Trip Info
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Touristic transportation
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4,900 m / 16,076 ft above sea level
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Breakfast - Lunch
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s deepest canyons. This full-day tour from Arequipa takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, traditional villages, and offers the chance to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor. Experience the rich culture and stunning natural beauty of the Colca Valley in a single day.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Arequipa between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. From there, you'll embark on a scenic drive towards the Colca Canyon. Along the way, you'll pass through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, where you may spot wild camelids such as vicuñas and alpacas. Continuing on, you'll reach the highest point of the route, Patapampa, at about 4,910 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes.
After descending to Chivay, located at 3,635 meters above sea level, you'll enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local restaurant. Following breakfast, the journey continues towards the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, one of the best places in the world to observe the majestic Andean condors soaring on thermal currents. On the way, you'll stop at the charming villages of Yanque, Maca, and Antahuilque to admire colonial churches, traditional terraces, and local culture, all nestled within stunning Andean scenery.
At Cruz del Cóndor, you'll take a short walk along the canyon’s edge for exceptional views of the deep gorge and the condors in flight, enhancing your connection with this natural wonder.
On the return journey, we stop at a scenic viewpoint where you can enjoy the famous Colca Sour cocktail, a refreshing local drink made from the fruit of a native cactus. Afterward, there is an optional visit to the thermal baths, where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by the stunning Andean landscape — perfect for unwinding if you choose to go.
After the optional thermal baths, enjoy a buffet lunch in Chivay with local dishes made from native ingredients. On the way back, stop at Patapampa (4,900 m.a.s.l.) to admire and photograph the stunning high-altitude scenery. Then visit the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve to see vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas in their natural habitat. Before heading to Arequipa, take a short break at Patahuasi for bathrooms and to stretch. Arrival at your hotel is expected between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arequipa
- Tourist transport with a professional driver
- Professional guide
- Breakfast in Chivay
- Buffet lunch in Chivay
- Visit to traditional villages and viewpoints
- Entrance to the Colca Canyon
- Entrance fee to the hot springs (optional)
- First aid kit and oxygen tank for altitude support
- Agency Assistance
Cost Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
- Additional meals or services not listed
frequently asked questions
Most full-day tours to Colca Canyon depart from Arequipa between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. to ensure arrival at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint during peak condor activity. The return to Arequipa is typically between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic and weather conditions.
The tour reaches Patapampa, the highest point at approximately 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) above sea level. Altitude sickness can affect some travelers; it’s recommended to stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before the ascent.
Most hotels in Arequipa offer luggage storage services for guests. If you’re traveling onward after the tour, consult your tour operator about luggage storage options.
Essential items include:
- Warm clothing for early morning and high-altitude conditions
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water and snacks
- Swimsuit and towel if planning to visit the hot springs
- Personal identification and cash
