From Arequipa: Colca Valley/Canyon 2-Day Tour & Horse Riding

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Colca Valley and Canyon with a 2-day tour from Arequipa. This immersive experience combines stunning natural wonders, cultural exploration, and an exhilarating horseback riding adventure. Priced at $164.00 per person, the tour offers convenience with hotel pickup, bilingual guide services, and comfortable overnight accommodations. Witness the majestic Andean condors, explore the Salinas and Aguada Blanca wildlife refuge, and marvel at the volcanic vistas. But the true wonder lies in the moments that will captivate your senses and leave you yearning for more.

This experience made our list of the 18 Best 2 Day Tours In Chivay.

Key Points

• The 2-day Colca Valley/Canyon tour from Arequipa includes a 3-hour horseback riding experience across the scenic Yanque area and the Colca River.
• The tour offers hotel pickup from downtown Arequipa, live guide commentary in English and Spanish, and an overnight stay in Yanque with private bathrooms and heaters.
• Highlights include wildlife observation at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve, a visit to the Volcanoes Mirador, and an early morning visit to the Cruz del Condor for Andean condor viewing.
• The tour is priced at $164.00 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or individuals over 70, and excludes lunches, dinners, drinks, and tips.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The 2-day Colca Valley/Canyon Tour & Horse Riding from Arequipa offers an immersive adventure, with a pricing range starting from $164.00 per person.

The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

The package features a small group size limited to 14 participants, with hotel pickup, English and Spanish-speaking guides, and an executive bus with a driver.

Highlights include horseback riding, visits to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve, and an early-morning stop at the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint for observing the majestic Andean condors.

Tour Details

This 2-day tour spans a diverse range of experiences.

The tour starts with hotel pickup from downtown Arequipa, followed by a small group size limited to 14 participants. Travelers will enjoy live guide commentary in English and Spanish as they visit the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve to observe wildlife like vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas.

The first day also includes a stop at the Volcanoes Mirador and 3 hours of horseback riding through the scenic Yanque area. Overnight accommodations in Yanque feature private bathrooms and heaters.

On the second day, an early visit to Cruz del Condor offers prime condor viewing before the return trip with stops in Maca and at pre-Inca terraces.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, travelers begin the tour with a pickup between 7:40 and 8:10 AM from downtown Arequipa.

They’ll visit the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve to observe vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas.

Next, they’ll stop at the Volcanoes Mirador, standing at 4910 meters (16,108 feet) above sea level.

The highlight of the day is a 3-hour horseback riding experience through Yanque, crossing the Colca River and visiting a pre-Inca cemetery and terraces.

The day concludes with an overnight stay in Yanque.

On the second day, travelers start early with a visit to the famous Cruz del Condor for prime condor viewing.

The return trip includes stops at Maca and pre-Inca terraces before arriving back in Arequipa around 5:00 PM.

Day 1 Itinerary

Travelers begin the Colca Valley/Canyon Tour with a pickup from downtown Arequipa, typically between 7:40 and 8:10 AM. The first stop is the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve, where visitors can observe the native wildlife, including vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. Next, the tour proceeds to the Volcanoes Mirador at an elevation of 4,910 meters (16,108 feet), offering breathtaking views. After this, the group embarks on a 3-hour horseback riding experience, crossing the Colca River and visiting a pre-Inca cemetery and terraces in the town of Yanque. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Yanque.

Itinerary Stops	Duration
Salinas and Aguada Blanca	–
Volcanoes Mirador (4,910 m)	–
Horseback riding in Yanque	3 hours
Overnight stay in Yanque	–

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Day 2 Itinerary

Day 2 begins with an early visit to the Cruz del Condor, a prime spot for observing the majestic Andean condors in their natural habitat.

Guests will have the chance to witness these impressive birds soaring over the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Following this, the tour continues with stops at the town of Maca and pre-Inca terraces, allowing participants to explore the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The day concludes with the return trip to Arequipa, arriving around 5:00 PM.

Throughout the day, the bilingual guide provides insightful information and commentary, enhancing the overall experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English and Spanish speaking guide, an executive bus with a driver, breakfast, and horseback riding.

The Colca entrance fee of S/. 70.00 per adult is also covered.

However, the following items aren’t included:

• Lunches, dinners, and drinks
• Tips

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or people over 70.

Customer Reviews

Based on the 3 reviews available, what’s the overall customer experience been like for this Colca Valley/Canyon Tour?

Though the tour has an average rating of 3.7 out of 5, reviews offer a mixed picture. Customers highlighted positive aspects like the enjoyable horseback riding and comfortable accommodations.

However, some were disappointed by the long bus rides and lack of information about alternative routes. Reviewers commended the guides and the overall organization, but a few noted room for improvement.

While the majority seem satisfied, the tour could benefit from addressing the logistical concerns raised to enhance the overall experience for future participants.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Booking the 2-day Colca Valley/Canyon Tour from Arequipa is straightforward, with a reserve now and pay later option available. The tour is priced at $164.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Some key highlights regarding booking and cancellation policies:

• The tour can be booked directly through the provider’s website or by contacting them directly.

• A reserve now and pay later option is offered, allowing customers to secure their spot without immediate payment.

• Cancellations made up to 24 hours before the tour date are eligible for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.

• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or people over 70.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring for the Horseback Riding Activity?

For the horseback riding activity, participants should bring closed-toe shoes, long pants, a light jacket, sunscreen, and a hat. Having these items will help ensure a comfortable and safe horseback riding experience.

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The itinerary includes horseback riding, hiking, and visiting volcanic areas at high altitudes, which could be challenging for individuals with limited mobility. It’s advisable to consult with the tour operator before booking.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Options for the Meals?

The tour details don’t specify any dietary restrictions or options for meals. Travelers with dietary needs should contact the tour provider to inquire about accommodating their requirements, as lunches and dinners are not included in the tour.

Can I Take Photos at the Cruz Del Condor Viewpoint?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. However, they should be cautious not to disturb the condors and follow any instructions from the tour guide about appropriate photography locations and etiquette.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t specify exact times spent at each stop, but it’s likely that several hours are allocated for observing wildlife in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve, horseback riding, and the early morning visit to Cruz del Condor to see the condors.

Recap

The Colca Valley and Canyon 2-day tour from Arequipa offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. From wildlife observations to horseback riding and Andean condor viewing, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. With its flexible cancellation policy and inclusive pricing, it’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free, comprehensive exploration of this stunning Peruvian landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: