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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Nature walk
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English / Spanish
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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
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Home stay - Hotel
Overview
Experience the breathtaking Colca Valley like never before on this immersive 2-day journey. Begin your adventure exploring stunning Andean landscapes and invigorating hikes that bring you closer to the heart of the region. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Cruz del Cóndor at sunset—a rare moment when the crowds have dispersed, offering a peaceful, almost private chance to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor against a spectacular sky. Spend the night in the charming village of Cabanaconde, resting comfortably in a local hotel, ready to continue your discovery of this incredible natural and cultural treasure the next day.
Itinerary
We begin our journey between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m., picking you up from your accommodation in downtown Arequipa. Leaving the city behind, we set off on the road that climbs gradually into the vast Andean highlands. Soon, we arrive at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a high-altitude protected area rich in biodiversity and sweeping landscapes.
Here, at around 3,800 m.a.s.l., you’ll have the chance to observe herds of vicuñas—the smallest and most graceful of the South American camelids—grazing freely in the wild. These elegant animals, once endangered, are now a symbol of Andean conservation efforts. The setting is unforgettable: open plains backed by towering volcanoes such as Misti, Chachani, and Ubinas.
We continue to Patahuasi (4,000 m.a.s.l.), a traditional rest stop where we pause to enjoy a cup of coca tea or a local herbal blend like muña or chachacoma—natural remedies known to support the body’s adjustment to high elevations.
As we continue ascending, the landscape opens into the Tocra wetlands (4,400 m.a.s.l.), a plateau crisscrossed by streams and dotted with native flora. Here, you may spot grazing alpacas, wild ducks, and even Andean flamingos, all living in harmony in this remote ecosystem.
Next, we arrive at the Mirador de los Andes, also known as Patapampa, the highest point of the journey at 4,900 m.a.s.l. From this panoramic lookout, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of several volcanoes—including Ampato, Sabancaya, and Misti—standing tall across the horizon.
We descend into greener valleys and terraced farmland carved by ancient civilizations. Unlike standard routes that stop in Chivay, we head to the village of Coporaque (3,575 m.a.s.l.), one of the oldest and most authentic settlements in the region. Upon arrival, we enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family.
After lunch, we take part in a cultural activity with our hosts, exploring their fields, visiting the town plaza, and sharing in their way of life. This intimate interaction offers insight into daily life in the highlands and builds a meaningful connection.
We then continue by vehicle deeper into the valley, passing traditional towns and scenic viewpoints until reaching the iconic Cruz del Condor in the late afternoon. Unlike the busy morning hours, the afternoon visit allows for a quieter, more reflective experience. With some luck, you might witness the condors gliding in the fading light, a truly magical sight.
The day concludes with a short but rewarding one-hour hike from the viewpoint of "La Media Luna," offering sweeping views of the valley and the picturesque village of Cabanaconde bathed in golden sunset light. It's the perfect way to absorb the scale and serenity of the canyon.
We arrive in Cabanaconde at dusk and settle into a cozy hotel for the night, resting in preparation for another day of adventure.
We rise early, around 5:30 a.m., and take a short 30-minute pre-breakfast walk to the Achachihua viewpoint. Here, the silence of the early morning and the expansive view into the depths of the canyon offer a powerful sense of connection to this immense natural wonder. As the sun rises behind the peaks and reveals the canyon's other edge, it sets a peaceful tone for the day.
We return to the hotel for a nourishing breakfast before heading back to the Cruz del Condor. This time, we set out on a different scenic trail along the edge of the canyon. The roughly 1.5-hour walk provides further opportunities to witness the majestic condors in flight, as well as the surrounding flora, fauna, and geological formations.
After this immersive hike, we begin our return journey, making a stop at a scenic viewpoint to taste the region's signature drink, the Colca Sour—a creative twist on the classic Pisco Sour, infused with local flavors. Then, we head to the nearby thermal baths, natural hot springs nestled between volcanic hills, where you can relax and recharge before continuing the adventure.
We then continue to Chivay, where a hearty buffet lunch awaits, featuring traditional Andean dishes that highlight the flavors of the region. On the way back to Arequipa, we make a short technical stop for freshening up before concluding the experience. Arrival in Arequipa is expected between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.
This unique 2-day journey blends scenic beauty, cultural depth, and peaceful moments, allowing you to connect with the Colca Valley in an authentic and memorable way.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arequipa
- Tourist transport with a professional driver
- Professional certified bilingual guide
- Lunch in Coporaque - Chivay
- Trekking activities throughout the tour (optional)
- Overnight at the hotel in Cabanaconde
- All meals provided (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) featuring local Andean cuisine
- 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
The highest point on the tour is Patapampa, situated at approximately 4,900 meters above sea level (16,076 feet). This is the highest elevation encountered during the trip.
The treks are of moderate difficulty, suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. The first day’s trek in the Stone Forest of Puruña is relatively gentle and aids in acclimatization, while the second day’s trek from Cruz del Cura to Cruz del Condor involves some uneven terrain but is manageable for most.
Essential items include:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medications
- Swimsuit for hot springs
Altitude sickness can affect travelers at high elevations. To mitigate this, the itinerary includes gradual acclimatization, starting with lower-altitude activities and incorporating rest periods. It’s advisable to stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals initially, and consider consulting a physician before the trip.
Yes, all meals are included, featuring traditional Andean cuisine prepared by local families and restaurants. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour.
Yes, it’s possible to travel from the Colca Valley to Puno by land. Buses depart from Chivay daily between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. It’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance and arrive at the bus station at least 40 minutes before departure.
While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
ATMs are scarce in rural areas like Coporaque. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses. Major towns like Chivay have ATMs and currency exchange facilities.
Almost all tourists visit the Condor Cross early in the morning — that’s when most tour buses arrive, the road gets busy, and the viewpoint is packed.
But being there in the afternoon is something else.
The canyon feels quiet, the light is warmer, the traffic is gone, and you have the place (almost) to yourself. You might still see condors, but even if not, the experience is more personal and less rushed.
We visit the Condor Cross twice — in the morning and again later — so you get both: the classic view, and the one most people miss.
Not at all! Let us know when you book, and we’ll make sure meals are adapted to your needs — whether it’s gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, or vegan. We work closely with local families and restaurants to keep you safe and satisfied.
We recommend drinking bottled or purified water. Bring a reusable bottle — we’ll help you refill it safely and reduce plastic waste.
We combine comfort with authenticity. In Coporaque, you’ll stay with a local host family for a true cultural experience. In Cabanaconde, a simple and cozy hotel awaits you — perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.
During the trip, we’ll enjoy three moderate-level hikes, each designed to take in the landscape at the most beautiful times of day.
The first one takes place at sunset. We walk along the upper rim of the canyon with sweeping views of Cabanaconde and the valley below as the sun begins to set. It’s a peaceful time—colors shift, the air cools, and everything slows down.
The second is a sunrise hike. We set out early, before dawn, to reach a lookout point just as the first light touches the canyon. It’s a quiet, magical moment as the scenery gradually comes to life.
The third hike is in the morning, along the edge of the canyon near the Condor Cross. The views are dramatic, and it’s a great time to spot condors riding the thermal currents overhead.
None of the hikes are too long or difficult, but each one offers a unique and memorable way to connect with the Colca Valley’s natural beauty.
