Colca Canyon Tour Starting in Puno and ending in Arequipa 2-day Tour.
Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Type of Tour
Adventure, hike
Difficulty
Moderate
Gruop size
2 min. - 8 max.
Highlights
The Majestic Colca Canyon: One of the deepest canyons in the world at over 3,400 meters (11,150 ft), Colca offers dramatic scenery carved by the Colca River and framed by towering Andean peaks and ancient agricultural terraces still in use today.
Andean Wildlife: Witness the Andean condor and encounter native species such as vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, and birds like the giant hummingbird and Andean goose.
Andean Flora and Natural Hot Springs: High-altitude plants like ichu grass, yareta, and puya raimondii, the world’s largest bromeliad. After the canyon visit, relax in Chivay’s natural hot springs.
Cross the Scenic Altiplano Route from Puno: Travel through the vast Andean highlands, passing with lagoon landscapes, volcanic peaks, and wild vicuñas within the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Stop at panoramic viewpoints over Laguna Lagunillas, a tranquil lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains and home to flamingos and other high-altitude birds.
Overview
Begin your two-day Andean adventure in Puno, where you’ll be picked up early and journey westward into one of Peru’s most dramatic landscapes. Along the way you’ll travel across high-altitude plains, pass through the wild habitats of vicuñas and llamas, and reach viewpoints perched at nearly 4,900 m above sea level. Your first night will be spent in the charming town of Chivay, nestled in the heart of the Colca Valley, with an optional evening dip in natural hot springs to relax in the crisp mountain air.
On day two you’ll rise early and head deeper into the canyon, arriving at the renowned Cruz del Cóndor lookout to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor as it swoops over sheer canyon walls. The route then takes you through traditional villages, ancient terraced fields, and colonial churches before you continue on to Arequipa, known as the White City for its volcanic stone architecture. By the evening you’ll arrive in Arequipa, completing a rich journey through high-altitude terrain, wildlife, culture and incredible scenery.
Who is this tour for?
This tour is ideal for travelers of all ages who want to explore the Andes without demanding hikes. It suits those interested in nature, wildlife, local culture, spotting condors, visiting traditional villages, and observing ancient terraces still in use. The trip appeals to families, photographers, and anyone looking for a comfortable, full-day journey that combines scenic landscapes, Andean life, and unique geology in one experience. If you are looking to make your way to Arequipa, this is the best way if you are in the Puno or Titicaca area.
Itinerary
Your morning begins with a hotel pickup in Puno at approximately 6:00 AM. You’ll set off westward across the high Andean plains. Along the way, you’ll stop at the shimmering waters of Laguna Lagunillas, marvel at the roaming vicuñas and alpacas in the reserve of Pampa Cañahuas. There will be a pause at the viewpoint of Patapampa Pass at around 4,800 m for panoramic views of snow-capped volcanoes.
By midday we arrive in the town of Chivay. Here you’ll check in, have time for lunch and take a short rest. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the natural hot springs of La Calera Hot Springs, There, warm geothermal waters await among fresh mountain air. The evening is yours to enjoy dinner, settle into your accommodation, and prepare for the next day of adventure.
After breakfast early in the morning, departure from Chivay is around 6:30 AM. We’ll travel into the heart of the Colca Valley to reach the iconic viewpoint at Cruz del Cóndor. Here you’ll witness the dramatic depth of the canyon. If the conditions are favourable, you’ll see the majestic flight of the Andean condor gliding along the canyon. From there we continue through traditional Andean villages like Yanque and Maca. We’ll visit viewpoint like Antahuilque and Choquetico to admire pre-Inca agricultural terraces still in use today.
By noon you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch in Chivay, then begin the scenic return journey toward Arequipa. We expect to arrive in Arequipa in the early evening, around 5:00-6:00 PM, concluding a rich two-day experience of high-altitude landscapes, culture, wildlife and one of Peru’s most impressive canyons.
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Seasoned Local Guides – Our experienced guides are trained professionals. They are locals who are proudly knowledgeable on culture, history, and hidden gems.
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What’s included?
Professional Guide
Experienced, English-speaking guides who are knowledgeable about the trail, local culture, and history.
