From Arequipa: Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno

The Colca Canyon, one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders, beckons adventurers seeking an unforgettable excursion. Departing from Arequipa, this full-day tour immerses visitors in the stunning landscapes and cultural richness of the region. From witnessing the majestic Andean condors soar above the canyon’s depths to indulging in the soothing thermal baths, each moment promises to captivate the senses. As the journey concludes in the vibrant city of Puno, travelers are left with memories that will linger long after the experience has ended. Uncover the wonders that await on this extraordinary exploration.

Key Points

1. A full-day excursion from Arequipa to Puno, with an early 3:15 a.m. departure and a 3-hour bus ride to Chivay at 3,000 meters elevation.

2. Highlights include viewing Andean condors at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, visiting additional scenic overlooks, and relaxing in the Chacapi thermal baths.

3. The tour includes hotel pickup, bilingual guide, continental breakfast, lunch, and all necessary entrance fees, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

4. Recommended items for the tour include passport, biodegradable sunscreen, personal medications, warm layered clothing, and comfortable walking shoes.

5. The excursion receives mixed reviews, with praise for the stunning canyon views and knowledgeable guides, but criticism for meal quality and organization.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Departure From Arequipa

The excursion to Colca Canyon departs early from Arequipa, with hotel pickups beginning at 3:15 a.m.

This 1-day journey takes travelers on a 3-hour bus ride to the town of Chivay, located 3,000 meters above sea level.

Along the way, the bus passes through stunning landscapes, offering a glimpse of the rugged Andean terrain.

Passengers can expect a continental breakfast upon arrival in Chivay, preparing them for the day’s activities.

The early departure ensures that travelers have ample time to explore the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, and witness the majestic Andean condors in flight.

Itinerary and Highlights

After the early morning departure from Arequipa, the excursion to Colca Canyon continues with a 3-hour bus ride to the town of Chivay, situated 3,000 meters above sea level.

There, travelers enjoy a continental breakfast before heading to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, one of the deepest canyons in the world, for the chance to see majestic condors soaring overhead.

The tour also visits other scenic overlooks like Wayrapunko and Antahuillque.

Next, travelers relax in the thermal baths at Chacapi for an hour before enjoying free time for lunch in Chivay.

The 6-hour journey to Puno includes stops at the Patapampa viewpoint, Salinas Reserve, and Lagunillas lake.

Duration and Pricing

This excursion to Colca Canyon lasts for a full day, departing from Arequipa in the early hours of the morning and returning to Puno in the evening.

Priced from $72.00 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation by bus, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, continental breakfast and lunch, and entrance fees to Colca Canyon and the hot springs of Chacapi.

With a duration of approximately 16 hours, travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon, the chance to see condors in flight, and relaxation in the thermal baths, all while making the journey from Arequipa to Puno.

Cancelation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

Included Amenities

The excursion includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers will enjoy hotel pickup in Arequipa, transportation by bus, and the services of an English and Spanish-speaking guide. A continental breakfast and lunch are provided, ensuring visitors are well-fed during the day.

Entrance fees to Colca Canyon and the Chacapi hot springs are covered, allowing seamless access to these key attractions.

Passengers are advised to bring their passport or ID card, biodegradable sunscreen, and any necessary personal medication.

The comprehensive inclusions make this excursion a convenient and value-packed option for exploring the Colca Canyon.

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Preparation and Requirements

Proper preparation and adherence to requirements are essential for a smooth and enjoyable Colca Canyon excursion. Passengers should bring their passport or national ID card, as well as biodegradable sunscreen and any necessary personal medications.

Plus, the following items are recommended:

• Warm, layered clothing to accommodate the changing temperatures
• Comfortable walking shoes for the canyon exploration
• A small backpack or daypack to carry personal items
• Any snacks or drinks desired beyond the included breakfast and lunch

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a comfortable and successful adventure in the magnificent Colca Canyon.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided mixed reviews about their Colca Canyon excursion experiences. While many praised the guides’ knowledge and the stunning canyon views, some expressed disappointment with the meal quality and the overall organization of activities.

The excursion boasts an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the incredible scenery and the chance to witness the majestic condors in flight.

However, negative comments suggest the need for improvements, such as serving more substantial and higher-quality meals and offering more informative guiding throughout the day-long journey.

Availability and Reservations

Booking the Colca Canyon excursion is a straightforward process. To reserve your spot, simply check the availability on the tour provider’s website or contact them directly.

Once availability is confirmed, you can secure your place by making a reservation and paying at a later time if desired.

The booking process includes the following steps:

• Check availability for your preferred departure date and time
• Select the number of participants
• Provide your contact and payment information
• Receive a confirmation of your reservation
• Pay for the excursion, if you haven’t done so already
• Review the important information about what to bring and expect on the tour

Trip Details

The excursion to Colca Canyon departs early from Arequipa, allowing travelers to witness the stunning landscapes of the region. After a 3-hour bus ride, travelers arrive at Chivay for breakfast before heading to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to see the Colca Canyon and, if lucky, the majestic condors in flight. The journey continues with stops at other scenic viewpoints and a visit to the relaxing thermal baths of Chacapi. After free time for lunch, the 6-hour return trip to Puno includes stops at the Patapampa viewpoint, Salinas Reserve, and Lagunillas.

Departure	Duration	Inclusions
3:15 a.m. hotel pickup in Arequipa	1 day	Hotel pickup, transportation, guide, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees
Arrival in Puno around 7:30 p.m.	Free cancellation up to 24 hours	Colca Canyon (70 S/) and hot springs (15 S/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Excursion as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, travelers can book this excursion as solo travelers. The tour is open to individual participants, and the price per person is provided regardless of group size or travel companions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on this excursion. The tour is open to travelers of all ages, though it’s recommended that children be accompanied by an adult due to the long bus rides and hiking involved.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Transportation or Meals?

There’s no information provided about upgrade options for transportation or meals on this excursion. Participants will receive the standard bus transportation and included meals as outlined in the itinerary details. Any customization would need to be requested separately.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Add Additional Stops?

Though the standard itinerary cannot be customized, travelers can inquire about adding optional stops or activities, depending on availability and any additional costs. Customization may be limited, but the operator is generally open to accommodating reasonable requests.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Plans?

The excursion offers a free cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, providing flexibility to change your plans if needed.

Recap

The "From Arequipa: Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno" tour offers an unforgettable full-day adventure. Travelers will witness majestic Andean condors, relax in thermal baths, and enjoy breathtaking vistas throughout the journey. With an early start, continental breakfast, and return to Puno, this comprehensive itinerary promises an unparalleled experience exploring one of Peru’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: