From Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour

The Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is a must-see destination for adventurous travelers. This 2-day tour from Arequipa promises an unforgettable experience, offering a chance to witness stunning landscapes, observe wildlife, and immerse in the vibrant local culture. With a price tag starting at just $50 per person, the tour provides excellent value, making it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable yet remarkable journey. Intrigued by the prospect of exploring this natural wonder? The itinerary promises to unveil the canyon’s hidden gems, leaving you eager to discover more.

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

Key Points

• A 2-day exploration of Colca Canyon, starting from Arequipa, featuring scenic drives, wildlife viewing, culture, and optional activities like hot springs.
• Pricing for the tour starts from $50 per person, with hotel pickup, free cancellation, and no upfront payment required.
• Highlights include the Patapampa viewpoint, La Calera Hot Springs, and the Cruz del Condor viewpoint for condor sightings.
• The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and entry fees, while meals and accommodation are optional add-ons.
• Travelers should be prepared for high altitudes and bring warm clothing, as the tour involves stops exceeding 4,900 meters.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Colca Canyon tour offers a comprehensive 2-day exploration of this stunning natural wonder. Priced from $50 per person, the tour accommodates both Spanish and English speakers.

Hotel pickup in Arequipa and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance are included. Guests can reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

The itinerary features breathtaking Andean scenery, wildlife viewing, and culture, with optional activities like hot springs and meals.

Suitable for most travelers, the tour provides a bilingual guide, transportation, and entry fees. Accommodation in Chivay must be booked separately.

Guests are advised to bring warm clothing and be aware of potential altitude sickness concerns.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, guests are picked up from their Arequipa hotels and embark on a scenic drive through the Andes, Salinas, and Aguada Blanca reserve to spot native wildlife like llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.

They stop at the breathtaking Patapampa viewpoint, 4,900 meters above sea level. Lunch is available as an optional add-on.

Afterward, guests can visit the relaxing La Calera Hot Springs and enjoy dinner in Chivay town.

The second day begins with an early pickup to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where they can witness the majestic flight of the Condor in the Colca Canyon.

The tour then explores the local culture of Coporaque and Maca towns and the Inca agricultural terraces at Antahuilque.

Lunch is offered as an optional add-on before the return to Arequipa.

Day 1 Itinerary

Beginning with a scenic drive through the Andes, Salinas, and Aguada Blanca reserve, guests are treated to sightings of native wildlife like llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.

The tour continues with a stop at the Patapampa viewpoint, over 4,900 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Guests may also choose to enjoy:

1. A provided lunch
2. A visit to the rejuvenating La Calera Hot Springs
3. Dinner in the town of Chivay, where the group will spend the night.

Day 2 Itinerary

An early pickup takes guests to the renowned La Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where they can witness the majestic flight of the Colca Canyon‘s famous condors.

The tour then stops in Coporaque and Maca towns, allowing visitors to observe the local culture.

At the Antahuilque viewpoint, guests can admire the impressive Inca agricultural terraces.

The highlight of the day is the opportunity to gaze in awe at the condors soaring above the Colca Canyon.

After the canyon visit, the group returns to Chivay for an optional lunch before the drive back to Arequipa, arriving around 5:00 PM.

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Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a bilingual guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

The inclusions also cover:

1. Transfers during activities in Colca Canyon.
2. Accommodation in Chivay, which must be booked separately by guests.
3. Entry fees to Colca Canyon and La Calera Hot Spring, available as add-ons.

Lunch on both days and dinner on Day 1 are also available as optional add-ons.

It’s important to note that additional costs may apply for transfers to accommodations not located in Chivay town.

Important Information

Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended for this Colca Canyon tour.

Guests should ensure they’ve access to a WhatsApp number to communicate with the tour operator.

Travelers prone to altitude sickness may find this tour challenging, as it includes stops at high elevations exceeding 4,900 meters.

Additional costs may apply for transfers to and from accommodations not located in Chivay town.

The tour is conducted in both Spanish and English, with a bilingual guide accompanying the group throughout the two-day journey.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly positive experiences with this Colca Canyon tour, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 115 reviews.

The tour guides are praised for their knowledge and expertise, earning a 4.6 rating. Guests also appreciate the reliable transportation, with a 4.7 rating. The overall service and organization of the tour receive strong ratings of 4.5 out of 5.

Highlights mentioned in the reviews include:

1. Stunning views of the Andes and Colca Canyon
2. Opportunities to observe wildlife like llamas, alpacas, and condors
3. Well-planned itinerary that allows travelers to enjoy the local culture.

Booking Details

To book this Colca Canyon tour, visitors can conveniently reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The 2-day excursion is priced from $50 per person and includes hotel pickup in Arequipa. Additional fees may apply for locations outside the city. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is available in Spanish and English, with a bilingual guide provided. Accommodation in Chivay must be booked separately by guests.

Travelers should bring warm clothing and be aware that the tour may not be suitable for those prone to altitude sickness. Payment is handled via WhatsApp, so access to the messaging app is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Add Extra Activities or Customize the Tour?

Yes, the tour offers optional add-ons such as lunch on both days and dinner on the first day. Guests can also choose to visit the La Calera Hot Springs. The tour can be customized to suit individual needs.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this 2-day Colca Canyon tour isn’t stated, but it’s likely flexible. Many tour operators accommodate small groups or even private bookings, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Destinations?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional destinations. Customers can customize their itinerary by adding extra stops or extending the duration, which may incur additional fees. The tour operator is flexible in accommodating such requests.

Are There Any Discounts or Deals Available for This Tour?

There don’t appear to be any discounts or deals explicitly mentioned for this tour. However, the tour operator offers some flexibility, like the option to book without upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

How Does the Booking Process Work if I Have a Large Group?

For large groups, the booking process allows guests to reserve spots without upfront payment. Group discounts may be available, and the tour operator can accommodate pickup and transportation preferences. Communication is via WhatsApp to ensure a seamless booking experience.

Recap

The "From Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour" offers an exceptional adventure through one of the world’s deepest canyons. With a diverse itinerary, cultural experiences, and flexible cancellation, this tour provides travelers the opportunity to explore stunning landscapes while considering altitude concerns. Priced at just $50 per person, it’s an unforgettable and accessible way to discover the natural wonders of Colca Canyon.

You can check if your dates are available here: