The Colca Canyon, one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders, is the backdrop for this captivating two-day tour from Puno to Arequipa. Travelers embark on a scenic journey through the stunning Andes, witnessing the flight of majestic condors and seeing the region’s rich cultural heritage. With the opportunity to unwind in hot springs and savor traditional cuisine, this customizable adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of the Colca Canyon’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a cultural connoisseur, this tour offers a chance to discover the essence of this remarkable destination.
Key Points
- This 2-day tour from Puno takes you to the stunning Colca Canyon, offering scenic Andes views, wildlife spotting, and a visit to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint for majestic condor sightings.
- The tour includes hotel pickup in Puno, drop-off in Arequipa, and a bilingual guide, providing a seamless and informative experience.
- Highlights include the Patapampa Viewpoint, La Calera Hot Springs, and visits to traditional Inca towns like Coporaque and Maca.
- The tour is suitable for English and Spanish speakers, with an overall customer rating of 4.3/5 based on 59 reviews.
- Altitude sickness is a concern due to the high elevation, and appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended for comfort and safety.
Tour Overview
For this Colca Canyon Tour, the duration lasts 2 days and starts at $98.50 per person.
Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, with pickups from hotels in Puno’s historic center. It ends in Arequipa City.
The itinerary includes scenic views, stops to see Andean livestock, and relaxation at hot springs. Lunch and dinner can be added as optional extras.
Customers praise the knowledgeable guides and good value for money, though altitude sickness is a consideration. Coordination is preferred via WhatsApp.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Colca Canyon.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with a transfer from Puno to Chivay, which includes scenic views of the Andes and stops to observe Llamas, Alpacas, and Vicunas at Salinas and Aguada Blanca.
Next, the tour reaches the Patapampa Viewpoint, the highest point at 4,900 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking vistas.
Lunch is provided if selected during booking. The afternoon offers relaxation time at the La Calera Hot Springs, and dinner is included in Chivay if chosen.
On the second day, an early departure allows for visiting the La Cruz del Condor viewpoint to witness the flight of the Condor.
The tour also includes stops at Coporaque, Maca, and Antahuilque to see Inca terraces before returning to Chivay for lunch and transfer to Arequipa City.
Day 1 Highlights
The tour begins with a scenic transfer from Puno to Chivay, offering breathtaking views of the Andes.
Along the way, stops are made to see herds of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas at Salinas and Aguada Blanca.
The highlight of the day is the Patapampa Viewpoint, the highest point at 4,900 meters above sea level, providing a panoramic vista of the rugged landscape.
After lunch, travelers have the opportunity to relax at the soothing La Calera Hot Springs before enjoying a provided dinner in Chivay.
The day’s activities include:
- Scenic transfer from Puno to Chivay
- Wildlife viewing at Salinas and Aguada Blanca
- Breathtaking views from the Patapampa Viewpoint
- Relaxation at the La Calera Hot Springs
Day 2 Highlights
Day 2 begins with an early departure from Chivay to reach the spectacular La Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Here, visitors witness the awe-inspiring flight of the majestic condor, the largest flying bird in the world.
The tour then visits the traditional towns of Coporaque and Maca, offering a glimpse into the local culture. Next, the group stops at the Antahuilque viewpoint to admire the impressive Inca terraces.
After this scenic experience, the tour returns to Chivay for lunch, followed by the transfer to Arequipa City, arriving around 5:00 PM. Throughout the day, the guide provides insightful commentary, ensuring an enriching and memorable journey.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyInclusions and Add-ons
As part of the Colca Canyon tour, certain inclusions and additional options are available for travelers to customize their experience.
The tour includes hotel pickup in Puno, hotel drop-off in Arequipa, a bilingual guide, and all transfers during activities.
Optional add-ons include:
- Accommodation in Chivay (must be booked separately)
- Entry fee to Colca Canyon
- Entry fees to La Calera Hot Springs
- Lunch for both days
These add-ons allow travelers to tailor the tour to their preferences and budget, ensuring they get the most out of their Colca Canyon adventure.
Important Information
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended for the Colca Canyon tour, as the high-altitude environment can be quite chilly.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals prone to altitude sickness, as the highest viewpoint reaches an elevation of 4,900 meters.
Throughout the tour, WhatsApp is the preferred method of communication for coordination. Travelers should keep this in mind and ensure they’ve a working mobile device with the necessary app installed.
Customer Feedback
The Colca Canyon tour has garnered a solid 4.3/5 rating based on 59 customer reviews.
Travellers have praised the knowledgeable guides, such as Paul from Romania, who provide informative insights throughout the journey.
The transportation also received high marks, with reviewers noting the careful driving that enhanced the enjoyable experience.
While the value for money was deemed great by customers like Urszula from the United States, a few mentioned room for improvement.
The Colca Canyon tour offers an engaging adventure, as evidenced by the positive feedback across categories:
- Guide: 4.3/5
- Transportation: 4.4/5
- Value for Money: 4.2/5
Booking and Contact
To book the Colca Canyon tour, customers can easily reach out via WhatsApp, the preferred communication method.
Tour operators provide pickup from hotels in Puno’s historic center, with flexible meeting points for other accommodations.
The 2-day adventure starts at $98.50 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can opt for additional inclusions like meals and hot spring access during booking.
The tour caters to English and Spanish speakers, ensuring a seamless experience.
Travelers should keep altitude considerations in mind and pack appropriate clothing and footwear.
With a 4.3/5 overall rating, the Colca Canyon tour offers an unforgettable journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Colca Canyon?
The best time to visit the Colca Canyon is during the dry season, from May to September. This offers clear skies, mild temperatures, and increased chances of spotting the majestic Andean condor in flight.
Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?
Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional activities. Travelers can add accommodation in Chivay, entry fees to La Calera Hot Springs, and lunches for both days during the booking process to customize their Colca Canyon experience.
Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences. The provider offers optional add-ons like accommodation, entry fees, and meals that you can include during the booking process to personalize the experience.
Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available?
The tour offers dietary accommodations for vegetarian, vegan, and other special dietary requirements if requested during booking. The tour provider will work to meet your needs and ensure an enjoyable experience.
How Do I Get From the End Point (Arequipa) Back to My Hotel in Puno?
The tour includes hotel drop-off in Arequipa City at the end of the second day. Travelers will need to arrange their own transportation back to Puno, either by bus or private transfer, which can be booked separately.
Recap
This Colca Canyon tour offers an unforgettable adventure amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. Travelers can enjoy scenic transfers, wildlife viewing, and culture, with the option to relax in hot springs. Priced at $98.50 per person, the tour promises stunning viewpoints, delicious meals, and knowledgeable guidance, making it a fantastic choice for an unforgettable Andean experience. With free cancellation and customizable options, this tour is worth considering for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of the Colca Canyon.
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