From Arequipa: Full-Day to Colca Canyon

The "From Arequipa: Full-Day to Colca Canyon" tour promises an immersive journey into one of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. Priced at an affordable $37.50 per person, this tour offers transportation, a breakfast stop in Chivay, and a bilingual guide to enhance the experience. Travelers can look forward to awe-inspiring views at the Cruz del Cóndor, explore charming villages like Yanque, and rejuvenate in the Chacapi hot springs. While the tour seems to provide a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s natural beauty, some reviews suggest there may be room for improvement in terms of comfort and guide engagement. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the details to determine if this Colca Canyon adventure is the right fit for your Peru exploration.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, priced from $37.50 per person, including transportation, breakfast, and a bilingual guide.
• The tour features highlights like the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, Yanque village, and Chacapi hot springs, with an overall rating of 4/5 from mixed reviews.
• The early 3:00 AM pickup is followed by a 3-hour journey to Chivay, where a 30-minute breakfast stop is included before exploring the canyon and local villages.
• Admission fees, optional hot springs access, and lunch in Chivay are additional costs to consider for budgeting.
• Although the tour offers an affordable way to explore Colca Canyon, there are some concerns about comfort levels and guide engagement based on customer feedback.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day tour to Colca Canyon from Arequipa comes at a price range starting from $37.50 per person.

This 15-hour tour includes transportation, a breakfast stop in Chivay, and a bilingual guide. Visitors can expect free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

The itinerary covers highlights like the picturesque village of Yanque, the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint for condor spotting, and the Chacapi hot springs.

While the overall rating is 4/5, some reviews suggest avoiding the back of the bus and note mixed feedback on comfort, food, and guide engagement.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and participants should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Itinerary and Experience

This full-day tour begins with an early 3:00 AM pickup from Arequipa, followed by a 3-hour journey to the town of Chivay. Along the way, you’ll stop at a viewpoint to admire the impressive volcanoes. In Chivay, enjoy a 30-minute breakfast before visiting the picturesque village of Yanque, where you can witness traditional dances and explore the colonial church.

Location	Activity	Duration
Cruz del Cóndor	Canyon views and condor sightings	–
Pinchollo & Maca	Explore towns, view hanging tombs	–
Antahuilque	Visit viewpoints	–
Chacapi	Relax in hot springs	–
Patapampa Andes & Toqra	Observe wildlife (llamas, alpacas, vicuñas)	–

The tour culminates with a return to Arequipa, making stops at various scenic viewpoints along the way.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

Included in the tour price are transportation, a breakfast stop in Chivay town, and a bilingual tour guide proficient in both English and Spanish.

However, there are additional costs to consider. Admission to the Colca Canyon area requires a fee of s/40 for Latin Americans and s/60 for non-Latin Americans. Visitors will also need to pay s/15 to enter the Chacapi hot springs.

Lunch in Chivay town isn’t included, but can be purchased separately for around s/35. These additional expenses should be factored in when budgeting for the full-day tour.

While the tour price is reasonable, travelers should be prepared for these supplementary costs to fully enjoy the Colca Canyon experience.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have provided a mixed bag of feedback on the full-day tour to Colca Canyon. Based on an overall rating of 4 out of 5 from 2 reviews, the experience seems to be hit-or-miss.

Some have complained about the comfort level, particularly for those seated at the back of the bus due to temperature fluctuations. The quality of the included breakfast and the engagement of the bilingual tour guide have also been criticized by some.

However, the traditional dances and stunning views of the canyon and its wildlife have been praised. The tour seems to offer a straightforward and affordable way to explore the Colca Canyon, but may not exceed expectations in all aspects.

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Important Notes

Wheelchair users may find the full-day tour to Colca Canyon inaccessible, as the itinerary isn’t tailored to their needs.

Participants should be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled 3:00 AM pickup time, as punctuality is crucial.

While the itinerary give you an immersive experience, it’s subject to change due to various factors. Attendees are advised to check availability and confirm starting times prior to the tour.

Despite the potential for unforeseen changes, the tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Colca Canyon, including stops at stunning viewpoints, traditional villages, and natural hot springs.

Proper planning and flexibility can help ensure a memorable and enjoyable day trip.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with a 3:00 AM pickup from participants’ hotels in Arequipa.

It’s an early start, but it’s necessary to make the approximately 3-hour drive to the town of Chivay.

Along the way, there’s a stop at a viewpoint to take in the stunning volcanoes in the distance.

The transportation for the day is a comfortable bus with a bilingual tour guide to provide commentary and answer any questions.

The guide ensures everyone is ready for the long but rewarding day exploring the magnificent Colca Canyon.

Breakfast in Chivay

After the early morning drive, the tour arrives in Chivay town, where participants enjoy a 30-minute breakfast stop. This simple but satisfying meal is included in the tour package. The breakfast features local Peruvian fare, providing an authentic taste of the region.

Dish	Price (s/)
Quinoa Porridge	12
Fried Eggs with Potatoes	15
Alpaca Sausage	18
Fresh Fruit Plate	10
Coca Tea	5

This breakfast offers a balanced start to the day, fueling participants for the adventures ahead in the Colca Canyon.

Exploring Picturesque Villages

Participants then venture to the picturesque village of Yanque, where they witness traditional Andean dances and admire the colonial-era church.

Next, the tour explores the towns of Pinchollo and Maca, where travelers can view the hanging tombs in Choquetico and take in the stunning vistas from the Antahuilque viewpoints.

Throughout the journey, they’ve the chance to observe the diverse local wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.

This immersive experience allows visitors to truly connect with the rich cultural heritage and natural splendor of the Colca Canyon region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum group size. It’s likely an individual or small group tour, as it emphasizes pickup from Arequipa and offers a flexible option to reserve and pay later.

Are Children Welcome on the Tour?

Yes, children are welcome on the tour. The tour accommodates families and has no minimum group size. However, parents should note that the long journey and early start may not be suitable for very young children.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a breakfast in Chivay town is included in the tour price, and there are opportunities to purchase lunch in the towns visited.

Are There Any Restrictions on Luggage or Personal Items?

There are no strict restrictions on luggage or personal items, but passengers are advised to pack lightly. Small daypacks or shoulder bags are recommended, as storage space on the bus may be limited. Valuables should be kept secure.

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

The tour spends about 30 minutes at Chivay for breakfast, 1-2 hours at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, and 30-60 minutes exploring the other towns and viewpoints along the way. The exact timing may vary depending on the group’s pace.

Recap

The "From Arequipa: Full-Day to Colca Canyon" tour offers an immersive experience in one of Peru’s most stunning landscapes at a reasonable price. Travelers can expect breathtaking views, cultural exploration, and relaxation, though some reviews suggest room for improvement in comfort and guide engagement. Overall, it’s a practical option for those seeking to discover the natural beauty and charm of the Colca Canyon region.

You can check if your dates are available here: