Welcome to
Arequipa
Tour Colca Canyon 2d -1n From Arequipa, Ending In Puno
- Duration48 hours
- Max Travelers15 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryArchaeology Tours, Bus Tours
Overview
This unforgettable 2-day, 1-night adventure takes you from Arequipa’s colonial charm to the shores of Lake Titicaca in a thrilling journey.
On day one, reach the Colca Canyon – one of the world’s deepest – just as the giant condors begin soaring on the morning thermals beneath the rising sun. Enjoy a soothing soak in the natural hot springs to rejuvenate for the breathtaking road ahead.
On day two, Explore the Colca Valley, visiting traditional villages, meeting locals in vibrant dress, and capturing photos of ancient terraced fields carved into the mountains.
Later, cross the high Andes altiplano, where herds of wild vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas roam freely. Stop at mirror-like lakes frequented by flamingos, and take in the surreal landscapes that unfold before you. By the night, arrive in Puno.
Gallery
What's included
Dinner
Tourism Guide (English/Spanish)
Shared Minivan Arequipa - Chivay - Colca Canyon - Puno
Basic lodging on Chivay (2 star hotels: Private room - bathroom - hot water - wifi)
Continental breakfast.
Continental breakfast
Lunch x2
What's Not included
Colca Tourist ticket (70 soles p/p)
Transfer from bus station in Puno to hotels (add $7USD per person)
Hot springs tickets (15 soles p/p)
Itinerary
Although not a tour stop, the journey kicks off in Arequipa, known as the White City for its colonial architecture built from white volcanic stone. nAs you depart in the early hours, you leave behind Arequipau2019s historical charm and volcano backdrop (Misti, Chachani) to venture into the rural Andes.
Chivay: A small market town in the Colca Valley, Chivay is the gateway to Colca Canyonu200b. Sitting at 3,635 m, itu2019s the first major stop where travelers can adjust to altitude. Here you will sleep on the first night.
A quaint village known for its baroque colonial church and cultural heritage. Yanqueu2019s central square often has local women and children performing traditional Wititi dances in colorful attire for tips in the early morning. nnThe tour drives through or stops briefly, allowing you to appreciate the well-preserved church fau00e7ade and perhaps see locals in their distinctive Colca Valley dressu200b
The Colca Canyon itself is the star attraction u2013 a vast gorge over 3,000 m deep, making it one of the deepest canyons on Earth. nnAt the Cruz del Cu00f3ndor viewpoint, you stand at the canyonu2019s edge looking into its depths and across to the far side where tiny villages and terraced fields cling to the slopes. The highlight here is observing the Andean condors. With wingspans over 3 meters, condors often soar on thermal updrafts in the mornings, sometimes passing remarkably close to the viewpoint, to everyoneu2019s delightu200b.
A popular relaxation stop, these thermal baths are located about 3 km from Chivay. La Calera offers several man-made pools fed by natural hot springs, with water temperatures around 35u201338u00b0C (95-100F).nnSurrounded by canyon walls and with a view of the Colca River, itu2019s a scenic spot to soak your muscles. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, and a small snack bar. Bathing here is optional but recommended if you brought a swimsuit.
This high pass (4,910 m) is literally a breath-taking stop u2013 the air is thin and cold, but the views are tremendous. Patapampa is marked by hundreds of small stone cairns (piled rocks) left by travelers. On a clear day, you can see several volcanoes: Ampato (6,288 m, where the famous Inca mummy was discovered), Sabancaya (5,976 m, often active and emitting fumaroles), Mismi (the source of the Amazon River), and othersu200b. nnThe viewpoint has signboards naming the visible peaks. This stop illustrates the highest altitude youu2019ll reach on the tour u2013 many tours offer coca tea or have an oxygen canister on hand here in case anyone feels the effects of altitude. Itu2019s typically a short stop due to the extreme elevation, but a memorable one.
A vast reserve spanning the regions of Arequipa and Puno, characterized by high plains, wetlands, and volcano-dotted horizons. Pampa Cau00f1ahuas is a section of the reserve known for its herds of vicuu00f1as u2013 wild camelids that roam freely here under government protectionu200b. nnThe touru2019s stop in the reserve lets you observe vicuu00f1as up close (sometimes right by the road) and distinguish them from their domesticated cousins, the alpaca and llama, which youu2019ll also see grazing (often tended by local herders). nnThe landscape here is open and windswept, with ichu grass and yareta plants (a type of bright green mossy shrub) dotting the ground. Itu2019s a prime example of the Altiplano ecosystem at ~4,000 m elevation.
Puno: The final destination, Puno is a bustling town on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the worldu2019s highest navigable lake. While the tour ends upon arrival, Puno itself is an attraction worth noting. Drop off point is close to the Plaza Mayor de Puno (3 blocks away from it)
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adultu2019s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
ADITTIONAL INFORMATION
From 07:30 hrs to 08:10 hrs.
Between 19:00 hs to 19:30 hs
Take precautions against altitude sickness - soroche, (buy Sorojchi Pills)
Bring warm clothes and a hat.
Use of sunscreen.
Bring your swimwear.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.