Join us on a one-day tour to the Colca Canyon, one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders and among the deepest canyons in the world. Departing from Arequipa at dawn, we will journey through the Andean landscapes, ascending to over 4,800 meters above sea level at the Mirador de los Volcanes, where you’ll admire stunning views of the snow-capped giants surrounding the valley. At the famous Cruz del Cóndor, witness the majestic flight of Andean condors, one of the most iconic birds of the Andes. You will also discover pre-Inca agricultural terraces, still cultivated by local communities, showcasing the ancestral heritage of the Colca Valley.
The experience continues in the picturesque villages of Chivay, Yanque, Maca, and Achoma, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich culture of the valley’s inhabitants, their traditional dances, and handcrafted art. Afterward, relax in the thermal waters of Chacapi, a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploration. We will conclude our tour with a buffet lunch in Chivay, where you can savor local gastronomy, before returning comfortably to Arequipa.
This tour is perfect for those looking to experience the best of the Colca Canyon in just one day, combining adventure, nature, and culture.
Discover the majesty of the Colca Canyon on a one-day tour from Arequipa, perfect for travelers with limited time who don’t want to miss one of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. This journey takes you through the Colca Valley, with stops in traditional villages such as Chivay, Yanque, and Maca, where you will experience local culture and explore ancient pre-Inca agricultural terraces.
The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Cruz del Cóndor, where you can witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor in its natural habitat. You will also have the opportunity to relax in the Chacapi Hot Springs before returning to Arequipa, with a final stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes, offering panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped peaks in the region.
An unforgettable journey filled with nature, culture, and adventure, designed to make the most of your Colca Canyon visit in just one day. Book now and experience this incredible adventure in the Peruvian Andes!
Departure: 3:00 a.m. — Return: 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. — Duration: Approximately 14 hours
We begin our Colca Canyon tour with hotel pickup in Arequipa at 3:00 a.m., embarking on a scenic three-hour journey to Chivay, the capital of the Colca Valley. Along the way, we will pass through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we will have the chance to see vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat.
Our first stop is in Yanque, where we will enjoy an energizing breakfast featuring local products. This village is known for its colonial architecture, a 17th-century church, and traditional dances.
After breakfast, we head to the famous Cruz del Cóndor, one of the most iconic viewpoints of the Colca Canyon. From here, we will witness the breathtaking flight of the Andean condors, sacred birds in Incan cosmology, with wingspans of up to 3 meters. We will have enough time to explore the viewpoint and take spectacular photos.
Next, we continue our journey with stops at the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints, where we will admire pre-Inca agricultural terraces still used for farming today. We will also visit Maca, a town famous for its colonial church and local handicrafts.
After exploring the Colca Valley, we will visit the Chacapi Hot Springs, an ideal place to relax in natural pools with temperatures reaching 38°C. This revitalizing break amid the Andean landscapes is a truly unique experience.
After enjoying the hot springs, we will return to Chivay for a buffet lunch, offering Andean and international cuisine (optional, approximate cost: S/. 30.00 per person).
We will then begin our return journey to Arequipa, with stops at:
Finally, we will arrive in Arequipa around 5:30 - 6:00 p.m., concluding an unforgettable day filled with nature, culture, and adventure in the Colca Canyon.
Please note that the tourist ticket is mandatory for access to the Colca Canyon. We recommend bringing cash for these additional payments.
The Colca Canyon Tour (1 Day) is available year-round and is offered in group and private modalities, adapting to your travel preferences and needs.
Prices do not include VAT (18%).
Contact us to receive a personalized quote based on group size and season.
If you wish to confirm a specific date, contact us in advance to check availability.
Book in advance and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Colca Canyon.
To ensure you have an amazing experience on the one-day Colca Canyon tour, we have gathered the most frequently asked questions from travelers before booking. Here, you'll find information about schedules, weather, recommendations, and more.
The tour starts early in the morning, with hotel pickup between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m. We leave early to reach Cruz del Cóndor in time to see the majestic flight of the Andean condor. The return to Arequipa is scheduled for 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic and road conditions.
The journey from Arequipa to Chivay takes approximately 3 hours by private or shared transportation. From Chivay, we continue along a scenic road to Cruz del Cóndor, with several stops at viewpoints and traditional villages.
The Colca Canyon can be visited year-round, but the best time is between April and November, when the weather is dry and the landscapes are clearer. During the rainy season (December to March), the trails can be more slippery, but the scenery is greener.
Yes, condors can be seen all year, but the best season to observe them is between May and September, when rising air currents in the canyon make it easier for them to fly. Cruz del Cóndor is the best viewpoint to watch them in action.
Colca Canyon is located at 3,600 to 4,800 meters (11,800 - 15,750 ft) above sea level, with the Mirador de los Volcanes (4,910 m / 16,100 ft) being the highest point on the route. Some travelers may experience mild altitude sickness symptoms, such as headaches or fatigue. It is recommended to acclimate in Arequipa for at least one day before the tour and stay well hydrated.
The weather changes throughout the day, so it's important to dress in layers:
No, the Colca Canyon entrance fee is paid separately. Prices are:
This payment is made directly at the entrance to the valley.
Yes, we recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance, especially during high season (May-September), when tours tend to sell out quickly.
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages, but keep in mind that altitude can affect some people. Small children and older adults should be well acclimated before the trip.
Yes! During the stop at Chacapi Hot Springs, you will have about 1 hour to relax in natural pools. The entrance fee is S/. 15.00 per person.
You can pay with:
The tour operates regardless of weather conditions, unless authorities close the routes for safety reasons. In the case of cancellation due to extreme weather conditions, the tour will be rescheduled or a partial refund will be offered, according to the cancellation policy.
With these frequently asked questions, we ensure that you have all the necessary information to plan your one-day Colca Canyon tour. If you have more questions, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you organize your adventure!
To fully enjoy your one-day tour to Colca Canyon, it’s essential to bring the right gear. Even though it’s a short excursion, the weather varies throughout the journey, and being well-prepared will make your trip more comfortable.
With this packing list, you’ll be fully prepared to enjoy your Colca Canyon Tour in 1 day, exploring the magnificent Andean landscapes and local culture!
To ensure a well-organized and hassle-free experience, we have established the following policies and conditions. We recommend reading them carefully before making your reservation.
If a passenger decides to interrupt the tour, they will be responsible for any additional expenses, such as food, transportation, or accommodation.
No refunds will be issued in the following cases:
If you need to cancel your reservation, the following conditions will apply:
Important: In case of cancellation, administrative and banking fees are non-refundable.
If you wish to modify your tour date (valid only for private tours), the following conditions will apply:
Date changes are subject to availability.
If you have any questions or need more information about the Colca Canyon Tour (1 Day), you can contact us through the following channels:
We recommend reviewing these policies before booking to avoid any inconvenience. We are here to help you plan your adventure in the Colca Canyon!