Colca Canyon 2 Days
- Duration
- 2 days and 1 night
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Altitude
- 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Group Size
- 10 people
Explore one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Peruvian Andes during this 2-day Colca Canyon experience, one of South America's most famous natural wonders and home to the majestic Andean condor.
On the first day, you'll travel through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to wild vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. Along the way, you'll cross breathtaking volcanic landscapes and visit scenic viewpoints before arriving in the Colca Valley. You'll also have time to relax in the Chacapi Hot Springs or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the traditional Andean villages in the region.
The second day begins early with a visit to the famous Condor Cross (Cruz del Cóndor), the best location to observe the flight of the Andean condor soaring above the depths of Colca Canyon. Afterward, you'll explore some of the valley's most traditional villages before returning to Arequipa.
This experience combines nature, culture, wildlife, mountain scenery, and one of the best opportunities to observe wild condors anywhere in South America.
Tour Details
- Tour Location: Colca Valley and Colca Canyon, Arequipa Region.
- Tour Type: Nature, culture, wildlife observation, and scenic landscapes.
- Ideal For: Couples, families, photographers, nature lovers, and cultural travelers.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night.
- Language: English and/or Spanish.
- Service Type: Small group or private service.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Chivay or the Colca Valley according to the selected category.
- Transportation: Tourist transportation throughout the entire journey.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the Colca Valley and Colca Canyon during a 2-day adventure.
- Watch the flight of the Andean condor at Condor Cross.
- Visit the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
- Observe wild vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas.
- Explore traditional villages of the Colca Valley.
- Enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes and Andean mountains.
- Relax in the Chacapi Hot Springs.
- Discover ancient pre-Inca agricultural terraces.
- Enjoy a more comfortable and relaxed experience than a one-day tour.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Flexible cancellation
- Locally operated in cusco, Peru
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Arequipa.
- Tourist transportation throughout the entire tour.
- Professional English- and/or Spanish-speaking guide.
- 1 night accommodation in Chivay or the Colca Valley.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
- Visit to Patapampa Viewpoint.
- Visit to Condor Cross.
- Tour of the main viewpoints in the Colca Valley.
- Visits to the traditional villages of Yanque and Maca.
- Assistance before and throughout the entire experience.
- Return transportation to Arequipa.
Not Included
- Colca Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Colca).
- Entrance fee to the Chacapi Hot Springs.
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically stated.
- Travel insurance.
- Beverages.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Services not specifically mentioned in the included section.
Day 1: Arequipa – Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve – Patapampa – Chivay – Hot Springs
Your experience begins early with pickup from your hotel in Arequipa. As we leave the city behind, we ascend into the high-altitude landscapes of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, one of the most important protected areas in southern Peru.
Along the route, we'll cross vast highland plains where wild vicuñas are commonly seen, along with alpacas, llamas, and various Andean bird species. The journey offers spectacular views of volcanoes such as Misti, Chachani, and Ampato, which dominate the horizon of this region of the Andes.
We continue climbing until reaching Patapampa Viewpoint, also known as the Viewpoint of the Andes. Located at over 4,900 meters (16,108 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest points of the tour and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the volcanoes and mountains surrounding the Colca Valley.
Afterward, we descend to Chivay, the main town of the valley. Here you'll enjoy lunch and have time to check in to your hotel and relax.
In the afternoon, you may visit the famous Chacapi Hot Springs, the perfect place to unwind after the journey while enjoying natural thermal pools fed by volcanic waters flowing from the surrounding mountains.
Later, you can explore the town of Chivay, visit the main square, or simply relax at your hotel before the next day's activities.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Chivay or Colca Valley according to the selected category.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Maximum Altitude: Patapampa – 4,910 m / 16,108 ft.
- Overnight Altitude: Chivay – 3,635 m / 11,925 ft.
Day 2: Condor Cross – Colca Viewpoints – Traditional Villages – Arequipa
After breakfast, we begin one of the most anticipated visits of the entire trip.
Early in the morning, we head to the famous Condor Cross, considered the best place to observe the flight of the Andean condor in its natural habitat. During the early hours of the day, thermal air currents often form, allowing these magnificent birds to soar effortlessly above the depths of the canyon.
From this spectacular viewpoint, you'll also appreciate the immense scale of Colca Canyon, considered one of the deepest canyons in the world, surrounded by mountains, agricultural terraces, and extraordinary Andean scenery.
After enjoying the condor observation, we continue visiting several scenic viewpoints located throughout the valley. Along the route, you'll admire ancient agricultural terraces built by pre-Inca cultures, many of which remain in use today.
The journey also includes visits to picturesque villages such as Maca and Yanque, where you'll discover colonial churches, historic plazas, and aspects of everyday life in local communities.
Following the visits, we return to Chivay for lunch before beginning the journey back to Arequipa.
Along the way, we make additional stops to observe Andean wildlife and enjoy the remarkable Altiplano landscapes one final time.
Arrival in Arequipa is expected in the afternoon, marking the end of this unforgettable experience through one of Peru's most spectacular natural destinations.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Tour Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
- Maximum Altitude: 4,910 m / 16,108 ft.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
- Passport or valid ID.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Warm jacket.
- Lightweight daytime clothing.
- Layered clothing.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Personal medications.
- Cash for entrance fees and personal expenses.
- Swimsuit and towel if you plan to visit the hot springs.
Price
Shared Group Tour: From US$ 75 per person
Private Tour: Contact us for a personalized quote based on your group size.
Not Included
- Colca Tourist Ticket: S/ 70 for foreign visitors, S/ 40 for Latin American visitors, and S/ 20 for Peruvian visitors.
- La Calera Hot Springs entrance fee: S/ 15 per person (optional).
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
Is this tour better than the Colca Canyon Full Day Tour?
Yes. The 2-day tour allows you to enjoy the valley at a more relaxed pace, spend a night in Colca, and visit Condor Cross early in the morning when condor sightings are usually at their best.
Do I need to be in good physical condition?
No. The tour does not include demanding hikes or trekking activities. Most visits are done by vehicle with short walks at viewpoints and villages.
What is the highest altitude reached during the tour?
The highest point is Patapampa Viewpoint at approximately 4,910 meters (16,108 feet) above sea level.
Can condors be seen year-round?
Yes. Andean condors inhabit the region throughout the year, although sightings depend on daily weather and natural conditions.
Are the hot springs included?
No. Entrance to the Chacapi Hot Springs is generally paid directly at the site.
Which villages are visited during the tour?
Traditional villages such as Chivay, Yanque, and Maca are typically included, although the order of visits may vary depending on operational conditions.
Is this tour suitable for older adults?
Yes. It is an excellent option for seniors who want to experience Colca Canyon without long hikes or strenuous trekking routes.
What animals can be seen during the trip?
It is common to see vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, Andean birds, and of course the majestic Andean condor.
What is the best time of year to visit Colca Canyon?
From April through October, visitors generally enjoy clearer skies and excellent conditions for photography and sightseeing. However, the valley can be visited throughout the year.
