views of pre-Inca agricultural terraces, snow-capped mountains, and the majestic flight of the Andean condor, the canyon’s symbol. Besides its natural beauty, Colca Canyon is home to traditional villages that still preserve their ancestral customs. Travelers can enjoy activities such as trekking, hot springs, and visits to viewpoints where culture and nature intertwine to provide a unique experience.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa between 3:00 and 3:30 AM to begin the journey to one of the world’s deepest canyons. The route follows the Yura highway towards the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint (approx. 4 hours). In Chivay, we will make a short stop for breakfast and acclimatization at 3,600 meters above sea level.
Around 8:30 AM, we will arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you will have the opportunity to take in a panoramic view of one of the world’s deepest canyons and witness the Andean condor soaring majestically in its natural habitat.
On the way back, we will stop in the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, which feature beautiful colonial churches, as well as at the viewpoints of Antahuilque, Huayrapunko, and Peña Blanca, offering breathtaking views of Colca’s pre-Inca terraces. Once in Chivay, you can optionally relax in the La Calera hot springs. We will have lunch in Chivay.
At approximately 1:00 PM, we will begin our return to Arequipa, stopping at the volcano viewpoint (the highest point of the journey at 4,910 meters) and the Tocra wetlands, where you can observe a variety of wild birds, herds of alpacas, and llamas. At Pampa Cañahuas, we will see groups of vicuñas, part of the Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve. Arrival in Arequipa is estimated around 5:00 PM.
It is recommended to wear warm clothing, as temperatures can be very low in the early morning, especially in Patapampa (4,910m).
During the day, the weather is sunny, so sunscreen and a swimsuit (for the hot springs) are recommended.
Transportation time: Approximately 4 hours
Hiking time: No long treks; only short stops at tourist sites
Difficulty level: Easy
Climate: Cold early morning and evening, warm and sunny during the day
Altitude: Arequipa (2,335m) – Chivay (3,635m) – Volcano Viewpoint (4,910m) – Arequipa (2,335m)
OPTIONAL:
Price Per Person In A Shared Service- English Speaking – Guide
Private Tour Pricing
For details on our private tour prices, contact us at [email protected] or reach us via WhatsApp: +51 963 213 482.
The tour starts early, around 3:30 AM, and ends at approximately 5:30 PM, returning to Arequipa.
Yes! The tour includes a visit to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you have a high chance of seeing the majestic Andean condors flying.
Colca Canyon can be visited year-round, but the best season is between April and November, when the weather is dry and visibility is better.
The one-day tour is not physically demanding, as most of the journey is by transport, with optional short walks at viewpoints.
Wear warm clothing for the cold morning, light clothing and sunscreen for the day, and comfortable walking shoes.
No, meals are not included, but there are stops in Chivay where you can buy breakfast and lunch.
Yes! There is an optional stop at La Calera hot springs, where you can relax in natural thermal waters (entrance fee not included).
The drive from Arequipa to Chivay takes about 3 hours, and from Chivay to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, about 1 more hour
Colca Canyon is at 3,600 meters above sea level. It is recommended to acclimate in Arequipa beforehand and carry coca leaves or altitude sickness medication.
The return trip includes stops in the villages of Maca and Yanque, Antahuilque, Huayrapunko, and Peña Blanca viewpoints, the volcano viewpoint, and sightings of wild birds, alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.
We are Inca Perú Travel certified tour operator, we offer tours to different destinations in Peru, as well as cultural experiences, adventure tours, gastronomic tourism and our most recent experiential and community tourism tours.
