1-day excursion to the Colca Canyon + Hot Springs

Experience the grandeur of Colca Canyon in just one day with a well-organized tour that takes you through breathtaking scenery, majestic condors, and soothing hot springs. For $32 per person, this tour offers a compact yet immersive taste of one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders. Starting early from Arequipa, you’ll spend approximately 10 hours exploring, with highlights including the famed condor flight, panoramic viewpoints, and optional thermal baths.

What we love about this experience is how accessible it makes seeing the Colca Canyon’s impressive size and wildlife without requiring a multi-day commitment. The cost is quite reasonable considering the transportation, guide, and breakfast included, providing good value for budget travelers. Also, the stops at viewpoints like Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor and Patapampa offer spectacular photo opportunities and scenic vistas that make the journey memorable.

A potential drawback is that the tour guide’s explanations may be primarily in Spanish, with some reviews noting that the English commentary is limited or less detailed. The itinerary can also feel somewhat rushed, especially with the traffic-related delays on the return trip, which is worth considering if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour suits travelers who want an efficient and affordable introduction to Colca Canyon, especially those eager to see condors and enjoy some hot springs without the hassle of organizing transport and logistics themselves. If you’re comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and can tolerate a busy schedule, this adventure offers plenty of value and authentic sights.

Key Points

• Affordable price: For just $32, you get transportation, a guide, and breakfast, making it a cost-effective way to see Colca Canyon.
• Majestic condor viewing: The Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor provides one of the best chances to observe the condors in flight, with wingspan up to 3.5 meters.
• Scenic viewpoints: Stops at Patapampa and other natural viewpoints showcase snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, and the surrounding landscape.
• Flexible options for relaxation: The stop at hot springs, zip-lining, or hiking allows for some added adventure or relaxation depending on your interests.
• Slight communication limitations: The guide’s commentary may be primarily in Spanish, which could impact non-Spanish speakers.
• Time constraints: The tour’s schedule is tight, including a few stops in quick succession, which can feel hurried especially if traffic delays occur.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

Transportation and Scheduling

Starting with the logistics, the tour begins with a hotel pickup in Arequipa, which is a plus if you’re staying centrally located. The tour van is comfortable enough for the roughly 3-hour drive to Chivay, the main town in the valley. The trip includes some scenic views and the chance to relax after the early start.

Once in Chivay, you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast—a simple but appreciated perk—before heading to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor. The drive from Chivay to the viewpoint takes about 45 minutes, and during this time, the guide will likely give an overview of the canyon’s geology and wildlife, although the review from Anna notes that the guide’s commentary was primarily in Spanish, with some elements in English.

The Condor Viewpoint

The highlight for most visitors is the flight of the condors at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor. Here, you’ll have approximately 1.5 hours to observe these impressive birds soaring overhead, their wingspan reaching up to 3.5 meters. The guide explains the differences between males, females, and juveniles, adding educational value to this awe-inspiring sight.

The vantage point offers sweeping views of the canyon, which stretches about 4,000 meters deep, a true testament to nature’s power. Expect to see condors gliding effortlessly, often circling nearby thermals, which makes for spectacular photo opportunities. The reviews mention that the condors are large and impressive but also note that the commentary might be limited for non-Spanish speakers, so bringing your own binoculars or camera with zoom is advisable.

Exploring the Canyon and Surroundings

After the condor viewing, the tour continues with visits to natural viewpoints along the canyon rim. These spots are perfect for snapping photos of the vast, rugged landscape. A stop at Sancayo ice cream, an unexpected treat, gives you a chance to sample local flavors, adding a delightful touch to the day.

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Hot Springs and Optional Activities

A key feature of this tour is the hot springs stop, which lasts about an hour. While entrance fees are not included, it’s an opportunity to relax in warm mineral waters, appreciated after a morning of sightseeing. Alternatively, some travelers might choose to go zip-lining or hiking, adding an adventurous element to the day.

However, the hot springs’ entrance fee is not included, and some reviews mention that the cost (around 5 soles) was not listed upfront. Be prepared for this small extra expense, and consider if you want to indulge or prefer a quick dip and move on.

The Return Trip and Scenic Stops

On the way back to Arequipa, the tour makes several stops: the Patapampa viewpoint for snow-covered peaks and volcanic scenery, and a visit to part of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve for camelid sightings—llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. These stops enrich the experience, giving insight into the region’s flora and fauna.

Traffic can be a concern during the return, as Anna’s review pointed out. She mentions the need to hustle to avoid getting stuck in traffic, which could cut into your sightseeing time. The tour ends in the historic center of Arequipa around 5:30-6 p.m., giving you time to explore the city afterward.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring layers: The temperature varies from the cool morning in Arequipa, to the warm canyon, to the cold at Patapampa. Pack a jacket and sunglasses.
• Camera gear: The condors and panoramic views are prime photo opportunities. A telephoto lens or binoculars will enhance your experience.
• Language considerations: If you don’t speak Spanish, consider bringing a translation app or asking the guide if English commentary is available, although it might be limited.
• Optional entrance fees: Budget extra for hot springs or optional activities like zip-lining.
• Time management: Be prepared for a busy schedule; flexibility may be limited due to traffic and tight timings.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an affordable, day-long glimpse of Colca Canyon without the hassle of organizing transport, especially those on a budget or with limited time. It’s good for nature lovers eager to see condors in flight and enjoy scenic viewpoints. If you’re comfortable with shorter explanations in English or Spanish and don’t mind a busy schedule, you’ll find this a practical and enjoyable way to experience the highlights of the canyon.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, detailed commentary in English, or a private experience, you might want to explore longer or private tours. Also, if hot springs or extra activities are a must, check the additional costs and timing.

Final Thoughts

This 1-day tour to Colca Canyon offers a solid introduction to one of Peru’s most dramatic landscapes, combining wildlife sightings, breathtaking vistas, and relaxing thermal baths at a very reasonable price. With the included guide, transportation, and breakfast, it’s a straightforward way to tick off seeing condors and the canyon’s grandeur from your Peru itinerary.

While the schedule can feel rushed, especially with traffic delays, the key sights are well-covered, and the experience provides enough scenic beauty and wildlife to make it worth the effort. It’s best suited for travelers who want a cost-effective, guided overview of the canyon, with some flexibility in activities and a readiness for a packed day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 10 hours, starting early in the morning and returning to Arequipa around 5:30-6 p.m.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, a bilingual guide, and a continental breakfast are included. Entrance fees, hot springs, and optional activities like zip-lining are extra.

Is the guide commentary in English?
The guide’s explanations are primarily in Spanish, with some reviews noting limited English commentary. Consider this if language is a concern.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for varying temperatures, a camera with zoom, sunglasses, and some cash for optional entrance fees or snacks.

Can I visit hot springs?
Yes, there’s a stop at hot springs, but entrance is not included and costs about 5 soles. You can also choose to skip this for more sightseeing time.

What about traffic delays?
Traffic can cause delays on the return trip, so be prepared for some rushing and possibly missing some stops if timing gets tight.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The viewpoints and condor sightings offer excellent photo opportunities, especially with binoculars or zoom lenses.

Who should avoid this tour?
Those seeking a leisurely pace, detailed English commentary, or private, customizable trips might find this tour too rushed or limited.

What is the best time to see condors?
The best chance for condor sightings is at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, generally early in the day when they are actively soaring.

This 1-day Colca Canyon tour balances affordability with some of the most iconic sights in southern Peru. Perfect for those wanting a snapshot of natural beauty, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, all wrapped into a single, well-organized day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby