Full Day Tour Including Transfer to Puno / Colca Canyon

The Full Day Tour Including Transfer to Puno and Colca Canyon is a comprehensive excursion that allows travelers to enjoy Peru’s stunning natural landscapes. Covering a vast expanse of the country, this tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic Andean condors at the Condors Cross viewpoint and explore the breathtaking depths of the Colca Canyon. With private transportation, complimentary meals, and a well-curated itinerary, the tour provides a seamless and budget-friendly experience. However, the true highlight of this adventure lies in the awe-inspiring vistas and the chance to connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Arequipa.

Key Points

• This full-day tour provides private transportation from Arequipa to Colca Canyon and onwards to Puno, lasting approximately 16.5 hours.
• Key highlights include the Condors Cross viewpoint for observing the world’s largest flying birds and the Chacapi hot springs.
• Complimentary breakfast is served in Chivay, and a regional buffet lunch can be purchased before reaching Puno.
• Admission to Colca Canyon is not included but can be purchased separately for 70 soles.
• The tour is accessible for travelers with infants, wheelchairs, and those needing extra assistance, with step-free access and on-site support.

Tour Overview

The full-day tour from Arequipa to Puno via Colca Canyon provides an ideal itinerary for travelers on a tight schedule and budget.

Spanning approximately 16.5 hours, the tour showcases key highlights like the Condors Cross viewpoint, the option to visit Chacapi hot springs, and a stop at the Pampa Canahuas National Reserve.

Pickup from accommodations occurs between 3:00 – 3:30 am, with the tour concluding around 7:30 pm.

While the admission to Colca Canyon itself isn’t included, the tour offers convenient private door-to-door transportation and a complimentary breakfast in Chivay.

Itinerary Highlights

At the Condors Cross, visitors can find the best viewpoint for watching the majestic Andean condors soar overhead. This free stop lasts around 40 minutes, allowing guests ample time to witness these impressive birds in their natural habitat.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the Colca Canyon. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, this natural wonder is home to:

• Over 100 bird species
• 300 plant types
• 30 cactus varieties

The canyon’s highest point, Ampato, stands at an impressive 6,388 meters above sea level.

While admission to the canyon isn’t included, it’s a must-see attraction along the route to Puno.

Condors Cross

One of the highlights of the full-day tour is the Condors Cross viewpoint, which offers visitors the best opportunity to witness the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead.

This free-to-access location is situated at a strategic vantage point, providing unobstructed views of the birds’ natural habitat.

Visitors can spend approximately 40 minutes observing the condors, which are the largest flying birds in the world, as they glide effortlessly on the thermal currents.

With their impressive wingspans and distinctive white markings, these remarkable creatures are a true sight to behold, making the Condors Cross a must-see attraction on the Colca Canyon tour.

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is widely regarded as one of Peru’s most impressive natural wonders.

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, this stunning geological feature is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 100 bird species, 300 plant types, and 30 cactus varieties.

Visitors can marvel at the canyon’s sheer cliffs, which reach a staggering height of 6,388 meters (20,945 feet) at the Ampato peak.

The canyon offers a unique opportunity to witness the graceful flight of the Andean condor, the world’s largest flying bird, from the best vantage point, the Condors Cross.

Exploring Colca Canyon is a truly unforgettable experience for any traveler to Peru.

Transportation and Meals

The tour provides private door-to-door transportation, with pickup scheduled between 3:00 and 3:30 am from your accommodation.

A complimentary breakfast is included in Chivay. For the last lunch, you will enjoy a regional buffet restaurant in Chivay, costing 30 soles.

The entrance fee to Colca Canyon is 70 soles, and the hot springs is an additional 15 soles.

This comprehensive tour package ensures a seamless travel experience, allowing you to focus on the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Colca Canyon region.

Accessibility

Infant seats are available for the tour, though infants must sit on laps.

The tour surfaces and transportation are wheelchair accessible, allowing travelers with mobility challenges to fully participate.

Plus, the tour offers the following accessibility features:

• Step-free access to all vehicles and tour sites
• On-site assistance for passengers who require extra help
• Accessible restrooms at major stops along the route
• Flexible itinerary accommodations for guests with special needs

Reviews and Feedback

Based on 19 reviews, the overall rating for this Puno / Colca Canyon tour is 4.5 out of 5.

Common feedback notes the long bus rides with limited time at stops, though the beautiful scenery is widely praised. Reviewers felt the experience was somewhat rushed, but appreciated the tour’s punctuality and organization.

Notable highlights include sightings of the majestic Andean condors and enjoyment of the Chacapi hot springs.

While the tour covers a lot of ground in a single day, most travelers found it to be a well-planned and worthwhile excursion, especially for those on a tight schedule and budget.

Tour Duration

This full-day tour from Arequipa to Puno via Colca Canyon lasts approximately 16.5 hours, starting as early as 3:00 am and ending around 7:30 pm.

The early departure allows travelers to maximize their time and cover key highlights along the route.

The tour includes:

• Pickup from your Arequipa accommodation between 3:00 – 3:30 am
• Complimentary breakfast in Chivay
• A final lunch in Chivay at a regional buffet restaurant
• Arrival in Puno around 7:30 pm, completing the one-way transfer

This extensive itinerary provides an efficient and budget-friendly way to experience the natural wonders of Colca Canyon and reach Puno in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?

The tour can accommodate special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, if notified in advance. Travelers should inform the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking to ensure their needs are met during the tour.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour and Spend More Time at Colca Canyon?

The tour itinerary can be extended to allow more time at Colca Canyon, but this would require adjusting the overall tour duration and schedule. Travelers can inquire about customization options to allocate more time to explore the canyon.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy for this tour is not explicitly provided. However, many tour operators typically offer flexible cancellation options, often with full refunds for cancellations made within 24-48 hours of the scheduled departure.

Can We Make Additional Stops or Adjust the Itinerary on the Day of the Tour?

The tour has a set itinerary and doesn’t typically allow for additional stops or adjustments on the day of the tour. Travelers should discuss any desired changes with the tour provider in advance, as flexibility may be limited.

Are There Any Optional Activities or Add-Ons Available During the Tour?

There are optional add-ons like visiting the Chacapi hot springs for 15 soles. However, the core itinerary and schedule are fixed, and the tour doesn’t allow for additional stops or adjustments on the day of the tour.

Recap

The Full-Day Tour Including Transfer to Puno and Colca Canyon is an exceptional opportunity to explore Peru’s natural wonders. With stunning viewpoints, relaxing hot springs, and private transportation, this budget-friendly tour provides a memorable experience for travelers. The tour’s itinerary highlights the majestic Andean condors and the breathtaking Colca Canyon, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting the region.