From Arequipa: 2-Day Colca Canyon Adventure Tour

The 2-Day Colca Canyon Adventure from Arequipa: A Complete Review

If you’re heading to southern Peru and want to see one of the deepest canyons on Earth, the Colca Canyon is the place to go. This 2-day tour from Arequipa offers a solid mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and relaxing moments. Priced at around $395 per person, it includes transportation, guided visits, and a cozy night in Chivay.

What we especially appreciate about this adventure is how it balances iconic sights like the Cruz del Condor with genuine local interactions—think traditional costumes, colonial churches, and colorful villages. Plus, the chance to soak in the Chacapi hot springs with stunning canyon views makes it a well-rounded trip.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that the tour involves some early starts and quite a bit of driving, which might not suit everyone. But if you’re eager to experience Peru’s dramatic landscapes and authentic culture in a compact package, this trip is a strong contender.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic views, culture, and some light adventure. It’s also ideal if you prefer a guided experience that handles all logistics, freeing you to focus on soaking in the sights.

Key Points

• Spectacular natural scenery at Colca Canyon and the surrounding villages
• Close-up views of Andean condors at Cruz del Condor
• Cultural insights through visits to traditional towns and colonial churches
• Relaxing experience at the hot springs with breathtaking canyon vistas
• Comfortable round-trip transportation with sightseeing stops included
• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience

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Exploring the Colca Canyon: What to Expect

The journey begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Arequipa, setting the tone for a day packed with scenic stops and cultural highlights. We found that the tour’s structure is quite thoughtfully arranged—allowing us to maximize time at key sites without feeling rushed.

Day 1: From Arequipa to the Depths of the Canyon

The ride to Cruz del Condor is approximately 4-5 hours, but it’s far from tedious. Our guide, whose name we wish we knew, was engaging and shared insightful details about the landscape and local customs. The first major highlight is Cruz del Condor, where you’ll get a chance to see the majestic Andean condors soaring effortlessly overhead. We loved the way the vast canyon stretches out before you—it’s truly awe-inspiring. Several travelers note that this spot offers the best condor viewing, especially in the morning when the thermals are active.

Next, we explored the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque. Each features charming colonial churches and local markets—perfect for snapping photos and soaking up local life. The viewpoints of Antahuilque and Choquetico are particularly memorable, showcasing pre-Inca tombs and models that illustrate ancient burial practices amidst stunning landscape views.

Cultural insights are plentiful here—some travelers mention seeing traditional costumes and trained birds. We also sampled a Colca Sour, a locally popular cocktail, which added a fun tasting element to the day.

Lunch in Chivay provided a hearty break before heading to the Chacapi hot springs. These thermal pools, overlooking the canyon, offer both relaxation and spectacular scenery. You can choose to simply soak or try optional activities like canopy, ATV riding, or kayaking for an extra fee. Many reviews praise the hot springs as a highlight, describing them as a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

The evening in Chivay is flexible—some travelers choose to explore more or rest at the hotel, knowing the next day will be just as full.

Day 2: From Chivay to Cusco, via Scenic Stops

The second day starts with a drive through traditional towns like Tuti and Sibayo. One of the most striking sights is the Callalli castles, rock formations that resemble medieval castles carved by erosion. The landscape here feels almost surreal.

Further along, the Condoroma Dam and Stone Forest in Yauri offer more natural wonders, with the Langui Lagoon providing a giant mirror reflecting the sky—a perfect photo op.

A late-morning stop in Sicuani for lunch is appreciated for its local flavors and convenient timing before crossing into the region around Cusco, passing through places like Andahuaylillas and Urcos.

The trip concludes with a safe, comfortable transfer into Cusco, leaving you with plenty of memories and stunning images of Peru’s highland beauty.

The Value of This Tour

At $395, this tour packs in a lot—transportation, guides, hotel overnight, and most sightseeing. The inclusion of hot springs and viewpoints adds value, making it more than just a standard day trip. The small group size (limited to 15) ensures a more intimate experience, allowing you to ask questions and engage more personally with your guide.

Some travelers mentioned the early starts and long drives—these are unavoidable if you want to see everything in two days. But the early mornings are worth it for the chance to see condors and catch the canyon in the soft morning light.

The optional activities at the hot springs are a nice touch, giving you the choice to relax or add some adventure. Keep in mind, entrance tickets to some sites are separate (around 20 soles), which you should budget for.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to witness Colca Canyon’s breathtaking vistas and experience authentic local culture, this trip is a good fit. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind travel days and early mornings but want a guided, well-organized itinerary. It’s also perfect if you prefer a small group for a more personal touch.

Those with mobility issues or seeking a very relaxed pace might find the long travel times challenging. But for active, curious travelers eager for a mix of scenery, wildlife, and culture, this tour offers a comprehensive taste of southern Peru’s highlights.

Final Thoughts

This 2-Day Colca Canyon Adventure from Arequipa offers a balanced combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and relaxation. The chance to see amazing condor flights, walk through ancient towns, and soak in spectacular thermal pools makes it a memorable journey.

While the early mornings and travel distances require some patience, the stunning views and personal touches make it worthwhile. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value authentic experiences over luxury and want to make the most of their time in southern Peru.

In short, if you’re looking for a well-rounded, scenic, and culturally engaging tour that won’t break the bank, this trip deserves serious consideration.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
Transportation, a professional guide, one night in a hotel in Chivay, two breakfasts, and sightseeing assistance are included. Transfers from Chivay to Cusco with sightseeing stops are also part of the package.

Are meals provided besides breakfast?
No, meals besides breakfast are not included, but lunch in Chivay and other stops are available for purchase.

How much are the entrance tickets?
Entrance to sites costs about 20 soles for Peruvian residents and 40 soles for South Americans, with other prices around 70 soles. The hot springs are an optional extra at 15 soles.

Is it suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old, likely due to early mornings and long travel distances.

Can I do adventure activities?
Yes, activities like canopy, ATV, or kayaking are available at the hot springs for an additional fee, but are optional.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or those with health issues?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, or travelers with back or heart problems, or those over 118 kg (260 lbs).

How flexible is the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility to plan your trip.

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