The Colca Valley is an area of astounding scenic beauty, with giant Andean terraces and a deep canyon that reaches a depth of 3140 meters. A journey to the Colca valley will take you through high Andean plateau, reaching at one point a high pass of 4800 meters, which offers fine views of the Volcanoes of Arequipa. Along the way visitors can see herds of Vicuñas (a wild relative of Llamas and Alpacas) and various types of birds, of which stand out the giant hummingbird, eagles, gooses and the mighty Andean Condor. If you like adventure tours, the Canyon also offers wonderful treks down to its button, descending throughout huge mountains, exploring oasis-like valleys, thermal springs, and camping outdoors.
Photo Gallery of Colca Canyon.

Program: 2 days / 1 Night.
Day 1º: Bus ride to the Colca Canyon - Overnight at the Colca Valley
Our excursion to the Colca Canyon starts at 07:30 hrs. Our clients are collected from their hotels by our local guide/representative. Afterwards we will board a small bus and will drive northwest following a paved road towards the “Colca Canyon”. Before leaving Arequipa, we will stop at a small shop where our clients can purchase some chocolates, candies and coca leaves. Later on we will continue till Pampas Cañahuas (3500 m/11,482 Ft), a National Reserve where visitors may spot some Vicuñas & Alpacas. Unlike the Alpacas, Vicuñas are wild animals, and still can be seen running freely on these high plateaus. We will stop at this national park and our local guide will provide information about these shy Andean camels. Then we continue our journey to the Colca Canyon, little further up we will stop again at the little restaurant of Viscachani, where you can enjoy a stunning scenery of the Andes and also drink a typical coca tea. Afterwards we will continue ascending a dirt road till we reach the highest point of our trip, “The Lookout Point of the Andes (4,800 m /15,748 Ft). At the very top, we will get off of the bus some minutes to observe the landscape, having in the background the volcanoes Ubinas, Mismi, Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya (active) and Ampato. Later on we will drive down hill to the main village of the Colca Canyon, the Village of Chivay (3600 m / 11.811 Ft). In this town we will have lunch in one typical Andean restaurant, where visitors may enjoy their meals accompanied by Andean musicians. After lunch our clients will be transferred to our lodge located in a little village at edge of the Canyon.
Late, in the afternoon, you may walk around the village and get to know better the rural life in this corner of Peru. By the afternoon we will go to swim and relax to the Hot Springs of the Colca Valley (35° C / 95º F), a nice pool outdoors surrounded by huge mountains. After sunset, we will return to our lodge where we will enjoy a good Andean buffet. Overnight at our lodge in the Colca Valley.
What is included on this day?
What is not included?
2° Day: Early visit to the Cruz del Condor - Return to Arequipa.
In order to see the mighty Condor, you will wake up at 05:00 h, breakfast will be served at 05:30 h, and by 06:00 hrs. we will be driving towards the “Cruz del Condor”, a natural lookout point where you can see the flight of the Condors (we won’t return to the hotel, which means you must bring all your staff along with you on the bus). On the road we will have the best view of the Colca Valley, as we drive along the edge of the Canyon, seeing on route ancient terraces still in use by the local farmers, who grow mainly varieties of corn and potatoes. We will make some stops for photos, and our local guide will give us a good insight into the Colca Canyon history. Here you will stumble upon a great rock, where ancient architectures carved the terraces, testing (perhaps) which parts of the Canyon were suitable for cultivation. This is a good place also to see the “Colca River” and hanging pre-Inca tombs. After approximately 2 hours we will reach Cruz del Condor, where we will spend an hour or so, observing the beautiful flight of the Condors as well as the depth of the Canyon. Eventually, we will return to the village of Chivay, passing typical towns along the way. At around 12:00 h, we will stop at a local restaurant at the town of Chivay for lunch and afterwards will return to Arequipa. We will be back in Arequipa around 17:00 h. Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in Arequipa.
End of the tour.
What is included on this day?
What is not included?
Finishing time on the second day:
17:00 hrs. (approx.).
Daily Departures:
07:30 hrs.
You need to bring:
Additional information:
Travel voucher:.
Local Operator Information:
NOTE: A minimum of 2 participants are required for this tour. If traveling alone, then you need to add $20.00 USD per single accommodation.
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TOUR PACKAGES TO THE COLCA CANYON
Full Day Private Excursion to the Colca Canyon from Arequipa
This is a wonderful option to visit the popular Colca Canyon in just one day. Our full day program to the Colca Canyon allows visitors to see amazing Andean landscape as well as colourful little Andean villages. Our program includes the visit to the Cruz del Condor, a natural lookout point located at the edge of the Colca Canyon, from where it is possible to observe the mighty Andean Condor. At this lookout point visitors may also walk on their own and get impressive views of the canyon, as well as the gigantic mountains surrounding this spot. For further details click on the image.
Full Day Private Excursion to the Colca Canyon and then travel to Puno all in one Day
This is a program especially designed for those travellers with short time available, but wish to know and see this part of Peru. Mystery Peru offers you the perfect excursion travelling from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon on a private machine, visiting the most popular attractions on route, such as the Cruz del Condor natural lookout point, the vicuña reserve of Aguada Blanca, the town of Chivay and the hot springs of la Calera. After touring around the Colca Valley we continue our journey to the city of Puno, enjoying on the way wonderful Andean landscapes.
TOUR PACKAGES TO THE COLCA CANYON
2 Days Private Excursion to the Colca Canyon & then travel to Puno
Our Colca Canyon & Trip to Puno program includes 2 days of full activities. Our journey starts in Arequipa and ends on the Altiplano lands, at the shore of the Lake Titicaca in the City of Puno. On this especial program visitors will be able to get the most out of their visit to the Colca Canyon and also will enjoy a spectacular car ride directly from the Colca Valley to the city of Puno stopping along the way at various natural spots of interest. For further details about this program click on the image.
3 Days Private Excursion to the Colca Canyon and then Travel to the City of Puno
Our Colca Canyon & Trip to Puno program include 3 days of full activities. Our journey starts in Arequipa and ends on the Altiplano lands, at the shore of the Lake Titicaca. On this especial program visitors will be able to get the most out of their visit to the Colca Canyon and also will enjoy a spectacular bus ride directly from the Colca Valley to the city of Puno stopping along the way at various natural spots of interest as well as at the archaeological site of Sillustani, where are situated ancient burial towers, built by pre-Inca cultures. For further details about this program click on the image to the left.
Especial 3 Days Excursion to the Colca Canyon starting and ending in Arequipa
Our Colca Canyon program includes 3 days of full activities and also allows you plenty of time to explore the zone at your own pace. Our journey starts and ends in the city of Arequipa. On this especial program you will visit the Pampa Cañahuas, an Andean plateau that houses the shy vicuñas and Alpacas. Our journey will takes up to 4800 meters, where there is a great natural lookout point that offers fine views of volcanoes. You will explore with our local guide small Andean communities and also the Mirador known as Cruz del Condor. Click on the image.