Colca Canyon Excursion 2 Days with End in Puno

Exploring Peru’s Majestic Landscapes: A 2-Day Colca Canyon Excursion Ending in Puno

If you’re traveling through southern Peru, a trip to the Colca Canyon deserves a spot on your itinerary. This 2-day tour, starting from the historic city of Arequipa and ending in Puno, offers an excellent blend of breathtaking scenery, local culture, and relaxing moments. For $85 per person, this experience promises visits to the canyon’s iconic viewpoints, a chance to see condors in flight, and an overnight stay in the charming town of Chivay.

What we love about this tour is its focus on authentic landscapes and local flavor — from spotting vicuñas in the highlands to drinking traditional coca mate, and soaking in therapeutic hot springs. The tour is well-structured for those who want a comfortable, guided experience without missing the natural grandeur.

A potential consideration is the long drive on the first day, which takes around four hours, including several stops. This could be tiring for travelers who prefer a more leisurely pace or have mobility issues. However, the scenic stops and cultural highlights make the journey worthwhile.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate stunning vistas, cultural sights, and comfortable accommodations. It’s ideal for those who want a guided experience with professional guides in both English and Spanish, and who plan to continue their adventure in Puno afterward.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The tour includes stops at the Mirador de los Volcanes and other viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the mountain range.
• Wildlife Encounters: You’ll see vicuñas, alpacas, and possibly other camelids in their natural habitat.
• Authentic Experience: Drinking coca mate at Patahuasi and tasting local drinks like the Colca Sour add a cultural touch.
• Comfortable Accommodation: An overnight stay in Chivay allows for a relaxed experience and optional visits to hot springs.
• Condor Viewing: The highlight of the second day is watching condors soar at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor.
• Flexible Options: Optional entrance fees for hot springs and folkloric dinners are available, allowing you to personalize your experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour

Starting Point: Arequipa and the Journey to the Canyon

Your adventure begins early, with a pickup from your hotel in Arequipa’s city center. The tour kicks off around 7:30-8:00 am, with a comfortable ride toward Chivay, the gateway to the canyon. The drive typically lasts about four hours, but it’s peppered with strategic stops that make the long journey enjoyable.

One of the first stops is at Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a high-altitude landscape where the vicuñas—those elegant, shy camelids—graze freely. We loved the chance to see these animals in their natural environment, especially given their delicate conservation status.

Next, you’ll visit Patahuasi to sip coca mate, a local remedy for altitude sickness. It’s a simple but culturally significant ritual, and many travelers find it helps ease the altitude adjustment. A nearby stop at Toccra Bofedales offers a view of alpacas grazing amid a lush wetland, adding to the sense of authenticity.

The most dramatic stop of the day is at the Mirador de los Volcanes, perched at 4,800 meters above sea level. From here, you’ll get a sweeping view of the Western mountain range — a landscape that’s both stark and stunning. It’s a powerful reminder of the raw beauty of the Andes. After this high-altitude moment, it’s just a short drive to Chivay, arriving around lunchtime.

The Charm of Chivay and Its Hot Springs

Chivay is a cheerful town that offers a welcome break after the early morning drive. Your package includes a private room for the night, which ensures some comfort after a day of sightseeing. We appreciated the flexibility here, as you can choose to enjoy a soothing soak in the thermal baths (entrance paid locally). The waters, ranging between 35°C and 38°C, are reputed to have therapeutic properties.

Evening in Chivay can be lively, and many travelers opt for a folkloric dance show (extra cost). It’s a fun way to experience regional music and dance, adding a vibrant cultural layer to your visit.

Day Two: The Heart of the Canyon and Condor Watching

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, the tour heads to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor. This is the star attraction — a vantage point renowned for its jaw-dropping views of the Colca Canyon and the chance to see Andean condors glide effortlessly in the sky. We loved the spectacle of these massive birds, with wingspan reaching up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet). Several reviews mention that this is a highlight: “We saw the condors flying just above us, a truly awe-inspiring sight.”

