The Colca Canyon, a natural wonder located just a few hours from Arequipa, offers an exhilarating day-long adventure for travelers seeking to enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This full-day tour provides an opportunity to witness the majestic Andean condors, explore charming colonial villages, and indulge in the relaxation of natural hot springs – all while gaining a deeper understanding of the local way of life. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those who embark on this remarkable journey.
This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Arequipa.
Key Points
- The Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa is priced at €52.99 per person and includes a 14-hour itinerary with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- The tour offers stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, with highlights such as the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor.
- Participants can explore colonial villages, enjoy traditional Peruvian meals, and have the option to visit the La Calera hot springs.
- The tour is available in both Spanish and English, catering to a wider range of travelers and enhancing the culture experience.
- The tour’s overall rating is 4.3 out of 5 based on 106 reviews, with positive feedback on knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation.
Tour Overview
The Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa offers an immersive experience exploring one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Priced from €52.99 per person, this 14-hour tour provides a comprehensive itinerary, including pickup from Arequipa accommodations.
Travelers can enjoy the tour in Spanish or English with a professional guide. With a flexible cancellation policy and no upfront payment required, the tour provides a convenient and hassle-free booking experience.
Whether you’re seeking stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, or culture, this tour promises to deliver an unforgettable day in the Colca Canyon region.
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Itinerary Highlights
Around 3:00 AM, travelers embark on the Colca Canyon tour with an early morning departure from their accommodations in Arequipa.
The drive takes them via the Yura road to the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, home to the majestic vicuñas.
Arriving in Chivay around 6:00 AM, they enjoy breakfast before proceeding to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, a prime spot for spotting the elusive Andean condor.
The tour then explores the picturesque villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, with their colonial churches and scenic viewpoints.
After lunch in Chivay, travelers have the option to visit the nearby La Calera hot springs.
The return journey includes a stop at the high-altitude Patapampa, offering stunning volcanic vistas, before arriving back in Arequipa by 5:00 PM.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a professional guide, and breakfast and lunch in Chivay. However, it excludes meals not specified in the itinerary, accommodation in Arequipa, entrance to hot springs, and the Colca Canyon entrance fee of S/70.00 per person.
Includes | Excludes |
---|---|
Hotel pickup and drop-off | Meals not specified in the itinerary |
Transportation | Accommodation in Arequipa |
Professional guide | Entrance to hot springs |
Breakfast and lunch in Chivay | Colca Canyon entrance fee (S/70.00 per person) |
Recommendations and Considerations
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and essential accessories like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle are recommended for this full-day Colca Canyon tour.
Bring snacks, a poncho, gloves, and a hat or cap to be prepared for the changing weather conditions. A valid ID is also required.
Due to the nature of the tour, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.
Carefully consider the recommendations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience exploring the breathtaking Colca Canyon.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Experience
Travelers have responded positively to the Colca Canyon tour, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 106 reviews.
Guests have praised the knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation. Many have enjoyed the opportunity to spot local wildlife, including condors, vicuñas, and alpacas.
The traditional Peruvian meals, including dishes like alpaca and cuy, have also been a highlight. However, some reviewers felt the itinerary was a bit rushed, leaving little time to fully immerse in the canyon’s grandeur.
Tour Destination
Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s most iconic natural wonders, situated in the Andes Mountains near the city of Arequipa.
This breathtaking destination is known for its striking landscapes, including towering cliffs, deep ravines, and the world’s second-deepest canyon.
The tour takes visitors to the Pampa Caňahuas National Reserve, home to the graceful vicuñas, a relative of the llama.
Travelers will also visit the picturesque Andean villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, where they can admire colonial churches and panoramic viewpoints.
The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to witness the majestic Andean condors soaring over the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, one of the best places in the world to observe these impressive birds.
Tour Duration
The full-day Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa is an extensive experience, lasting approximately 14 hours from start to finish.
This comprehensive excursion includes the following key elements:
- Early morning departure around 3:00 AM to maximize the day’s activities.
- Arrival in Chivay around 6:00 AM for a hearty breakfast before heading to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor.
- Exploration of picturesque Andean villages, colonial churches, and breathtaking viewpoints.
- A relaxing lunch in Chivay, followed by an optional visit to the rejuvenating La Calera hot springs.
The tour’s duration allows for a thorough immersion in the stunning Colca Canyon landscape and cultural experiences, providing travelers with a well-rounded day of discovery.
Tour Languages
According to the tour description, the Colca Canyon excursion is offered in both Spanish and English.
This allows for a more inclusive experience, catering to a wider range of travelers. Whether you’re a Spanish speaker or prefer English, you can fully learn about the tour and engage with the knowledgeable guide.
The availability of multiple languages ensures that language barriers don’t hinder your enjoyment of the stunning Colca Canyon landscape and the cultural insights provided throughout the day-long adventure.
This multilingual approach enhances the accessibility and inclusivity of the tour, making it an appealing option for international visitors to Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Private Tour?
Yes, you can request a private tour. Many tour providers offer private options that allow you to customize the itinerary and enjoy a more personalized experience. This would incur an additional fee compared to the group tour.
Are Children’s Tickets Available?
The tour does offer children’s tickets. Prices for children are typically discounted compared to adult tickets, though the exact pricing may vary. It’s best to check with the tour provider for the current child ticket rates.
Is There an Option for a Shorter Duration Tour?
Unfortunately, the tour overview does not mention any shorter duration options. The tour is described as a "Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour" lasting 14 hours. There doesn’t appear to be a shorter alternative available based on the information provided.
How Many People Are Typically in a Group?
Group sizes for this tour typically range from 10 to 20 participants. The tour company aims to keep group sizes manageable to provide a personalized experience while allowing efficient transportation and coordination throughout the day’s activities.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t offer specific discounts for seniors or students. Prices are fixed at €52.99 per person, with no age-based or student pricing options available. However, the tour includes flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Recap
The Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa offers an unforgettable experience showcasing the stunning landscapes and rich culture of the region. Travelers can spot wildlife, explore charming villages, and unwind in natural hot springs, all while discovering the breathtaking Colca Canyon. With a convenient early morning departure and a range of inclusions, this tour provides an excellent way to discover the best of Peru’s natural wonders.
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