General Information
This 2-day tour is perfect for those who are keen to experience as much of the Colca Canyon as possible. The Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world, and is the best place to see the Andean condor up close in its natural habitat. During this tour, you will be able to enjoy a traditional dinner and show, as well as get to take photos with alpacas and llamas.
Note: Official Colca Canyon entrance tax of 70 soles is not included in the ticket price. This must be paid on the tour. For those that wish to finish in Puno: On return to Chivay at 1pm, there will just be 15 minutes for lunch before departing to Puno. Arrival time in Puno is 7pm, and the drop off point is at Puno Plaza de Armas. Do not forget to bring clothes for wet weather during the rainy season of March and April (these are available to rent or buy in Arequipa)
Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hostel or hotel in Arequipa between 7am and 7:30am, and depart by bus towards the Colca Canyon. We will drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve which is home to herds of vicuñas, llamas and alpacas, so you can stop to get that all important selfie with an Alpaca! We also stop at the Mirador de los Andes, the crater of Chucura, and the Mirador de Chivay to get some incredible photos on the way to our final destination of Chivay. We will arrive to Chivay at around 1:00pm where we will have some lunch, and you will be able to check in to your basic hostel for the night. You’ll then have the option to visit the local hot springs, or simply explore the small but picturesque town of Chivay. Later in the evening, we will meet for dinner with your guide and go to a local Peruvian folklore show, where you will be encouraged to partake in the local dancing and singing.
Exclusive Services
Include
- Tourist transportation Arequipa- Cabanaconde- Arequipa
- Personalized assistance guide
- First aid material
- lodge with private bathroom
- Meals (02 breakfasts, 01 lunch, 01 dinner)
- Bonfire
Not Included
- Last lunch in Chivay
- Entrance fee to the cross of condor and Colca National Park S/. 70.00 Peruvian Soles
- Entrance fee to hotsprings pools S/. 15.00 Peruvian Sol. (optional)
- Extras
What to bring
- Treking shoes
- Flashlight
- Warm clothing
- Swimwear
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Hat to protect against the sun
- Hat and gloves for the cold
- Comfortable shoes
- Personal higiene ítems
- Water (water is available to buy in each village, however it will be at a higher price)
- Snacks
- Towel
- Flip-flops
- Extra money in Peruvian soles
Frequently Asked Questions about the Colca Canyon Tour
1.- I can’t find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations as I’m making my booking. What should I select?
This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation.
2.- What is the difference between the Colca Canyon TOURS and TREKS?
In Colca Canyon, visitors can enjoy colorful pre-Inca terraces, the observation of condors at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, and the possibility of spotting various wildlife species, including alpacas, vicuñas, vizcachas, foxes, pumas, eagles, hawks, and owls.
3.- I do not want to take all of my belongings with me. Where can I leave my big bag or suitcase?
Hotels and hostels in Arequipa will normally store your bags in their safety deposit for free whilst you are away at the Canyon, until you check in again upon your return. Head off to the trip with just what you need and leave the rest in storage.
4.- Will I see Condors on this tour?
There are quite a few Condors out there, and as we visit different viewing points the chances are quite good. We still cannot guarantee that you will be able to see them, but if you get lucky they will fly just above your head!
5.- Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?
Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude – proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves – the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500 metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.
6.- Can I finish in Puno instead of Arequipa?
Yes, this is possible. On return to Chivay at 1pm, there will just be 15 minutes for lunch before departing to Puno. Arrival time in Puno is 7pm, and the drop off is at Puno (Plaza de Armas). For this option, you MUST select the ticket option – TOUR + TRANSFER FROM THE CANYON TO PUNO – when making a booking
7.- Can I have a private room if I travel alone?
Yes, of course but you will need to pay an extra 20 soles. You must inform your guide on the first day of your tour.
8.- What is the name of the hotel in Chivay and what kind of rooms are available?
The hostel is La Estancia and there are double, twin and triple rooms. You will be placed in rooms depending on the size of your group.
9.- Does this tour operator cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and vegan?
Yes, you must let your guide know of your dietary requirement on the first day of your tour.
10.- Can I start the tour in Chivay?
Yes, you can! There is no problem if your hotel is in Chivay. However, if your hotel is on the outskirts of the town of Chivay, there will be an extra charge. You will need to send us an e-mail at the moment of your booking in order to inform the tour operator.
11.- I do not want to take all of my belongings with me to the Canyon. Where can I leave my big bag or suitcase?
Hotels and hostels in Arequipa will all store your bags in their safety deposit for free whilst you are away at the Canyon, until you check-in again upon your return. Head off to the trip with just what you need and leave the rest in storage. If you continue after your trek from Chivay to Puno, on the first day of your trek you will have breakfast in a restaurant in Chivay. This restaurant has a storage facility, where passengers who are trekking can leave their backpacks for a small fee, and pick them up on return.
12.- Is there an accommodation upgrade available?
I do not want to stay in a basic hotel. No, this Colca Canyon provider does not offer alternative accommodation. If you wish to stay in a different hotel or lodge in the Canyon, it is recommended you book a private tour of the Canyon.
- Operated by: Colonial Tours
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