You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, soaking in the scenery and photographing these impressive birds. The canyon itself is a marvel of natural erosion, with terraced fields carved into the cliffs, testament to thousands of years of agriculture.

On the return trip, the tour makes stops at viewpoints overlooking the Andenería del Valle, an ancient Incan terraced agricultural site. A brief visit to the town of Maca reveals a beautiful church and an opportunity to taste local drinks like the Colca Sour — a cocktail made with regional ingredients that many travelers find delightful.

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The Journey from Colca to Puno

After lunch in Chivay, the group boards a comfortable bus for the 3-hour drive to Puno. This part of the trip is notable for the scenic views of lakes, high-altitude wetlands, and mountains. The journey ends at the Puno bus station, close to the city center, making it easy to continue exploring the area.

The tour includes stops along the route, depending on the group’s pace and interests, giving a chance to see more of the local flora and fauna, or visit additional viewpoints.

Practical Details and Value

This tour strikes a good balance between guided convenience and authentic experiences. The price of $85 covers transportation, guides in both English and Spanish, hotels in Chivay, and the tour stops. Additional expenses such as entrance fees, meals, and optional hot springs visits are paid separately, allowing you to customize your experience.

We found the value to be solid, especially considering the included professional guides who provide insightful commentary and help spot wildlife. The scenic vistas, the chance to see condors in their natural habitat, and the relaxing thermal baths add up to a memorable adventure.

A few reviews mention that the long drive can be tiring, but most agree that the stops and views make it worthwhile. The hot springs are optional but highly recommended for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after stunning views of the Andes, wildlife sightings, and a taste of local culture, this tour is a great choice. It suits travelers who enjoy a well-organized guided experience and don’t mind a bit of travel time. It’s also ideal if you plan to continue your journey to Puno and Lake Titicaca, making it a smooth transition between destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup in Arequipa, transportation, guided stops at key viewpoints, overnight accommodation in Chivay, and transportation to Puno with stops along the way.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Yes, entrance fees to the Colca Canyon vary by nationality (around S/. 20-70), and hot springs cost about S/. 15. These are paid on-site.

Can I enjoy hot springs during the trip?
Yes, the thermal baths are optional and can be enjoyed after the first day at your own expense.

What meals are included?
Breakfast on the second day is included. Lunch on both days and dinner with folkloric show are optional and paid separately.

How is the journey from Arequipa to Chivay and Puno?
The ride takes about four hours to Chivay, with multiple scenic stops, and about three hours from Chivay to Puno, with optional sightseeing stops.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Mostly, yes. The tour involves some walking at viewpoints and sitting during long drives. The high-altitude stops might be challenging for some.

What is the best time to do this tour?
Check availability for the specific starting times; generally, dry season months (May-October) offer better weather for views and outdoor activities.

Will I see condors?
The Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor is renowned for condor sightings, especially in the morning when they soar overhead.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip.

Wrapping It Up

This 2-day Colca Canyon tour offers a well-rounded experience of one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes. It balances stunning scenery with cultural highlights, providing opportunities to see condors, relax in thermal baths, and enjoy local traditions. The included overnight stay in Chivay means you won’t be rushing, allowing for a more genuine connection with the region.

While the long bus ride might be a stretch for some, the views and wildlife encounters more than compensate. If you’re looking for a value-packed tour that combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and comfortable logistics, this experience will serve you well.

Perfect for travelers who want guided support, authentic moments, and a taste of Peru’s highland splendor. It’s an adventure that leaves you with lasting memories of the spectacular Andes.

Final Tips

• Bring layers — the high-altitude stops can be chilly, especially early in the morning.
• Carry sunscreen and sunglasses for the sunny viewpoints.
• Prepare some cash for entrance fees, meals, and optional activities.
• Be ready for some scenic but possibly bumpy drives — good comfort and patience are your friends.

Enjoy your trip, and keep your camera ready for those condors!

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