Transportation
Round-trip transportation from Arequipa to the start and end points of the trek.
Accommodation
3-star hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, 2 Lunches, Dinner.
First Aid and Emergency Equipment
Guides carry a first-aid kit for basic medical situations and emergency equipment, if needed.
Excludes
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but, not included.
- Airfare: Flights are not included.
- Accommodation in Cusco: Hotel stays are not included
- Meals not listed.
- Personal Clothing and Gear: Hiking boots, clothing, backpacks, and other personal gear are the responsibility of the trekker.
- Tips for Guides and Support Staff: Gratuity for the guides, cooks, and porters is not included and is at the discretion of the trekker.
- Extra Snacks and Drinks: While main meals are included, extra snacks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled drinks are not.
- Personal Expenses: Any additional expenses such as souvenirs, laundry services, or additional tours are not included.
- Emergency Transportation: If you need to leave the trek early due to illness or other reasons, the cost of emergency transport is not covered.
- Entrance Fees for Optional Sites: Some side trips or additional archaeological sites do have entrance fees not included in the trek package.
Recommend to carry
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Warm jacket (down or similar for cold nights).
- Hiking pants and casual pants for evenings.
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts.
- Thermal underwear.
- Sun hat and woolen hat.
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof and broken-in) or Comfortable shoes.
- Woolen or hiking socks and lighter socks for evenings.
Backpack and Daypack
- Lightweight daypack for personal items.
Hydration and Snacks
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 liters).
- Energy bars, snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate).
Health and Personal Items
- Personal medication.
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters).
- High SPF sunscreen.
- Lip balm with SPF.
- Insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper and small shovel (if needed for nature calls).
Documents
- Passport photocopy or photo.
- Travel insurance information.
- Emergency contact information.
Miscellaneous
- Plastic bags (for wet clothes and trash).
- Earplugs and eye mask.
- Small notebook and pen.
- Maps and guidebooks (optional).
FAQS
This is a 2-day tour, starting from Puno and finishing in Arequipa. The main visit is the Colca Canyon.
2 Days.
Breakfast, Buffet Lunch and Dinner.
The best seasons are during the dry months in the Andes (typically May to September) when the skies are clearer and the trails are more stable.
Entering the national park has a cost of 70 soles for foreigners, 40 soles for South American, 20 soles for Peruvian.
A maximum of 25 passengers.
Client Cancellation:
To cancel, send a written notice to “69 Explorer.” The initial deposit is not refundable. Check your insurance for potential coverage for cancellation reasons.
Cancellations more than 15 days before departure result in a 50% deposit forfeiture. For cancellations between 7 and 15 days before departure, if full payment has been made, 50% of the total cost will be refunded. No refunds are given for cancellations less than 48 hours before departure or for partial tour cancellations.
Alterations/Cancellations by Us:
In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues, adverse weather, strikes, government actions, or civil disturbances, “69 Explorer” will try to provide alternative arrangements or equivalent trips, without offering refunds. Itinerary adjustments may be necessary, but we will aim to maintain the agreed services.
Significant changes will be communicated before your trip, with comparable alternative plans offered. Any additional costs from these changes are the client’s responsibility. We cannot compensate for expenses like international flights, visas, vaccinations, etc.
If “69 Explorer” cancels a tour, a full refund will be provided.
All 69 Explorer trips are guided by Local Experienced, English-speaking guides familiar with the trail and Incan history.
For our Group Experiences we recommend 12 – 65 years old.
Families with kids or seniors can opt for a Private Trip Experience.
Yes, we can arrange customized trips in Peru.
We offer an extensive range of experiences in Cusco, like hikes or treks, Salkantay & Humantay, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail & Alternative Inca Trail, South Valley & Sacred Valley, Ausangate & Vilcanota Range experiences and recently we added E-biking to our brochure.
Contact us for tailored experiences, we can arrange the perfect plan for your Peru Vacation.
Yes, we count with all the legal permits and the experience to make your dream trip to Peru a reality.
Plus, all of our local guides have degrees in tourism and a minimum of 2 years’ experience. They all speak English and Spanish and many also speak Quechua, the native language of Peru.
