Offer Price: Colca Canyon One Day in Arequipa with Breakfast

A Day in the Wilds of Peru: Exploring Colca Canyon for Just $28

Imagine waking up in the early hours, your hotel door opening to the cool morning air as you prepare for a full-day adventure into the heart of Peru’s dramatic landscape. For just $28 per person, this Colca Canyon One Day Tour from Arequipa offers a chance to witness one of the deepest canyons in the world, see soaring condors, and visit charming towns with colonial churches—all in a single day.

What truly sets this experience apart is the chance to see the imposing cliffs of Colca, which can reach depths of over 3,000 meters, and the chance to watch condors glide effortlessly overhead at the Cruz del Cóndor. Plus, the inclusion of a hot springs stop and visits to traditional towns makes this a well-rounded adventure.

A minor consideration is the early start—departing around 2:30-3:00 AM means we’re talking long hours on the road. However, if you’re an early riser and eager to maximize your time exploring, this tour is a fantastic value.

This experience suits travelers who love nature, photography, and cultural sights without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal for those on a tight schedule but eager for a comprehensive taste of the Colca Valley and its highlights.

Key Points

• Affordable: Excellent value for a full-day tour covering major sights at just $28.
• Spectacular Views: Witness the depth of Colca Canyon and observe vibrant wildlife like condors, alpacas, and vicuñas.
• Cultural Stops: Visit colonial towns with historic churches and pre-Incan tombs, offering a glimpse into local traditions.
• Thermal Baths & Hot Springs: Relax at Chacapi hot springs, adding a soothing break to your day.
• Expert Guides: Bilingual guides help you understand the sights and local culture.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel free up to 24 hours in advance—perfect for flexible travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Early Morning Departure and the Drive to Cruz del Cóndor
We begin between 2:30 and 3:00 AM, with hotel pickups near Arequipa’s historic center. The drive takes us through the lush landscapes of Yura, giving us our first glimpses of rural Peru. The trip, lasting around five to six hours, involves a scenic ride with minimal stops—mainly for breakfast, which is included in the tour.

This early start might seem daunting, but it’s essential for catching the sunrise at Cruz del Cóndor, the centerpiece of the tour. As the bus navigates winding roads, you’ll be glad for the comfortable transportation and the chance to relax while your guide shares stories about the region.

Cruz del Cóndor: The Heart of Colca
Around 8:30 AM, we arrive at this famous viewpoint, perched on the edge of the canyon. Here, the deep ravines stretch below, and the air is filled with the calls of condors. We love the way the guides emphasize the immense depth of the canyon and the graceful flight of the condors, which can often be seen soaring effortlessly at eye level.

Travelers often praise this spot, with one remarking, “Watching the condors circle overhead was a highlight I won’t forget.” The sanctuary here offers an opportunity to learn about these impressive birds and their conservation.

Visiting the Towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque
Next, we stop in several picturesque villages with colonial churches and traditional architecture. These towns provide a charming contrast to the rugged canyon, with narrow streets and colorful facades.

In Yanque, we enjoy the scenic views from the Miradores de Antahuilque and Choquetico, where pre-Incan tombs and ancient terraces tell stories of early inhabitants. We loved the way these viewpoints allow us to observe the ancient agricultural methods and terraced landscapes that still shape the region today.

Wildlife and Local Culture
Throughout the day, you’ll see camelids—llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas—and, if lucky, trained birds of prey. Some users have commented on the local costumes and traditional drinks like the Colca Sour, which are often featured as part of the cultural experience.

Chacapi Hot Springs
Around 11:30 AM, we stop at the Chacapi hot springs, which offer a natural bathing experience with views of the surrounding hills and countryside. It’s a welcome chance to relax and enjoy a warm soak amid stunning scenery. An entrance fee of 15 soles applies, but many feel it’s well worth it for the soothing experience.

Lunch in Chivay
By 12:30 PM, we sit down for an included or optional buffet lunch in the town of Chivay. The food provides a hearty break before heading back. For those wanting a more substantial meal, an optional 40 soles buffet is available.

Scenic Return via Volcano Viewpoints
On the way back to Arequipa, the tour continues with stops at Tocrapampa wetlands, where colorful birdlife abounds, and at Pampa Cañahuas to observe herds of vicuñas—fascinating for those interested in native wildlife. The highest point of the drive reaches 4,910 meters above sea level, so be prepared for some altitude.

Arriving Back in Arequipa
We expect to be back around 5:00 PM, closing a full, action-packed day of natural beauty, history, and culture.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Value for Money
At just $28, this tour offers an incredible amount of diverse experiences—from canyon vistas and condor sightings to cultural visits and hot springs. The included transportation, guide, and breakfast make it an efficient way to see a lot without breaking the bank.

Authentic Encounters
You’ll get genuine glimpses of local life in the towns, see pre-Incan tombs, and observe traditional dress and practices. The guides are bilingual and knowledgeable, enhancing your understanding of the sights.

Unforgettable Views
The heightened vantage points and bird’s-eye perspectives of the canyon and terraces are incredibly photogenic. Many travelers note that the close-up condor sightings and panoramic landscapes are highlights that stay with them.

Relaxation & Adventure
The hot springs offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, adding a leisurely touch to an active day. The varied stops ensure you’re not just sitting on a bus but actively exploring and experiencing.

Considerations
Keep in mind, the early start means a long day on the road, so travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to early mornings might find it a bit tiring. Also, entrance fees for certain sites and optional activities aren’t included, so budget accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is an excellent pick for budget-conscious travelers eager to see the highlights of the Colca Valley without fuss. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive day trip with natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural sights packed into one adventure.

It suits active travelers comfortable with early mornings and long drives but who still want a balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and history. Family groups and solo explorers alike will find the itinerary engaging, especially given the knowledgeable guides and diverse stops.

If you’re seeking a cost-effective way to check off a major Peruvian highlight and don’t mind the early wake-up, this tour delivers impressive value—and plenty of memories.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Pick-up occurs between 2:30 and 3:00 AM, so be prepared for an early start to make the most of the day.

How long is the drive?
The trip from Arequipa to Cruz del Cóndor takes about five to six hours, including brief stops for breakfast and scenic views.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included, and there’s an option for a buffet lunch in Chivay for 40 soles. The tour also features traditional drinks like Colca Sour.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
No, but entrance fees for sites like the hot springs are paid separately (around 15 soles). The tour includes the main sites, but optional activities cost extra.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially those interested in natural scenery and wildlife. Just keep in mind the early start and long day.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for varying temperatures, sunscreen, a hat, camera, and some cash for entrance fees and optional purchases.

In the end, this full-day Colca Canyon tour combines affordability, adventure, and authentic encounters, making it a fantastic way to experience Peru’s stunning landscapes and traditions without splurging. If you’re after a well-organized, value-packed journey that hits all the highlights, this trip from Arequipa is hard to beat.

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