Colca Canyon Tour
2 Days / 1 Night
Peru +51 971 569 997
ACTIVITIES
Hike
lENGTH
2 Days / 1 Night
MAX. ALTITUDE
4,500 mts
LOCATION
Difficulty Level
Challenging
LENGTH
2 Days / 1 Night
ActiviTIES
Hike
Max. HEIGHT
4,500 mts
LOCATION
Overview
Enjoy a great adventure at the Colca Canyon, the deepest in the world. It is thought to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA. Large portions of the Colca Canyon are habitable, with pre-Columbian terraced fields still supporting agriculture and human life. We provide guaranteed daily departures for all: singles and groups.
See our Travellers’ testimonials. For quick, helpful information, you can read the Colca Canyon 2 days packing list and also our insider tips for this tour.
Attractions Included in this package:
- Pampas Cañahuas
- Chivay
- Cruz del Condor
Why book this tour?
- Experience the magical Andean cosmogony in the Colca Canyon.
- Enjoy relaxing hot springs in Chivay.
- Capture the best views from the Condor’s Cross.
- Witness the majestic flight of the condor.
- Visit one of the deepest canyons in the world.
- Contribute to environmental care with us and leave a positive impact on every journey.
AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Arequipa – Chivay. Our staff will pick you up from your Hotel at 8:00 a.m. to start our trip to the deepest Canyon in the world. Journey starts at the highway from Yura, passing by the snow-covered Chachani mountain. We will get to try a delicious Coca leaf tea at the Aguada Blanca National Park, habitat of beautiful South American Cameloids (vicunas, alpacas, waris and llamas). Later, at Tocra lake, we will appreciate a variety of migratory birds such as flamencos and also will stop at the panoramic viewpoint (4.800 m) for a great view of the western mountain range from where you can truly appreciate the Pre-Inca farming Terraces / platforms known as “andenerias”.
We will get to Chivay at around 13:30 for Lunch and head to the colorful town of Coporaque; this is the starting point for our 2-hour walk. We will enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nature of this side of the valley as well as a pre-Inca cemetery located next to the mountain. This region is mostly made up of Andean communities.
At about 17:00 we will enjoy a relaxing time at the hot springs of La Calera. We will have dinner with a folkloric show.
Day 2: Chivay – Cruz del Condor. After an early breakfast, we will go on 90-min bus ride to the view-point of Cruz del Condor from where you will have a very beautiful view of the Colca Canyon and see several flying condors, some may pass really close to you. Returning to Arequipa, we will see some ruins and Pre-Inca terraces. We will stop in some towns, including the town of Yanque, where we will see its church, its artisan center, and the typical clothing of the people. We will get to Chivay at about noon and have lunch. At about 2 p.m. we will board the bus that will take us back to Arequipa, arriving at about 5 p.m.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLACES TO VISIT
This experience allows us to delve deeper into the natural beauty we have here. Its impressive canyon, along with the diverse flora and fantastic fauna, makes this destination perfect. Throughout the journey, we will visit:
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- Patapampa: En route to Chivay, Patapampa stands out as one of the foremost viewpoints. From this vantage point, one can enjoy a privileged view of imposing snow-capped peaks like Walka Walka, Sabancaya, and Ampato. In harmony with the tradition of high altitudes, apachetas (superimposed rock mounds) are observed throughout, erected as tributes to the Apus or sacred mountains. The local population in this area is sparse, primarily centered around the raising of camelids like vicuñas and alpacas, occasionally selling textiles made from their wool.
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- Chivay: Its name derives from the Quechua term that translates to “clay pot,” alluding to the town’s topography. Founded during the Viceroy Toledo’s era in the Spanish colonization period, its establishment aimed to concentrate indigenous populations for Catholic evangelization, thus facilitating their subjection. Chivay is situated on the western slope of the Andes’ Cordillera, in the high area of the Colca Canyon. The town is divided into three sectors: Urinsaya, Hanasaya, and Ccapa.
- Calera Thermal Baths: These impressive thermal baths are located near Chivay. The site houses a series of heated pools designed to maintain water temperature. These waters originate from the Cotallaulli volcano, with an initial temperature between 80° and 85°, which significantly decreases to around 38° upon reaching Calera, making them ideally warm for visitors. The waters contain minerals like calcium, zinc, and iron, considered therapeutic for various ailments, including rheumatism and others related to muscles and skin, as these minerals are absorbed by the skin.
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- Cruz del Cóndor: This point offers a unique natural spectacle due to its considerable altitude. Its name comes from a large cross and a small stone wall that provides safety and comfort to tourists. Around noon, one of the most remarkable and beautiful events of the place occurs the majestic flight of the condor over the canyon landscapes. It’s noteworthy that the condor glides without flapping its wings, adding grace and majesty to the spectacle. The condors gain altitude before gliding in air currents that carry them towards the coast, where they find their food.
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- Yanque: This is a town full of living culture, where Andean music and traditional costumes are celebrated. The town’s colonial church stands out for its unique details and finishes in art and painting. Likewise, the artisan center is visited where craftsmen employ ancestral techniques to create artworks from the Colca Valley.
What’s included?
IncluDED
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Professional English speaking Tour Guide.
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All Transfers from and to your hotel.
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Entrance tickets to all places of visit.
NoT IncluDeD
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Meals.
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Tips or extra expenses.
FAQs
Is it necessary to book the service with a travel agency?
While it’s not strictly necessary to book through a travel agency to visit these destinations, it’s highly recommended. Travel agencies have experience and local knowledge that guarantee a safer and more enriching experience. Always opt for formal and certified agencies like TOUR IN PERU, which not only provide adequate service but also care about sustainable tourism development.
What entrance fee do I need to visit all the mentioned places?
For this adventure, we consider the entrance fee for:
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- Tourist Ticket for access to the Colca Canyon.
Is there any special physical preparation required to participate in the tour?
Though extreme physical fitness isn’t required, being in good shape is recommended to fully enjoy the walks and activities in the canyon.
Is it possible to spot condors during the tour?
Yes, one of the main attractions of the tour is the opportunity to spot condors at the Condor’s Cross Viewpoint.
What type of weather can I expect during the tour?
The weather in the Colca Canyon can be varied, with warmer temperatures during the day and cooler nights. Layered and warm clothing is recommended.
Are there options to purchase souvenirs or local products during the tour?
Yes, in the local villages and markets along the tour, you’ll have the chance to purchase souvenirs and handmade products.
What to bring?
Clothes
T-shirts, sun hats, Sneakers or trekking shoes, comfortable clothing for the day, and warm clothing for the night.
Health and Care
Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, Small towel, Bottled water, Personal medication.
Useful Items
Passport, Cash in soles, Camera, charging cord, Extra batteries.
Photo Gallery
Tour Map
Book this Tour
Experiences that transcend!
Personalized travel with purpose.
Awarded and recognized tour operator.
Promoters of responsible travel.
Greater experience for the client.
Expertise in the sector since 2009.
Professional specialized guides.
¿Questions?
Testimonials for your inspiration
Travel confidently with TOUR IN PERU
Travel confidently with TOUR IN PERU
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