Arequipa: Colca Canyon Excursion, Option Ending in Puno

The Arequipa: Colca Canyon Excursion promises an exhilarating day trip for those seeking to explore the breathtaking landscapes of southern Peru. Priced at a reasonable $40 per person, this tour offers a captivating itinerary that takes travelers on a scenic journey from Arequipa to Puno, with highlights that include the iconic Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint and charming towns along the way. With a flexible cancellation policy and additional options for canyon entry and hot springs, this excursion caters to a range of preferences, ensuring a memorable experience for adventurous souls. But the true allure lies in the chance to witness the majestic presence of the Andean condor soaring above the Colca Canyon, a sight that truly sets this expedition apart.

Key Points

• The Colca Canyon excursion from Arequipa includes hotel pickup, bus transportation, and bilingual guide services, with an option to continue to Puno for an additional $30.
• The 12-hour tour offers highlights like the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint for Andean condor sightings, exploration of towns, and access to Chacapi thermal baths.
• The tour is priced at $40 per person, with additional costs for Colca Canyon entry (70 S/) and hot springs (15 S/).
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with some customers citing issues with bus arrival times and early morning pickup at 3:00 AM.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Colca Canyon excursion from Arequipa to Puno is priced at $40.00 per person.

This one-day tour lasts approximately 12 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

The itinerary includes hotel pickup in Arequipa, a three-hour bus ride to Chivay with breakfast, a visit to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, and exploring picturesque towns and thermal baths.

The journey continues to Puno with stops at scenic viewpoints and reserves.

While the tour includes transportation, guide services, and meals, additional costs apply for entry to the canyon and hot springs.

Itinerary and Highlights

The Colca Canyon excursion begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa at 3:00 am.

After a three-hour bus ride, you’ll arrive in Chivay where a continental breakfast is included.

The main highlight is the visit to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the majestic Andean condors in flight.

The tour also explores picturesque towns, including Antahuillque, and includes a stop at the Chacapi thermal baths for one hour.

The journey continues to Puno with stops at the Patapampa viewpoint, Salinas Reserve, and Lagunillas.

• Witness the Andean condors soaring over the Colca Canyon
• Explore the charming towns dotting the canyon
• Relax at the Chacapi thermal baths

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The excursion includes several key components. Hotel pickup in Arequipa, bus transportation, and a guide in Spanish or English are all provided. Breakfast and lunch are also included.

However, there are additional costs travelers should be aware of. Entrance to Colca Canyon is 70 S/ per person, while access to the Chacapi hot springs costs 15 S/ per person.

Plus, travelers have the option to take a bus from Arequipa to Puno for an extra $30.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

How do customers rate this Colca Canyon excursion? Based on 4 reviews, the overall rating stands at a modest 2 out of 5 stars.

Some common customer feedback includes:

• Issues with the bus arrival times and communication from the organizers.
• The early morning pickup at 3:00 AM can be inconvenient for some travelers.
• While the excursion offers a chance to see the Colca Canyon and Andean condors, the overall experience seems to fall short of expectations for some customers.

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Practical Information

Travelers can meet the tour at their hotel in Arequipa to begin the Colca Canyon excursion. The tour departs at various times, so it’s best to check availability with the organizers.

Once the group is assembled, a live guide will lead the tour in either Spanish or English. The excursion includes transportation by bus and visits to several scenic locations along the way, including the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, Chacapi thermal baths, and various towns and viewpoints.

Participants should bring appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and any necessary personal items for the day-long journey from Arequipa to Puno.

Departure and Return Details

Guests begin the Colca Canyon excursion with a pickup from their hotel in Arequipa, departing as early as 3:00 am. The journey to the canyon itself takes approximately three hours, with a continental breakfast included along the way.

Upon arrival, the tour offers several highlights:

• Visiting the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to see the immense Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world
• Opportunities to witness the majestic Andean condors in flight
• Exploration of picturesque towns and scenic viewpoints, such as Antahuillque

After the Colca Canyon portion, the tour continues on a six-hour journey to Puno, making stops at notable locations along the way.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Visitors can cancel their Colca Canyon excursion up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This flexible cancellation policy allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can get their money back if their plans change.

The tour is priced at $40 per person, making it an affordable option for exploring one of the world’s deepest canyons.

Plus, customers have the option to reserve their spot now and pay later, providing further convenience.

Transportation and Accommodation

The Colca Canyon excursion includes hotel pick-up in Arequipa and transportation via bus throughout the day’s activities.

The tour bus departs Arequipa at 3:00 am for the three-hour ride to Chivay, where a continental breakfast is provided.

After visiting the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the group has the opportunity to explore picturesque towns and viewpoints, including Antahuillque, before reaching the Chacapi thermal baths for one hour.

The journey continues with stops at Patapampa viewpoint, Salinas Reserve, and Lagunillas before reaching the final destination of Puno.

• Transportation via bus throughout the day
• Continental breakfast included in Chivay
• Entry to Chacapi hot springs for one hour

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum group size. It’s an excursion that can be booked individually, so customers don’t need to meet a minimum group requirement to participate.

Are There Any Child/Student Discounts Available?

The tour does not mention any child or student discounts. The pricing is a flat rate of $40 per person, regardless of age. However, visitors should check with the tour provider for any potential special offers or age-based pricing.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Customers can contact the tour operator to discuss their specific requirements and arrange a private tour that fits their needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Multiple Days?

Yes, the Colca Canyon tour can be extended to multiple days. Travelers have the option to customize the tour for private groups and stay overnight in the canyon or nearby towns.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for This Excursion?

The recommended attire for this excursion includes comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures, sun protection, and a light backpack or bag. Dressing in layers is advised to accommodate the changing weather conditions.

Recap

The Arequipa: Colca Canyon Excursion is an exciting day trip that offers breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and a flexible cancellation policy. With a $40 per person price tag, the tour includes transportation, breakfast, and key highlights like the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. While additional costs apply for canyon entry and hot springs, the excursion provides a memorable adventure for those seeking to explore the natural beauty of the Colca Canyon region.

You can check if your dates are available here: