Arequipa: Excursion to the Colca Canyon + Transfer to Cusco

Arequipa’s Colca Canyon excursion offers a unique opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty of Peru. This 1.5-day adventure takes travelers on a captivating journey, showcasing the world’s deepest canyon, local hot springs, and cultural traditions. With seamless transportation and an experienced guide, adventurers can soak in the breathtaking vistas, explore the region’s rich heritage, and even indulge in optional thrilling activities. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape or an adrenaline-fueled exploration, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to discover more.

Contents hide

1 Overview and Pricing

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Included Services

4 Experience and Activities

5 Meeting Point and Availability

6 Transportation and Logistics

7 Cultural Immersion and Traditions

8 Optional Adventure Activities

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A 1.5-day excursion from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon, the world’s deepest canyon, including transportation, a professional guide, hot springs, and optional adventure activities.
Itinerary highlights include visiting colonial towns, interacting with locals, and experiencing traditional customs, with a transfer to Cusco at the end of the trip.
Accommodation for 1 night in Chivay, centrally located in the Colca region, and 2 breakfasts are included in the package.
Cultural immersion opportunities, such as witnessing traditional costumes, exploring markets, and gaining insights into the Andean way of life.
Optional adventure activities like canopy zipline, ATV rides, kayaking, and horseback riding cater to various adventure levels.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

This excursion from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon offers an immersive 1.5-day experience, with prices starting from CZK 8,205 per person.

It’s available in both Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Booking flexibility allows you to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, one night’s accommodation in Chivay, and two breakfasts.

You’ll explore the deepest canyon in the world, visit hot springs, engage with local traditions, and have the option to try adventure activities like canopy, ATVs, and kayaking.

The meeting point is at Plaza de Armas in Arequipa, so be sure to confirm availability and start times before booking.

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Itinerary Highlights

What can travelers expect on this excursion to the Colca Canyon? The first day begins with a pickup in Arequipa, followed by a journey to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to see the magnificent Colca Canyon and its resident condors. Along the way, they’ll stop at charming colonial towns, interact with locals, and sample traditional drinks. The afternoon is spent at the Chacapi hot springs, where adventurous souls can try optional activities like canopy, ATVs, and kayaking.

Day 1	Day 2
– Pickup in Arequipa	– Journey through Tuti and Sibayo villages
– View of Colca Canyon	– See Callalli rock castles
– Visit colonial towns	– Stop at Langui lagoon
– Chacapi hot springs	– Buffet lunch in Sicuani

The second day features a scenic drive through the Andes, culminating in a transfer to Cusco.

Included Services

The Colca Canyon excursion includes several key services to enhance the traveler’s experience.

The package includes:

Transportation to and from the canyon, as well as throughout the itinerary.
A professional tour guide to provide insights and commentary.
1 night of accommodation in Chivay, the heart of the Colca region.
2 breakfasts per person to fuel the day’s adventures.
Pickup from hotels in Arequipa, ensuring a seamless start to the journey.
An entrance ticket to the Colca Canyon, granting access to this natural wonder.
Optional entrance to the renowned Chacapi hot springs, offering relaxation.

Experience and Activities

Visitors can look forward to an array of immersive experiences during the Colca Canyon excursion. The highlight is the chance to witness the majestic Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world.

Travelers can also rejuvenate in the natural hot springs of Chacapi and partake in thrilling adventure activities like canopy, ATVs, kayaking, and horseback riding.

The tour also offers opportunities to engage with local communities, observe their traditional costumes and customs, and sample unique regional drinks like the Colca Sour.

With a combination of natural beauty, culture, and adventure, this excursion promises an unforgettable and well-rounded experience in the Peruvian Andes.

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Meeting Point and Availability

The excursion’s meeting point is the iconic Plaza de Armas in Arequipa, a convenient and easily accessible location for participants.

Before booking, it’s essential to confirm the starting times and the number of participants. This will ensure a smooth and well-organized experience.

Key details to note:

Meeting Point: Plaza de Armas, Arequipa
Confirm Availability: Check starting times and participant numbers
Prompt Arrival: Be at the meeting point on time to avoid delays
Group Size: The number of participants may impact the experience and logistics.

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Transportation and Logistics

Comfortable transportation is key to a seamless Colca Canyon excursion. The tour includes pickup from your hotel in Arequipa and a scenic drive to the canyon.

Along the way, you’ll make stops at viewpoints and cultural sites. Travel in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver. Your guide will provide insightful commentary to enhance your understanding of the region’s history and traditions.

On the second day, you’ll continue the journey towards Cusco, stopping for a buffet lunch before reaching the former Inca capital.

With efficient transportation and knowledgeable guidance, you can focus on enjoying the natural wonders and local culture of the Colca Canyon.

Cultural Immersion and Traditions

Immersing oneself in the local traditions and culture is a highlight of the Colca Canyon excursion. The itinerary offers numerous opportunities to engage with the indigenous communities:

Interact with locals and witness their traditional costumes and practices
Taste Colca Sour, a signature regional drink
Visit colonial-era churches and pre-Incan tombs, learning about the area’s history
Explore the vibrant markets and artisan workshops, supporting local artisans

This culture provides a deeper understanding of the Andean way of life and allows travelers to appreciate the rich heritage of the Colca region.

Optional Adventure Activities

Alongside the culture, the Colca Canyon excursion offers a range of optional adventure activities for thrill-seekers.

Visitors can soar through the canyon on a canopy zipline, unleash their inner daredevil on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or paddle through the serene waters on a kayaking tour.

For a more leisurely experience, horseback riding allows guests to soak in the breathtaking vistas at a slower pace.

These activities provide an adrenaline-fueled complement to the cultural highlights, ensuring a well-rounded adventure.

Whether seeking an extreme rush or a more mellow encounter with nature, the Colca Canyon excursion caters to diverse adventure preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not specified. However, many similar day tours in the region have an average group size of 10-15 participants to provide a more personalized experience.

Is Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off Included for Cusco Transfer?

The tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off for the Cusco transfer. Travelers are picked up from Plaza de Armas in Arequipa and then dropped off in Cusco after the excursion.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Included Meals?

The tour includes 2 breakfasts, but dietary restrictions can likely be accommodated if requested in advance. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss any special dietary needs prior to the trip.

Is There an Option to Extend the Stay in Colca Canyon?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the stay in Colca Canyon. However, travelers can arrange additional nights independently or explore longer itineraries that focus solely on the Colca region.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Chivay and Local Markets?

The itinerary allots a free afternoon in Chivay for exploring the town and its local markets. Travelers can wander at their own pace, seeing the local culture and traditions.

Recap

This immersive Colca Canyon excursion offers breathtaking vistas, culture, and a seamless transfer to Cusco. Travelers can expect stunning canyon views, relaxing hot spring soaks, and opportunities to engage with local traditions. With transportation, lodging, and meals included, as well as optional adventure activities, this is an efficient and enriching way to experience the highlights of Arequipa and embark on the journey to Cusco.