Puruña Stone Forest + 2 Days / 1 Night Colca Valley

The Puruña Stone Forest and Colca Valley tour offers an unforgettable two-day, one-night adventure into the heart of Peru’s stunning natural landscapes. Travelers can expect to witness the otherworldly formations of the Puruña Stone Forest, encounter diverse wildlife, and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of traditional Andean villages. But the true highlight of this tour just might be the awe-inspiring Cross of Condors, a breathtaking viewpoint where visitors can witness the graceful flight of the iconic Andean condor. What secrets and treasures await in this captivating region of Peru?

This experience made our list of the 18 Best 2 Day Tours In Chivay.

Key Points

1. This two-day, one-night excursion offers a guided tour of the Puruñía Stone Forest and exploration of the Colca Valley, including visits to local villages and hot springs.

2. The tour includes private transportation, all meals, entrance tickets, and access to the hot springs, starting from €249.57 per person with flexible booking and free cancellation.

3. Highlights include wildlife sightings of vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and vizcachas, as well as stunning views of volcanoes and the Colca Canyon.

4. The tour is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old, and participants are advised to bring appropriate gear and attire for the outdoor activities.

5. The tour supports the local Kawsay organization, which aids underprivileged children, providing an opportunity for an authentic and immersive experience in the Peruvian landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a two-day, one-night excursion to the Puruñía Stone Forest and Colca Valley, with prices starting from €249.57 per person.

Booking is flexible, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and includes guided walks, private transportation, all meals, entrance tickets, and hot springs access.

Highlights include visits to the Puruñía Stone Forest, wildlife sightings, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Colca Canyon.

The tour isn’t suitable for those over 95 years old, and travelers are advised to bring appropriate gear and attire.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing at 6:45 am from Arequipa, the tour takes guests to the Reserva de Salinas and Aguada Blanca, a 1.5-hour drive away.

From there, visitors explore the Puruñia Stone Forest on a walking tour, spotting vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and vizcachas along the way.

The tour offers stunning views of volcanoes, including Ampato, Sabancaya, and the Chila Mountain range.

After lunch in Chivay, the group visits the non-touristic Pinchollo village before an evening walk to the Colca Canyon viewpoint.

On day two, the highlight is an early visit to the Cross of Condors to observe the majestic birds, followed by a stop at the Mirador of Tapay for canyon vistas and a relaxing soak in the Yanque Village hot springs.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a guided walking tour, private transportation, an English-speaking guide, all meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), entrance tickets to Colca Canyon, and access to the hot springs.

Travelers will need to bring their own drinks and snacks, as well as any necessary tips. The tour isn’t suitable for people over 95 years old.

Recommended items to bring include a sun hat, change of clothes, camera, hiking shoes, water, jacket, cash, and a wetsuit. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

Important Information

Typically, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 95 years of age. Participants should come prepared with a sun hat, change of clothes, camera, hiking shoes, water, jacket, cash, and a wetsuit. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

This unique experience aims to immerse travelers in the natural wonders of the Peruvian landscape, focusing on the Puruñia Stone Forest and Colca Valley. The tour avoids conventional routes, allowing visitors to enjoy exclusive viewpoints and wildlife sightings away from crowded areas.

Importantly, the tour supports the local Kawsay organization, which aids underprivileged children in the region through the revenue generated from bookings.

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Tour Experience

This unique tour offers an immersive experience that veers away from conventional sightseeing routes. It focuses on showcasing the natural wonders, diverse fauna, and rich cultural heritage of the region.

By avoiding crowded tourist spots, the tour provides exclusive access to breathtaking viewpoints and lesser-known sites like the Puruñía Stone Forest.

Travelers are accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who shares insights into the Quechua traditions and customs.

The tour also supports the Kawsay initiative, which aids local children through bookings, fostering a sense of community engagement.

With a balanced itinerary blending outdoor adventures and cultural exploration, this experience promises an authentic and memorable journey through the Colca Valley.

Departure and Pickup Locations

The tour departs at 6:45 am from two convenient pickup locations in Arequipa – Calle Ugarte and Plaza de Armas. This allows guests to easily access the tour starting point from their accommodations in the city. The tour itinerary then leads guests to the Reserva de Salinas and Aguada Blanca, approximately 1.5 hours from Arequipa, where the highlight of the day, the Puruñia Stone Forest, awaits.

Departure Time	Pickup Locations
6:45 am	Calle Ugarte
	Plaza de Armas Arequipa

Reserva De Salinas and Aguada Blanca

After departing from Arequipa, the tour journeys to the Reserva de Salinas and Aguada Blanca, a scenic protected area located approximately 1.5 hours from the city.

This high-altitude desert landscape is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and vizcachas.

Visitors are treated to stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, including Ampato, Sabancaya, and the Chila Mountain range.

The tour makes a stop here to allow participants to experience the breathtaking scenery and observe the native fauna in their natural habitat before continuing on to the Puruñia Stone Forest.

Cross of Condors and Hot Springs

Next, the tour heads to the Cross of Condors, just a 20-minute drive from the hotel. This is an ideal spot to observe the majestic Andean condors in their natural habitat.

Arriving early helps avoid crowds and provides the best opportunity to witness these impressive birds soaring above the canyon.

After the condor viewing, the group visits the Mirador of Tapay for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Colca Canyon.

The final stop of the day is the village of Yanque, where travelers can unwind with a relaxing soak in the local hot springs. This is a rejuvenating way to end the day before returning to Arequipa in the late afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks on this tour. The tour description states that drinks and snacks are not included, so you’re welcome to pack your own snacks to enjoy during the trip.

How Much Free Time Is There During the Tour?

The tour provides limited free time, as the itinerary is packed with activities. Visitors can expect roughly 1-2 hours of free time during the lunch breaks and the evening walk to the Colca Canyon viewpoint.

Can I Extend My Stay in the Colca Valley?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in the Colca Valley. The tour package includes 1 night, but guests can add additional nights to their itinerary at their own expense. This allows for more time to explore the scenic canyon.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes?

The tour price includes all mandatory fees and taxes. However, there may be additional optional expenses such as drinks, snacks, and tips that are not included in the base price.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary to your preferences. You can discuss any changes with the tour operator, who’ll try to accommodate your requests within the tour’s scope and duration.

Recap

The Puruñía Stone Forest and Colca Valley tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Peru’s stunning natural and cultural landscapes. Travelers can marvel at the unique geology, encounter diverse wildlife, and explore traditional villages, culminating in a rejuvenating visit to local hot springs. This two-day, one-night adventure blends breathtaking scenery with authentic cultural experiences, providing an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s remarkable beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: