Full Day Trip to Colca Canyon From Arequipa

Exploring the breathtaking Colca Canyon from Arequipa is a must-do for adventurous travelers in Peru. This full-day excursion offers an unforgettable glimpse into the Andean landscape, with opportunities to witness the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead. Though the early departure and high altitude may pose some challenges, the rewards of this guided journey through traditional towns and stunning vistas make it well worth the effort. Whether you’re seeking awe-inspiring natural beauty or a deeper connection to the region’s cultural heritage, this Colca Canyon expedition promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Arequipa.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, offering highlights like the Condor’s Cross viewpoint and traditional Andean towns.
• The tour includes early morning hotel pickups, a 3-hour drive to Chivay, and visits to various scenic viewpoints throughout the day.
• Key attractions include watching Andean condors with impressive wingspans, exploring Maca and Yanque, and crossing the breathtaking Patapampa pass.
• The trip duration is approximately 16 hours, and while generally positive, some reviews mention concerns about transportation comfort and guide quality.
• The tour includes breakfast, a professional English-speaking guide, shared transportation, and entrance fees, but lunch and optional activities are not included.

Trip Overview

The Colca Canyon day trip from Arequipa, Peru offers travelers an immersive journey into the heart of the Andes.

This full-day excursion features a 4.0-rated experience with 32 reviews. Highlights include witnessing the majestic Andean condors at Condor’s Cross, visiting traditional towns like Maca and Yanque, and crossing the breathtaking Patapampa pass at over 16,000 feet.

The tour includes breakfast, a professional English-speaking guide, shared transportation, and all necessary entrance fees.

Travelers should note the early 2:30 AM start time for hotel pickups in Arequipa, as well as the approximately 16-hour total duration of the trip.

Itinerary and Schedule

The day trip to Colca Canyon starts early, with hotel pickups in downtown Arequipa beginning at 2:30 AM.

After a 3-hour drive, travelers will reach the town of Chivay, where they’ll stop for a 30-minute breakfast.

From there, the tour will visit various viewpoints and traditional sites throughout the day.

Highlights include the "Condor’s Cross" for watching Andean condors, and the crossing of the 16,000-foot Patapampa pass.

The total duration of the trip is approximately 16 hours, with drop-off at a central location in Arequipa.

Warm clothing is recommended due to the high altitude.

Highlights and Attractions

Key highlights of the Colca Canyon day trip include watching the impressive Andean condors at the aptly named "Condor’s Cross" viewpoint.

These massive birds, with wingspans reaching over 10 feet, soar effortlessly over the canyon’s majestic landscape.

The tour also visits traditional Andean towns like Maca and Yanque, where travelers can enjoy the rich local culture and architecture.

Another highlight is crossing the Patapampa pass, which reaches an elevation of 16,000 feet, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Throughout the day, the guided tour provides opportunities to admire the Colca Canyon’s awe-inspiring natural beauty and learn about the region’s history and customs.

Traveler Experiences

Travelers have generally been pleased with the Colca Canyon day trip, lauding its stunning natural scenery and opportunities to spot the majestic Andean condors.

However, some have complained about the uncomfortable bus seating and long wait times for pickups.

Reviews on the quality of the guides are mixed, with some finding them excellent and others noting a lack of detailed information.

Suggestions for improvement include better drop-off arrangements and more comfortable transport options.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Colca Canyon day trip includes breakfast, a professional English-speaking guide, shared transportation, and mandatory entrance fees for the canyon.

The optional hot springs entrance fee of $5 is an additional cost. Warm clothing is recommended due to the high altitude.

The tour excludes lunch, which you’ll need to purchase on your own during the stops along the route.

Key inclusions:

1. Breakfast
2. Professional English guide
3. Shared transportation
4. Mandatory Colca Canyon entrance fees

Given the long duration and high altitude, it’s important to come prepared with proper attire and hydration.

Important Considerations

Traveling to Colca Canyon may not be suitable for those with serious medical conditions, such as heart problems or back issues.

The high altitude and strenuous nature of the trip could exacerbate certain health concerns.

Travelers are required to provide their passport details at the time of booking, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience.

Regarding cancellation, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience, providing flexibility for last-minute changes in plans.

Getting to Colca Canyon

Getting to Colca Canyon typically begins with an early start from Arequipa, the nearest major city. The tour departs around 2:30 AM, allowing visitors to reach the canyon’s viewpoints in time to witness the majestic Andean condors take flight.

The journey takes approximately 3 hours, with the first stop in Chivay town for breakfast. Along the way, travelers will:

1. Cross the 16,000-foot (4,900-meter) Patapampa pass, offering breathtaking views of the Andes.
2. Visit traditional towns like Maca and Yanque, immersing in the local culture.
3. Stop at various scenic viewpoints to admire the stunning Colca Canyon landscape.
4. Arrive at the iconic ‘Condor’s Cross’ to observe the magnificent Andean condors soaring overhead.

Feedback and Recommendations

According to traveler reviews, the Colca Canyon day trip from Arequipa generally receives positive feedback, with many praising the stunning natural beauty of the canyon and the opportunity to witness the majestic Andean condors.

However, some travelers have expressed discomfort with the long bus rides and the lack of detailed information provided by guides.

To improve the experience, tour operators may want to consider using more comfortable transportation and ensuring their guides are well-informed and engage participants throughout the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour itinerary includes several stops along the way, where travelers can access restroom facilities. While specific details are not provided, it’s reasonable to expect basic restroom amenities to be available during the day-long excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Trip?

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a light breakfast is provided, and there may be opportunities to purchase meals and snacks during the stops. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

Is Photography Allowed at the Condor’s Cross Viewpoint?

Yes, photography is allowed at the Condor’s Cross viewpoint. Travelers can take photos of the magnificent Andean condors soaring overhead within this designated viewing area along the Colca Canyon rim.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring the Traditional Towns?

The itinerary allocates around 30 minutes for exploring the traditional towns of Maca and Yanque along the Colca Canyon trip. Travelers have the opportunity to wander through these picturesque villages and observe the local culture during the day-long excursion.

Is There Any Way to Request a Private or Smaller Group Tour?

Travelers can request private or smaller group tours, which may offer more personalized experiences and flexibility in the itinerary. However, these options may come at an additional cost compared to the standard shared group tour.

Recap

The full-day trip to Colca Canyon from Arequipa is an unforgettable adventure. Travelers can marvel at the stunning Andean vistas and witness the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead. While the early start and high altitude require preparation, the guided tour, transportation, and included fees make this a hassle-free experience. With its breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife, the Colca Canyon is a must-see destination for visitors to Arequipa.