Colca Canyon Full Day Tour from Arequipa

Sobre el tour

Discover the Colca Canyon, the condor's flight, and stunning Andean landscapes on a full day tour from Arequipa.

Arequipa, Chivay, Cruz del Condor, Maca, Yanque, Patapampa Viewpoint, Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve

The Colca Canyon Full Day Tour from Arequipa is a bucket-list experience that lets you explore one of the world’s deepest canyons in a single day. The tour visits the traditional town of Chivay, gateway to the Colca Valley, where you’ll enjoy a typical Andean breakfast before heading to the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint. From this sweeping overlook, you’ll witness the breathtaking flight of the Andean Condor — with an 80–90% spotting probability as it’s a natural nesting area.

The tour also includes stops at the colonial village of Maca, the Patapampa Viewpoint at over 15,750 ft with panoramic views of Andean volcanoes, and the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas roam freely. Optionally, soak in the volcanic hot springs at Yanque. Perfect for travelers who want landscape, wildlife, and culture all in one day from Arequipa.

Arequipa Tour

Step by step

Itinerary – Colca Canyon Full Day

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3:00 – 3:30 a.m.

Hotel Pick-up in Arequipa

Tour begins with pick-up from your hotel in central Arequipa. Departure toward the Colca Canyon.

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6:30 a.m.

Arrival in Chivay – Breakfast

Arrival in Chivay, capital of the Colca Valley. Typical Andean breakfast: eggs, bread, butter, jam, seasonal fruit juice, coffee, tea, and coca leaf tea.

⏱ Approx. 1 hour

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7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Cruz del Condor Viewpoint

Transfer to the valley’s most famous viewpoint. Watch the spectacular flight of the Andean Condor (80–90% sighting probability). Photo stops at valley viewpoints along the way.

⏱ 1 hour at the viewpoint

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9:30 a.m.

Colca Valley Panoramic Viewpoints

Stops at Maca and Antahuilque viewpoints to admire pre-Inca and Inca agricultural terraces still used today for growing corn, quinoa, and kiwicha.

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10:30 a.m.

Maca Village

Walking tour of this Andean village: colonial church, main square, and locals in hand-embroidered traditional dress.

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11:30 a.m.

Yanque Hot Springs (Optional)

Optional stop at Yanque’s volcanic hot springs. Approximately 1 hour to relax. Entrance fee not included.

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1:00 p.m.

Lunch in Chivay (Not Included)

Return to Chivay for lunch at a local restaurant. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

⏱ Approx. 1 hour

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3:30 p.m.

Patapampa Viewpoint

Stop at the highest point of the tour: 15,748 ft / 4,800 m. Panoramic views of several volcanoes in the region.

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4:30 p.m.

Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve

Stop at the Pampa Cañahuas wetlands to spot vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat.

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5:30 p.m.

Arrival in Arequipa

Approximate arrival near the main Plaza de Armas. End of the tour.

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Included

Hotel pick-up from central Arequipa.
Shared tourist transportation throughout the tour.
Bilingual Official Tour Guide (Spanish / English).
Typical Andean continental breakfast in Chivay.
Guided stops at Colca Canyon viewpoints.
Cruz del Condor viewpoint visit for condor watching.
Stops at Maca, Antahuilque, and Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve.
First aid kit and assistance throughout the tour.

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Not Included

Colca Canyon Tourist Ticket (paid during tour).
Lunch in Chivay.
Yanque hot springs entrance (optional).
Additional beverages.
Personal expenses.
Tips (optional).

Tour duration

Full Day (approx. 14 hours).

Schedule

Pick-up: 3:00 – 3:30 a.m. | Return: approx. 5:30 p.m.

Max altitude

15,748 ft / 4,800 m (Patapampa Viewpoint).

Difficulty

Easy. No long hikes — suitable for all ages. Altitude at Patapampa should be noted.

Tour type

Full Day

Transport

Shared tourist vehicle throughout the entire tour.

Wildlife spotting

Andean Condor (Cruz del Condor), vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and Andean birds (Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve).

Key altitudes

Arequipa: 7,661 ft / 2,335 m
Chivay: 11,919 ft / 3,633 m
Cruz del Condor: approx. 11,811 ft / 3,600 m
Patapampa: 15,748 ft / 4,800 m

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

It’s open year-round. The dry season (April to November) offers the best weather and the highest probability of seeing condors.

Absolutely. Cruz del Condor is a safe, well-maintained viewpoint and one of the world’s best spots to see the Andean Condor in flight.

Yes, it’s optional. During the Yanque stop you can enter the volcanic hot springs. The entrance fee is paid directly on-site.

Yes. It’s suitable for all ages. Just be mindful of the altitude, especially at Patapampa (15,748 ft / 4,800 m).

We recommend spending at least one day in Arequipa before the tour to better adapt to the altitude.

You can commonly spot alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and Andean birds at the Salinas Reserve, plus the Andean Condor at Cruz del Condor.

Recommendations

Get ready to make the most of your day

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Dress Warm

The Colca Valley is very cold in the early morning. Bring a thermal jacket, warm hat, and gloves — you’ll thank yourself at Cruz del Condor.

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Sun Protection

Solar radiation at altitude is intense. Wear high-SPF sunscreen and UV-protection sunglasses throughout the tour.

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Stay Hydrated

Drink water regularly and consider coca tea in Chivay. This helps prevent altitude sickness during the tour.

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Bring Cash in Soles

Needed for lunch in Chivay, optional hot springs entry, beverages, and local handicraft shopping along the way.

Colca Canyon Full
Day

Discover the Colca Canyon, the condor's flight, and stunning Andean landscapes on a full day tour from Arequipa.

Itinerary – Colca Canyon Full Day

Any questions?

Get ready to make the most of your day

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Discover the Colca Canyon, the condor's flight, and stunning Andean landscapes on a full day tour from Arequipa.

Itinerary – Colca Canyon Full Day

Any questions?

Get ready to make the most of your day

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