Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days

The Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Over two immersive days, travelers will witness the majestic Andean Condors, explore the mystical Puruñá stone forest, and engage with the vibrant local culture of traditional villages. With a focus on sustainable tourism, this small-group adventure promises a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides. From the stunning vistas to the authentic cultural encounters, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the enchanting Andean region. What secrets might this captivating itinerary unveil?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Arequipa.

Key Points

• This 2-day tour offers an immersive experience in the Andean region of Peru, focusing on the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons.
• The tour includes observation of Andean Condors at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint and exploration of the Purúná stone forest.
• The tour is limited to small groups of 14 or fewer people, providing a personalized and sustainable tourism experience.
• The tour includes breakfast, lunch, transportation, and a professional guide, with the entrance fee to Colca Canyon being an additional cost.
• The tour emphasizes responsible tourism, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and supporting local Andean communities through authentic cultural experiences.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days tour offers visitors an immersive experience in the Andean region of Peru.

The 2-day tour showcases the stunning Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, as well as the surrounding national reserve, volcanic landscapes, and traditional towns.

Travelers can observe the majestic Andean Condors soaring above the canyon, explore the Puruñá stone forest, and engage with local communities.

The tour is limited to small groups of 14 people or fewer, ensuring a personalized experience focused on sustainable and responsible tourism.

With a variety of included activities, such as wildlife viewing, cultural interactions, and scenic hikes, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the natural and cultural wonders of the Colca region.

Inclusions and Pricing

The Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days tour includes several key inclusions to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

The tour price starts from $95.00 per person and covers breakfast, lunch, tourist transportation, a professional guide, and gratuities.

Plus, the entrance fee to Colca Canyon is $22 per person.

Travelers also benefit from free cancellation up to 3 days in advance.

The tour focuses on sustainable and responsible tourism, providing a personalized experience for small groups of up to 14 people.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Tourist transportation
• Professional guide

Itinerary Details

On the first day, the tour departs from Arequipa and visits the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Travelers can observe wild vicuñas at an elevation of 4,000 meters. The tour then moves on to the Puruñá stone forest to explore its unique rock formations. After passing the Abra Patapampa viewpoint (4,910m) for stunning volcano views, the group reaches Coporaque village, where they can enjoy local activities and have lunch.

Day	Highlights
1	– Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve – Observe wild vicuñas – Puruñá stone forest – Abra Patapampa viewpoint – Coporaque village
2	– Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint – Short canyon walk – Visit Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque – Return to Arequipa around 4:00 PM

Day 1: Salinas Y Aguada Blanca, Puruñá, and Coporaque

Departing from Arequipa, the tour first explores the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. In this remote high-altitude region, travelers observe wild vicuñas, a relative of the llama, grazing at over 4,000 meters.

Next, the group visits the Puruni stone forest, where unique rock formations dot the landscape. Passing the Abra Patapampa viewpoint at 4,910 meters, the tour offers sweeping vistas of nearby volcanoes.

Finally, the day concludes in the traditional village of Coporaque, where visitors can:

1. Engage in local activities
2. Savor a delicious lunch
3. Admire traditional textiles and costumes
4. Immerse themselves in the vibrant Andean culture.

Day 2: Condor Sighting and Traditional Towns

Early the next morning, guests embark on the day’s journey to the renowned Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Here, they’ll have the opportunity to observe the majestic Andean Condors soaring effortlessly above the canyon.

After this breathtaking experience, the tour continues with visits to the traditional towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque. In these picturesque villages, travelers can enjoy the local culture, admire the Andean architecture, and gain insights into the daily lives of the residents.

The day concludes with a return to Arequipa around 4:00 PM, allowing guests to reflect on the remarkable sights and experiences they’ve encountered during this two-day Colca Canyon adventure.

Transportation and Safety

The tour includes pickup from hotels between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM, ensuring a timely start to the day’s activities.

The transportation for the tour utilizes qualified vehicles that undergo regular mechanical inspections. Safety is a top priority, with vehicles equipped with oxygen bottles and first aid kits.

The guides and drivers are certified professionals with extensive experience, providing a secure and knowledgeable experience throughout the tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy the itinerary.

The transportation and safety measures include:

1. Qualified vehicles with regular mechanical inspections
2. Oxygen bottles and first aid kits for emergencies
3. Certified guides and drivers with extensive experience
4. Moderate physical fitness required due to the itinerary

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Giardino Tours’ Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 5.0 from 43 reviews, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides and excellent customer care.

Many reviewers highlighted the expertise of guides like Antonio, Diego, and Luis, who provided valuable insights and created personalized experiences.

Travelers appreciated the scenic views, culture, and wildlife encounters during the tour.

Giardino Tours’ commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism was also widely commended.

With detailed feedback emphasizing the company’s attention to quality, the Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days tour is a popular choice for those seeking an immersive Andean adventure.

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

Giardino Tours’ commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism is evident throughout the Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days experience. The tours focus on minimizing environmental impact and supporting local communities.

This includes:

1. Small group sizes (max 14 people) to reduce the carbon footprint.
2. Prioritizing local experiences, such as cultural activities and cuisine, to empower and benefit the Andean communities.
3. Educating guests on conservation efforts and the importance of preserving the Colca Canyon’s natural wonders.
4. Partnering with eco-friendly service providers and promoting sustainable practices.

This holistic approach ensures the Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days tour leaves a positive and lasting impression on both travelers and the local environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The typical group size for this tour is small, with a maximum of 14 people. This allows for a more personalized experience, as the tours focus on sustainable and responsible tourism.

Can I Book This Tour in My Native Language?

Giardino Tours offers the Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days tour in multiple languages, including the traveler’s native language. Customers can request guides who speak their preferred language to ensure a personalized and engaging experience throughout the tour.

What Items Should I Pack for the Canyon Hike?

For the canyon hike, travelers should pack layers of warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, snacks, water, and a camera to capture the stunning views. It’s also wise to bring a small backpack to carry these essentials.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions specified for this tour. The tour is suitable for most ages, though moderate physical fitness is required. The tour operator recommends it’s not wheelchair accessible, so guests should consider their mobility needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The standard 2-day Colca Canyon tour is offered, which includes highlights like Andean Condor sightings and visiting traditional towns. Travelers can contact the tour provider for any customization requests.

Recap

The "Colca Canyon Plus 2 Days" tour offers an immersive and unforgettable experience in Peru’s stunning Andean region. Participants can observe majestic Andean Condors, explore the unique Puruñá stone forest, and engage with local culture in traditional villages. With a small group size, personalized attention, and a focus on sustainable tourism practices, this tour provides a memorable adventure for nature and culture enthusiasts alike.