Colca Canyon Full Day Tour from Arequipa

We start the tour with a 3:00 AM hotel pickup in Arequipa city (7,628 ft / 2,325 m above sea level). Aboard a comfortable tourist bus, we embark on an approximately 3.5-hour journey to the heart of the Colca Valley. Along the way, you can relax or enjoy stunning views of the Andean highlands at sunrise, passing through vast plateaus and quaint rural communities. After enjoying our breakfast in Chivay we will go to the viewpoint of the Cruz del Condor (3,500 meters above sea level), from where we will appreciate the flight of the condors, also we will have the best panoramic view of the Canyon, which has a depth of 1,200 meters, from the viewpoint to the river.

Around 6:30 AM, we arrive at the charming town of Chivay, the main gateway to the Colca Canyon. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast designed to help you acclimate to the high altitude before continuing the tour. Chivay is also famous for its vibrant local markets, friendly residents, and its strategic location close to the canyon, making it an essential stop on any Colca Canyon tour.

Colca Canyon / Watch the Andean Condors at Cruz del Cóndor After breakfast, we continue with a 2-hour drive to the iconic Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, one of the most visited spots in southern Peru. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the Colca Canyon, which reaches depths of up to 1,250 meters from the viewpoint and 2,700 meters at its deepest point near Mount Bomboya. Here, you can admire the majestic flight of the Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world, making this stop a unique experience for nature lovers and photographers. After spending about 1 hour and 15 minutes, we head back toward Chivay with stops at traditional villages: Pinchollo, famous for its hanging pre-Inca tombs and petromaquettes; the Antahuilque Viewpoint, offering views of pre-Inca terraces and lagoons; Maca, known for its handicrafts; Achoma, a peaceful rural village; and Yanque, featuring a beautiful mestizo baroque church, perfect for photos and a brief exploration

After the optional visit to the hot springs, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch (not included; buffet and à la carte options available). This is a great opportunity to try authentic regional dishes such as chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder), grilled alpaca, or adobo arequipeño—a flavorful pork stew typical of Arequipa.

At around 1:00 PM, we return to the town of Chivay, where you’ll have the option to visit the relaxing La Calera hot springs. These natural thermal baths, with temperatures reaching up to 100°F (38°C), are perfect for soothing sore muscles after a long journey and unwinding in a peaceful setting surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes.

Patapampa Viewpoint (4,910 m / 16,108 ft) On the way back to Arequipa, we’ll stop at Patapampa, the highest point of the journey, also known as the Mirador de los Andes. From this altitude, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of several iconic volcanoes, including Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya, and Ampato. It’s a stunning photo opportunity and a highlight for landscape lovers.

Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve Continuing the descent, we cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a protected area known for its high-altitude ecosystems and dramatic volcanic scenery. This reserve is home to all four South American camelid species: llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and the graceful and highly protected vicuña. The area is also rich in wildlife and offers a unique glimpse into Peru’s natural biodiversity.

Arrival in Arequipa – 5:00 PM We finish the tour with our return to Arequipa around 5:00 PM. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or in the historic city center. This marks the end of a full-day experience filled with nature, culture, and adventure in one of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes—the Colca Canyon.