From Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2D Tour with End in Puno

From Arequipa: Colca Canyon 2D Tour with End in Puno

Traveling through Peru’s spectacular landscapes doesn’t have to be strenuous or overcomplicated. This 2-day tour from Arequipa to Puno, with a comfortable visit to Colca Canyon, Chivay, and the Salinas National Reserve, offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and relaxing moments. For $85 per person, you’ll explore the highlights with a knowledgeable guide, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of private accommodations and transport.

What we love most about this trip are the stunning vistas of the canyon and mountain range, and the opportunity to see camelids like vicuñas and alpacas in their natural habitats. Plus, the visit to Salinas National Reserve adds a unique touch, letting you observe wildlife that’s less common on typical tourist routes. On the downside, the tour’s focus on comfort and ease means you won’t be doing much strenuous activity—so if you’re craving adventure or hiking, this might not be your best pick. This tour suits travelers who want to appreciate the scenery and culture without breaking a sweat and those fitting a two-day window with limited time for physical exertion.

Key Points

• Comfortable and relaxed experience focusing on scenic viewpoints and cultural spots
• Includes visits to Salinas National Reserve and thermal baths for a holistic experience
• Guided in Spanish and English, perfect for international travelers
• End point in Puno, saving you the hassle of returning to Arequipa
• A great choice for those seeking natural beauty without strenuous activity
• Limited to small groups, ensuring more personalized attention

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of This Colca Canyon Tour

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Day One

Your adventure begins early, with a pick-up in Arequipa around 7:30-8:00 a.m. From there, you’ll set off with a small group (limited to 15 people), traveling comfortably towards the Colca Canyon—one of the deepest in the world, yet accessible without exhausting hikes.

Stops along the way enrich the journey. First, the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve offers a chance to spot vicuñas, Peruvian wild relatives of llamas known for their fine wool. These animals are often shy, but the reserve provides a good likelihood of seeing them in their natural environment. We loved the way the landscape opens up here, with vast plains and mountain backdrops.

Next, you’ll visit Patahuasi to sip the traditional coca tea—a local remedy for altitude sickness that many travelers find helpful. It’s a small cultural insight that makes the trip more authentic; this isn’t just sightseeing, but a peek into local life.

A highlight for many is the stop at Toccra Bofedales—a lush wetland where alpacas graze freely. Watching these animals roam amidst the scenery feels like stepping into a postcard.

The Mirador de los Volcanes is a must-see point, perched at 4,800 meters. From here, you’ll get sweeping views of the mountain range, an incredible sight that emphasizes the scale and grandeur of the terrain. Be prepared for the altitude, but know that the high vantage point rewards patience with some of the best photo opportunities of the trip.

Arriving in Chivay around noon, you’ll enjoy a lunch (at your own cost) before settling into your hotel. The accommodations are described as comfortable, and many reviews note that the hotel provides a restful base after a busy morning.

Relaxation and Evening Activities

In the afternoon, many opt for a soothing dip in the Hot Springs, which are thermo-medicinal, with pools that range between 35°C and 38°C. The optional entrance fee is S/. 15, but the experience is well worth it after a day on the road. The warm waters are soothing, and the setting is peaceful—perfect for unwinding.

For those interested, an optional folkloric dance show with traditional dances is available for around S/. 35. It’s a lively way to connect with local culture, though some travelers might prefer a quiet evening instead.

The Spectacular Day Two: Condors and Cultural Stops

Breakfast at the hotel kicks off your second day, followed by a short drive to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor—the premier spot for witnessing the majestic flight of condors. We loved the way these enormous birds glide effortlessly, their wingspan impressively filling the sky. Expect to spend about 45 minutes here, soaking in the expansive views of Colca Canyon and the chance to get those iconic photos.

On the return, you’ll visit viewpoints overlooking Andenería del Valle, the terraced agriculture that’s been cultivated for centuries, and the charming town of Maca. Maca features a quaint church and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the chance to taste local drinks like the Colca Sour, crafted from regional ingredients.

At lunchtime, you’ll have the option to buy lunch again, with a typical buffet costing around 40 soles. The rest of the afternoon involves traveling back towards Arequipa, with potential stops depending on the group’s pace and interests.

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End Point: Journey to Puno

Instead of returning to Arequipa, the tour concludes with a transfer to Puno around 1 p.m., making this a seamless way to continue your journey without retracing your steps. The trip to Puno includes stops at natural and cultural attractions, with a professional guide explaining the landscape and local stories. We appreciated having a guide to contextualize the scenery—these stops make the drive between Colca and Puno much more engaging.

Most travelers arrive in Puno around 7:30 p.m., ready to explore the famous lake region or continue their Peruvian adventure.

How We View the Value

This tour offers excellent value for those seeking a relaxed yet immersive experience. The inclusion of comfortable accommodations, guided tours in both Spanish and English, and the unmatched scenery make it appealing. The price of $85 covers transportation, most stops, and a professional guide, which is quite reasonable considering the many natural and cultural highlights.

The stops at Salinas National Reserve and Mirador de los Volcanes are particularly memorable, providing natural spectacles that are both accessible and awe-inspiring. The hot springs offer a perfect way to unwind after sightseeing, and the small group size keeps things intimate and personalized.

However, because the tour emphasizes comfort and scenic viewing rather than active hiking or adventure sports, it might not satisfy those seeking a physically intensive experience. Also, meals and some entrance fees are optional, which can adjust your overall expenditure.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see the stunning landscapes of Colca Canyon and the surrounding mountains without strenuous activity. It’s also well-suited for those interested in local wildlife, culture, and relaxing thermal baths. If you’re traveling with older family members or prefer a more laid-back pace, this tour hits the right notes.

The Sum Up

In the end, this 2-day tour from Arequipa to Puno manages to combine comfort, natural beauty, and cultural insights into a compact package. It’s a smart choice if you want to experience Colca Canyon’s grandeur without the effort of long hikes or strenuous activities. The stops are well-chosen, the guides knowledgeable, and the scenery—simply breathtaking.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or just in need of a relaxing escape, this tour offers a stress-free way to enjoy some of Peru’s most spectacular landscapes. It’s especially perfect if your goal is to see condors soaring above the canyon, soak in thermal waters, and gain a taste of local life along the way—all in just two days.

FAQs

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
The tour starts with pickup between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m., so it’s best to be ready close to that time for a smooth start.

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

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Since the tour focuses on viewing viewpoints and doesn’t involve strenuous hikes, it’s suitable for those with limited mobility, but some walking at viewpoints may be required.

What’s included in the tour price?
Transportation, guided tours, and accommodation are included. Entrance fees to Salinas and the hot springs, meals, and some optional activities are extra.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, the relaxed pace and scenic stops make it a good option for families, especially if they prefer not to hike extensively.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for varying temperatures, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some cash for optional meals and entrance fees.

Will I see condors?
While seen as a highlight, the chance to see condors depends on the weather and season. The viewpoint is known for good sightings.

What if I want to extend my stay in Puno afterward?
This tour ends in Puno, so you can easily continue exploring the lake region or other parts of southern Peru.

This 2-day tour offers a well-rounded, scenic, and comfortable Peruvian experience—an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the majesty of the Andes and Colca Canyon without the hassle of strenuous activity or complicated logistics.

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