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Experience one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders on our Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour from Arequipa. Admire spectacular Andean landscapes, visit traditional villages, spot the majestic Andean condor at Cruz del Cóndor, and explore one of the world’s deepest canyons—all in a single unforgettable day.
Moderate
Culture, Adventure
Max Altitude: 4,910 m / 16,109 ft (Patapampa – Mirador de los Andes)
Group Service
Discover the incredible beauty of the Colca Canyon on a full-day adventure from Arequipa. Travel through the stunning landscapes of the Andean highlands, passing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can observe vicuñas and other native wildlife. Visit traditional villages, enjoy breathtaking viewpoints, and witness the majestic Andean condors flying over the canyon at Cruz del Cóndor. This unforgettable journey combines nature, culture, and spectacular scenery in one of Peru’s most impressive destinations.
Your unforgettable Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Arequipa at approximately 3:00 a.m. As we leave the city behind, we travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the southern Andes toward the charming town of Chivay, located in the heart of the Colca Valley.
Upon arrival in Chivay, we enjoy a traditional breakfast (optional, depending on the tour package) while taking in the peaceful surroundings of this picturesque Andean town. After a refreshing break, we continue our journey toward one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Peru: Cruz del Cóndor.
At Cruz del Cóndor, prepare to be amazed by the immense beauty of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. From this iconic viewpoint, you will have the opportunity to observe the majestic Andean condors soaring above the canyon, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Our adventure continues with visits to several traditional villages and archaeological sites throughout the Colca Valley. We stop at the Antahuilque Viewpoint, where you can admire impressive pre-Inca agricultural terraces built into the mountainsides, showcasing the advanced knowledge and adaptation of ancient Andean communities.
Next, we visit Choquetico, a fascinating archaeological site featuring ancient hanging tombs and carved stone models that provide insight into the region’s ancestral traditions and history.
We then continue to the beautiful village of Yanque, known for its traditional Andean culture, charming main square, local dances, and the impressive colonial church of the town. Here, visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere and traditions that have been preserved for generations.
For those seeking relaxation or adventure, there is free time to choose between visiting the Chacapi thermal baths (optional entrance fee not included) or participating in optional adventure activities such as zip-lining or rafting, depending on availability and weather conditions.
Around midday, we return to Chivay to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch (not included), featuring traditional dishes from the Colca Valley. After lunch, we begin our return journey to Arequipa with several scenic stops along the way.
Our first stop is Patapampa – Mirador de los Andes (4,910 m / 16,109 ft), the highest point of the route, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes, including the Misti, Chachani, and Ampato.
We continue through Toqra, a beautiful highland area where you can observe llamas and alpacas grazing freely in their natural environment. Finally, we visit the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, home to large populations of wild vicuñas, one of Peru’s most iconic Andean animals.
We arrive back in Arequipa around 5:30 p.m., marking the end of an incredible day filled with breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural discoveries in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
PRICES
What to Bring:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – COLCA CANYON FULL-DAY TOUR
WELCOME TO AREQUIPA
Upon your arrival in Arequipa, our team will be ready to welcome you and provide assistance with your tour arrangements.
Please provide your complete hotel information at least 24 hours before your tour date so we can coordinate your pickup time properly.
On the day of your Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour, our representative and professional guide will pick you up from your hotel or designated meeting point in Arequipa.
Your tour will take you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Colca Valley, visiting traditional villages, scenic viewpoints, and the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you may observe the majestic Andean condors flying above one of the deepest canyons in the world.
PRE-TOUR INFORMATION
Before starting your Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour, our team will provide all important details about:
Pickup time and meeting point
Complete tour itinerary
Places to visit along the route
Entrance fees and optional activities
What to bring
Weather and altitude recommendations
HOTEL PICKUP & DROP-OFF
Yes, we provide transportation from your hotel in Arequipa.
Please make sure to provide:
Hotel name
Hotel address
Contact information
Our team will coordinate your pickup time according to your location.
After completing the tour, we will return you safely to your hotel or the designated drop-off point in Arequipa.
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR
1. Complete the Booking Form
Reserve your Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour by clicking the “BOOK NOW” button on our website.
2. Required Information
For each passenger, please provide:
Full name (as shown on passport)
Passport number
Nationality
Date of birth
Gender
This information may be required to organize entrance tickets and tour services.
3. Deposit Payment
A deposit may be required to confirm your reservation and secure your spaces.
Payment Options Available:
VISA
PAYPAL
Balance Payment
The remaining balance can be paid before the tour begins or at our office, depending on your reservation.
Accepted payment methods:
Cash in US dollars (USD)
Cash in Peruvian soles (PEN)
VISA
PAYPAL
Please note that online payments may include additional processing fees charged by payment platforms.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Please bring your original passport during the Colca Canyon Tour.
