The "From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Excursion + Transfer to Cusco" offers an immersive adventure into one of Peru’s most captivating natural wonders. Priced at $359 per person, this two-day tour promises a blend of cultural exploration and stunning scenery. Travelers can witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, wander through charming traditional towns, and unwind in thermal baths – all while enjoying round-trip transportation, guided tours, and comfortable accommodations. With a diverse range of highlights and inclusions, this excursion seems poised to deliver an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes. But what else awaits those who embark on this captivating adventure?
Key Points
- Colca Canyon Excursion from Arequipa, priced at $359 per person, includes round-trip transportation, professional guided services, and one night’s accommodation in Chivay.
- The 2-day itinerary highlights early morning visits to Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, exploration of local towns, and optional activities like thermal baths and adventure sports.
- The tour provides professional guide services in Spanish and English, personalized transportation from Chivay to Cusco, and hotel pick-up from Arequipa.
- Additional costs include mandatory ticket fees and optional entrance fees for activities, with awareness of these costs important for financial planning.
- The experience offers the opportunity to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, engage with local culture, and explore the stunning natural scenery of Colca Canyon.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Colca Canyon Excursion from Arequipa offers a comprehensive two-day adventure, priced from $359.00 per person.
This tour includes round-trip transportation, professional guided services in Spanish and English, one night’s accommodation in Chivay, and two breakfasts.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour also provides the convenience of a reserve now, pay later option, allowing guests to secure their spot without upfront payment.
With immersive cultural experiences, natural wonders, and optional adventure activities, this Colca Canyon expedition provides an unforgettable journey for visitors.
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Itinerary Highlights
The two-day Colca Canyon Excursion from Arequipa showcases a remarkable itinerary. On the first day, visitors depart as early as 2:30 AM to witness the majestic condors soaring over the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. They’ll then explore charming towns, experience local culture, and enjoy optional activities like thermal baths and adventure sports. The second day takes them to the upper Colca Valley, featuring stops at traditional towns, the stunning Langui lagoon, and a lunch stop in Sicuani before arriving in Cusco around 4:30 PM.
Day 1 | Day 2 |
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Visit Cruz del Cóndor | Depart for upper Colca Valley |
Explore towns and culture | Stops at traditional towns |
Optional activities | Visit Langui lagoon |
Free afternoon in Chivay | Lunch stop in Sicuani |
Arrival in Cusco around 4:30 PM |
Included Services
The Colca Canyon Excursion includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
The tour package includes:
- Professional guide services in Spanish and English to provide commentary and information throughout the journey.
- Accommodation for one night in Chivay, the main town in the Colca region, with breakfast included.
- Personalized transportation from Chivay to Cusco, including stops at various points of interest along the way.
Plus, the tour offers permanent assistance during the entire excursion and pick-up services from hotels in Arequipa, the starting point of the tour.
Additional Costs
While the Colca Canyon Excursion package includes a comprehensive set of services, there are a few additional costs travelers should be aware of.
First, there’s a mandatory ticket fee of 20 soles for Peruvian nationals, 40 soles for South Americans, and 70 soles for others.
Plus, visiting the hot springs in Colca will incur an optional entrance fee of 15 soles.
Finally, any meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary will be an additional cost.
These extra expenses should be factored into the overall budget for the Colca Canyon experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyExperience and Attractions
Beyond the practical details, the Colca Canyon Excursion offers travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Visitors can:
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Witness the majestic flight of the condor, the largest flying bird in the world, in the depths of the canyon.
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Relax in the soothing waters of the Chacapi thermal baths, surrounded by the stunning Andean landscape.
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Engage with local residents and learn about their time-honored traditions, from traditional costumes to the unique Colca Sour drink.
This excursion promises an unforgettable experience, blending awe-inspiring natural scenery with rich cultural insights.
Explore Colca Canyon
Towering rock formations and plunging depths define the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon, a natural wonder that lures adventurous travelers. Spanning over 100 kilometers, this staggeringly deep gorge is home to the majestic Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds.
Visitors can witness these magnificent creatures soaring effortlessly above the canyon’s rim at the famed Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. The vibrant towns dotting the canyon offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage, with their colonial churches, traditional costumes, and indigenous camelids.
Opportunities for adventure activities like thermal baths, canopy, ATV, and kayaking further enrich the Colca Canyon experience.
Witness Condor Flight
The Colca Canyon is home to the majestic Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds. Visitors flock to the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to witness the breathtaking sight of these magnificent creatures soaring effortlessly on the updrafts.
Here are three fascinating facts about the Andean condor:
- With a wingspan of up to 3.3 meters, the Andean condor is the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere.
- These scavengers play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of disease.
- Andean condors are endangered, with only around 6,700 individuals remaining in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting.
Witnessing the powerful, graceful flight of these enormous birds is a highlight of any Colca Canyon adventure.
Engage With Local Culture
Visitors to the Colca Canyon won’t just witness the majestic condors soaring above. They’ll also have the chance to engage with the local culture.
The tour includes stops in traditional towns like Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, where travelers can admire colonial churches and take in the picturesque viewpoints.
Experiencing the locals’ way of life is a highlight, from seeing their typical costumes and camelids to trying traditional drinks like Colca Sour.
Visitors can even participate in optional activities like relaxing in the Chacapi thermal baths or exploring the area’s adventure offerings.
Immersion in the rich cultural tapestry of the Colca Canyon makes for an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?
Yes, the tour operator allows travelers to customize the itinerary to fit their preferences. Additional activities and stops can be added or adjusted based on individual interests and needs within the tour’s overall framework.
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The tour group size is not explicitly stated. However, the tour is described as a personalized experience, suggesting a smaller group size to allow for flexibility and interaction with local culture and activities.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups or Children?
The tour operator offers group discounts for larger parties. Children under 12 receive a 25% discount on the tour price. Customers are encouraged to inquire about any applicable discounts when booking their tour.
How Much Time Do We Have for Free Exploration in Chivay?
The tour includes a free afternoon in Chivay for exploration and local activities. Travelers have the opportunity to freely explore the town and participate in various optional activities during this free time.
Can I Extend My Stay in Cusco After the Tour Ends?
You can extend your stay in Cusco after the tour ends. The tour includes personalized transport from Chivay to Cusco, allowing you to explore Cusco at your own pace once the tour concludes.
Recap
The Colca Canyon excursion from Arequipa offers an exceptional opportunity to explore one of the world’s deepest canyons. With its stunning natural beauty, the chance to witness the majestic Andean condor, and the chance to take in the local culture, this two-day adventure provides a rich and unforgettable experience for travelers. At $359 per person, it’s a remarkable value for the incredible sights and activities included.
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