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Full Day Colca Canyon Tour

3 reviews

16 hrs

From

72.838 ARS

The Colca Canyon Tour begins at the crack of dawn, guiding you through one of the world's deepest canyons and offering a chance to witness the awe-inspiring flight of the renowned Andean Condors.

Experience a scenic journey to the National Reserve Salinas y Aguada Blanca, making your way to the Cross of Condor in Chivay, where you can discover charming villages with colonial-era churches.

Don't miss out on this exceptional full-day tour to the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

Tour Description

Early in the morning, after picking you up from your hotel in the city of Arequipa, we will embark on the Colca tour to the breathtaking Colca Valley. This incredible journey begins with a scenic drive through the National Reserve of Salinas y Aguada Blanca, situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, where we will observe the graceful vicuñas.

Following a 4-hour road trip, we will arrive at the charming town of Chivay. Nestled at the highest point of the canyon, Chivay stands at 3,635 m.a.s.l. The tour proceeds to the Cruz del Condor viewing points, positioned at 4,700 meters above sea level, offering a stunning view of the Colca River below.

Here, we'll witness the majestic landscapes dominated by volcanoes and experience the awe-inspiring flight of the Condor in its natural habitat—a unique spectacle. The Condor is revered as a South American Heritage and ranks among the largest flying birds in the world.

Our journey will continue through various religious towns, including Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque. We'll also visit the Antahuilque viewpoint, located at 3,700 m.a.s.l., offering spectacular views of vibrant lagoons and the terraces of Choquetico.

Relish a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in Chivay (optional). Afterwards, you may choose to visit the hot springs (optional), renowned for their healing properties.

On our return trip to Arequipa, we will traverse the Chucura crater and Patahuasi, a site where we can observe birds, llamas, and alpacas. We'll stop at the volcanoes viewpoint at 4,800 m.a.s.l., where you can marvel at breathtaking views of the Misti, Sabancaya, Chachani, Ampato volcanoes, and more.

Concluding this extensive day tour of the Colca Canyon, we will return to Arequipa and ensure your transfer back to the hotel.

What’s included?

What’s included:

* Transfers from / to the hotel, to the Colca Canyon * Shared guided tour in Spanish and English * Breakfast * First Aid Kit

What’s NOT included:

* Tips (optional) * Ticket entrance to Colca (S/ 40.00 Latins, S/ 70.00 Foreigns) * Ticket entrance to hot springs (S/ 15.00 per person) * Lunch at Chivay (between S/ 25.00 and S/ 35.OO per person)

Frequently Asked Questions

The Colca Canyon tour typically begins in Arequipa and offers a scenic drive through the Colca Valley, including stops in traditional villages like Chivay and Yanque. A visit to the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint is included for condor watching. The tour also usually features hot springs, colonial churches, and spectacular views of pre-Incan terraces and the imposing canyon. It's a cultural and natural experience that allows you to appreciate the region's biodiversity and authenticity.

Yes, most tours to the Colca Canyon include pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Arequipa. When booking your tour, you'll usually need to provide your accommodation address to coordinate the pick-up. This service adds convenience and security for travelers, making the start and end of the tour much easier. If your accommodation is located outside the city center, please inquire about any additional charges or if there's a designated meeting point for all tourists.

The best time to visit the Colca Canyon is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. During these months, the weather is sunnier and rainfall is scarce, offering better conditions for enjoying panoramic views and hiking. It's also the preferred season for spotting Andean condors soaring above the canyon. During the rainy season (December to March), the trails can be less accessible, although the vegetation is more lush and green, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

The Colca Canyon excursion is moderately challenging due to the altitude (over 3,000 meters above sea level), but most tours are designed to be suitable for the whole family, including seniors and children. However, it is recommended to consult with your guide and take precautions if you have heart or respiratory problems. It is essential to acclimatize beforehand in Arequipa and bring comfortable clothing, water, and sunscreen to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The price of a Colca Canyon tour generally includes transportation, a tour guide, breakfast and lunch during the tour, as well as entrance fees to the main sites. However, some services may not be included, such as access to hot springs, tips, additional drinks, or personal expenses. It is advisable to carefully read the tour description to know exactly what is covered and to prepare cash for optional entrance fees and purchases of handicrafts or souvenirs. Also, inquire about travel insurance and cancellation policies.

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