Excursion to the Colca Canyon ending in Puno

Traveling through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes often means tackling some tough choices—like which sights to prioritize. This tour offers an immersive experience to Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, with a convenient end point in Puno. For $100 per person, you get a 17-hour adventure packed with scenic viewpoints, wildlife sightings, thermal baths, and cultural stops.

Our guide, Javier, was clear and friendly, making the long day feel more manageable. We loved the chance to see Andean condors soaring at Cruz del Cóndor and to relax in the natural hot springs after a busy morning. The breakfast included in the tour was a real highlight—simple but satisfying—giving us energy for the day ahead. We also appreciated the stops at Salinas Reserve and Lagunillas for their unique wildlife and landscape views.

A small drawback is that the day can feel quite rushed, especially the six-hour drive from Chivay to Puno, which leaves little time for exploring on your own. If you’re someone who craves flexibility or prefers a more relaxed pace, this tour might feel a bit tight. That said, it’s ideal for travelers with limited time wanting a taste of both Colca Canyon and the high-altitude scenery en route to Puno.

This experience suits those who value spectacular vistas, enjoy wildlife spotting, and don’t mind early mornings. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive day trip that covers key highlights with minimal planning on your part.

Key Points

• Early Start: Begins at 3:15 am, perfect for maximizing daylight hours.
• Rich in Highlights: Includes viewpoints, towns, and wildlife opportunities.
• Well-structured: Stops at thermal baths, viewpoints, and reserves make the long day worthwhile.
• Guided Experience: Guides are bilingual in English and Spanish, adding insight.
• Cost Breakdown: Includes breakfast, transportation, and guiding but not entrance fees or lunch.
• Time Management: Long travel hours mean you’ll want to be comfortable with bus rides.

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Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect

This tour is designed for travelers eager to see Colca Canyon’s grandeur without the hassle of planning multiple transfers or guides. Starting from Arequipa, you’ll be picked up very early—around 3:15 am—which might be a challenge if you’re not an early riser, but it allows you to make the most of the daylight in the canyon and Puno.

The first major stop is Chivay, where you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast. This is more than just a quick bite; it’s a simple but satisfying meal at about 6:30 am, with bread, butter, jam, juice, and your choice of coffee or tea. This energizes you for the day’s main attraction: the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint. Here, you get a panoramic view of Colca Canyon’s immense depth and jagged cliffs, which will leave you breathless (both from the altitude and the scenery). If luck is on your side, you’ll spot condors gliding lazily overhead—an unforgettable moment.

Afterward, the route takes you through charming towns like Wayrapunko and Antahuillque, where you can sometimes catch glimpses of local life and traditional crafts. These stops are less about touristy shopping and more about understanding the culture of the highlands.

A highlight around mid-morning is the visit to the Chacapi thermal baths. These natural pools are a relaxing way to unwind after a busy morning of sightseeing. The hot springs are a perfect spot to soak in mineral-rich waters and enjoy the scenery.

Post-bath, you’ll have some free time in Chivay to grab lunch—though meals are not included in the tour price, so bringing snacks or money for a local meal is wise. The journey continues with a six-hour bus ride to Puno, with scenic stops at Patapampa viewpoint and Salinas Reserve. These stops are strategic for stretching your legs and soaking in more of Peru’s diverse landscape, from volcanoes like Ampato and Sabancaya to camelids and wild birds in the reserves.

The trip concludes in Puno around 7:30 pm. While a long day, the route offers a good mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural insights, making it a worthwhile option for those pressed for time but eager for a full experience.

The Highlights: Why We Like This Tour

Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint is the star attraction. Watching condors soaring on the thermals is a rare and humbling spectacle, giving you a real sense of Peru’s natural wonders. The viewpoint’s panoramic vista of Colca Canyon’s cliffs and deep gorges is truly one of those “picture-perfect” moments.

Wildlife spotting at Salinas Reserve and Lagunillas adds an element of adventure. You might see camelids like alpacas or vicuñas, and flocks of native birds—your guide will point out species that often go unnoticed unless you know where to look.

Thermal baths are a lovely surprise in the middle of the day. They give a chance to relax and enjoy nature’s spa—something we didn’t expect but thoroughly appreciated.

Considerations for Travelers

The main consideration is the long travel time—about six hours from Chivay to Puno. This makes for a very full day, with limited time for exploring Puno itself afterward. If you’re prone to travel fatigue or prefer a more leisurely pace, this might be a concern.

Also, the entrance fees to the canyon and the thermal baths are extra, so you’ll want to budget around 85 S/ total for those. The optional bus from Arequipa to Puno is $30, providing flexibility if you prefer separate arrangements.

Lastly, keep in mind the altitude—parts of the tour happen over 3000 meters above sea level. Be prepared with water, and consider any health implications if you’re sensitive to high elevations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see Colca Canyon’s awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife in one day without the fuss of multiple bookings. It’s perfect if you’re on a tight schedule and eager to tick off a major highlight. It also suits those curious about Andean wildlife and who enjoy scenic drives with plenty of stops.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend more time exploring towns and local culture at leisure, you might find this tour a bit rushed. But if your main goal is to experience spectacular views and iconic wildlife, this will not disappoint.

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FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at approximately 3:15 am, meaning you’ll need to be prepared for an early wake-up, but it allows plenty of time to enjoy the day’s highlights.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pick-up in Arequipa, bus transportation, a guide in Spanish or English, and a continental breakfast. Entrance fees to the canyon and hot springs are extra.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so you’ll want to bring some snacks or plan to buy a meal in Chivay.

Can I see condors at Cruz del Cóndor?
Yes, this is one of the best places to observe condors soaring overhead, especially in the early morning when they are most active.

How long is the bus ride from Chivay to Puno?
It’s approximately six hours, with scenic stops along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy the view.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, water, and some cash for entrance fees and optional meals are recommended.

Are the thermal baths worth visiting?
Absolutely. They give a relaxing break in a stunning natural setting, perfect after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Is it suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Given the early start, long bus rides, and walking involved at viewpoints and baths, this tour may not be ideal for those with mobility concerns.

This Colca Canyon to Puno tour is a solid choice for anyone eager to see Peru’s iconic canyon, observe Andean condors, and enjoy some thermal relaxation—all in one full day. The early start and long journey are balanced by the incredible scenery, wildlife, and cultural stops that make every mile worthwhile.

While it’s not tailored for travelers seeking a leisurely pace, it offers excellent value for those who want a comprehensive highlight reel of southern Peru’s highlands in a single, well-organized trip. If you’re prepared for an early, full, and scenic day, this adventure will leave you with lasting memories of Peru’s majestic Colca Canyon and the high plains en route to Puno.

Happy travels, and enjoy the incredible landscapes and wildlife of Peru.

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