Your passport may be requested for:
Tourist entrance registration
Visitor verification
Travel documentation
We recommend carrying a photocopy or digital copy of your passport as well.
WHAT TO BRING FOR COLCA CANYON
For your full-day adventure, we recommend bringing:
Comfortable day backpack
Warm jacket or fleece clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Hat or cap
Rain jacket or poncho
Personal hygiene items
Reusable water bottle
Camera or smartphone
Temperatures can vary greatly during the day due to the high-altitude environment.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The weather in the Colca Canyon region can change quickly due to its high altitude.
During the day, you can expect:
Strong sunlight
Cool temperatures in the morning
Possible wind or rain depending on the season
We recommend dressing in layers and carrying sun and rain protection.
Best travel season: April to November (dry season), although the tour operates year-round.
ALTITUDE INFORMATION
The Colca Canyon region is located at high altitude, with some viewpoints reaching:
Patapampa Viewpoint: 4,910 m / 16,109 ft
To enjoy your experience comfortably, we recommend:
Drinking plenty of water
Avoiding excessive alcohol before the tour
Resting properly before departure
Eating light meals
Drinking coca tea if needed
If you have recently arrived in Arequipa from a lower altitude destination, allow your body some time to adjust.
MEALS DURING THE TOUR
Depending on your selected package, meals may include:
Breakfast
Traditional breakfast stop in Chivay
Lunch
Optional buffet lunch in Chivay featuring local Andean cuisine
Vegetarian and special dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
During the tour, travelers may choose optional activities such as:
Chacapi Hot Springs
Relax in natural thermal pools surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.
Entrance fee: approximately S/15.00
Payment is made directly at the site.
Adventure Activities
Depending on availability and weather conditions:
Zip-lining
Rafting
These activities are optional and not included in the standard tour price.
CHILDREN AND FAMILY TRAVEL
The Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour is suitable for families and children who are comfortable with long drives and high-altitude conditions.
Parents should consider:
Early departure time
Long travel duration
Altitude changes
Weather conditions
TIPPING
Tips are not mandatory but are appreciated for excellent service.
Many travelers choose to tip:
Tour guides
Drivers
Local service providers
Your contribution helps support the people who make your Colca Canyon experience memorable.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
At Inca Expeditions, we promote responsible tourism that respects nature, culture, and local communities.
Our Colca Canyon tours support:
Local guides and communities
Conservation of natural landscapes
Responsible travel practices
Preservation of Andean traditions
We invite travelers to explore the Colca Canyon responsibly while creating meaningful connections with the landscapes and communities of the Peruvian Andes.
The tour lasts approximately 14 to 16 hours, starting around 3:00 a.m. and returning to Arequipa between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Pickup is usually between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. from your hotel in Arequipa, depending on your location and the final itinerary.
The highest point of the tour is Patapampa Viewpoint (Mirador de los Andes) at approximately 4,910 m / 16,109 ft above sea level.
The tour is considered easy to moderate. It involves some walking at viewpoints and archaeological sites, but no long hikes are required.
Yes, one of the main highlights is visiting Cruz del Cóndor, where you have the opportunity to observe the majestic Andean condor flying above the Colca Canyon. Sightings depend on weather and natural conditions.
The tour includes visits to Chivay, Cruz del Cóndor, Antahuilque Viewpoint, Choquetico, Yanque, Patapampa, Toqra, and Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve.
Yes, most tour packages include a traditional breakfast stop in Chivay. Please check your selected package for details.
Lunch is usually not included. Travelers have the option to enjoy a buffet lunch in Chivay or bring their own packed lunch.
Yes, the Colca Tourist Ticket is required and is usually paid separately at the entrance.
The price depends on nationality:
Peruvian citizens: approximately S/20
Latin American visitors: approximately S/40
Foreign visitors: approximately S/70
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Arequipa are included. Please provide your hotel details when booking.
We recommend bringing:
Weather conditions can change quickly due to the altitude. Days are usually sunny, while mornings and evenings can be cold. Dressing in layers is recommended.
Yes, children can join the tour. However, parents should consider the early departure time, long travel duration, and high-altitude conditions.
Yes, you can visit the Chacapi Hot Springs in Chivay as an optional activity. The entrance fee is paid separately.
No trekking experience is required. The tour is mainly sightseeing with short walks at viewpoints and attractions.
Transportation is provided in a comfortable tourist vehicle, usually a sprinter van or similar tourist transportation, with a professional driver.
Yes, the Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour from Arequipa operates daily, subject to availability.
Yes, you can leave your main luggage at your hotel in Arequipa and travel with only a small backpack containing your essentials.
The Colca Canyon offers an incredible combination of spectacular landscapes, Andean culture, traditional villages, wildlife, and the chance to see the famous Andean condor, making it one of Peru’s most unforgettable destinations.
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