2-Day Colca Canyon Tour from Puno Ending in Arequipa with Accommodation

Colca Canyon Tour Itinerary 2D/1N from Puno:

DAY 1: Connection Puno – Chivay / Hot Springs

We will begin the journey with the connection from Puno to Chivay. Passengers will be picked up by bus or minibus from their hotels in Puno’s historic center between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. to start the trip to Colca (Chivay). If the hotel is located outside the city center, pickup can be arranged at an additional cost.

The journey, which normally takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes, includes several essential stops to help with acclimatization. In case of road maintenance work, the travel time may be extended up to 8 hours, depending on the day.

You will be accompanied by a tour coordinator throughout the entire route.

Our first stop will be at Lagunillas Lagoon, an ideal spot to enjoy beautiful landscapes and observe the native flora and fauna.

We will then head to Patahuasi, where visitors will have the chance to try traditional drinks such as coca tea, muña, chachacoma, and the popular Inca tea, which help relieve the effects of high altitude.

Next, we will stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint (Patapampa), located at 4,910 meters (16,108 feet) above sea level. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the volcanic mountain ranges.

At the end of the transfer from Puno, the coordinator will inform you about a change of vehicle: you will switch from the bus or minibus used during the journey to a van, in which you will continue the tour through the Colca Valley and return to Arequipa on Day 2. This change allows for greater flexibility during the route, as some streets in downtown Chivay and the access road to the hot springs are not suitable for larger vehicles. Seat allocation is random and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

There, you will meet the coordinator who will accompany you for the remainder of the tour and guide you through the activities in the Colca Valley, as well as the group of travelers you’ll share Day 1 with in the Colca Valley.

It will then be time for lunch in Chivay, capital of the Colca Valley, where we will have approximately 50 minutes to enjoy a buffet lunch. As part of a local development support initiative, each day we visit a different restaurant, following a rotation system among various tourist establishments managed by the local community. This helps distribute the benefits of tourism among more families in the valley.

All restaurants offer buffet-style meals with traditional dishes prepared using local ingredients. Keep in mind that since this is a rural area, the standard and infrastructure are simpler compared to restaurants in cities like Arequipa, Cusco, or the Sacred Valley. It is an excellent opportunity to taste the flavors of the Colca Valley.

Later, we will accompany interested passengers to the region’s medicinal hot springs, with temperatures ranging between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius (96.8 – 100.4 °F). These springs are located in a natural setting, making them more authentic and rustic compared to those found in urban or spa environments. Please note that entrance is paid directly at the site, even if you decide not to bathe in the hot springs. This stop is optional—if you prefer, you may choose not to enter.

You will have the evening free to rest, enjoy the hotel facilities, or, if you wish, connect with the local culture. In Chivay, it’s traditional to attend tourist peñas (folk shows), where typical dances are performed in a festive atmosphere. Those who want to experience this can head to Chivay’s main square, where several tourist restaurants offer this kind of entertainment.

DAY 2: Colca Canyon – Condor Watching – Arequipa City

After having an early breakfast at your hotel and checking out, the coordinator will pick you up.

On the way, we will make a brief stop in the town of Yanque, where on some mornings it is possible to see local children dancing the traditional Wititi dance around the Main Square before heading to school. You will have between 10 and 15 minutes of free time to explore the square on your own, take photos, or buy snacks.

We will continue our journey along the Colca Valley, a place full of fascinating landscapes and small towns rich in history. We will arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, where we can witness the majestic flight of condors, emblematic birds of the region and a symbol of Andean culture. From this viewpoint, we will also be able to admire the impressive vastness of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, with a depth of 4,160 meters.

Upon arrival, the coordinator will indicate the time available to enjoy two main activities:

• Panoramic views of the Colca Canyon: Admire the immensity and beauty of this breathtaking place, considered one of the deepest and most beautiful canyons in the world.
• Andean condor watching: Observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat as they soar above the canyon.

Condor sightings occur mainly in the morning when they take advantage of the day’s thermal currents. However, as this is a completely natural activity, we cannot guarantee a specific number of condors, as it depends on factors such as weather conditions and wind. There is a higher probability of spotting condors in Colca during the dry season and a lower probability during the rainy season. We appreciate your understanding regarding the nature of this experience.

Along the way, we will stop at various viewpoints and in Maca, for those who wish to buy handicrafts.

We will arrive in Chivay for a buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant, and then begin the return trip, arriving in Arequipa’s historic center around 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm.

Please note that, in most cases, the transportation will not be able to drop you off at your hotel door, as many are located on streets with restricted access for tourist vehicles. Therefore, drop-off usually takes place at a point near the Plaza de Armas. This measure is due to traffic regulations in Arequipa’s historic center, where vehicle access is limited, especially during certain hours.

Notes:

• Currently (until January 2026), the Puno – Chivay road is under maintenance, so the pick-up time may be adjusted to allow transit before the road is closed.
• This tour is conducted in a group with other travelers. Some passengers will return to Arequipa, while others will continue to different destinations, depending on the option they booked.
• Please check the “Considerations” section below for additional important information about this tour.

If you wish to adapt the itinerary to your preferences, we suggest asking about our private tour.

The price of the Colca Canyon Tour 2D/1N includes:

• Transfer by bus, minibus or van exclusively for tourists from Puno, accompanied by a tour coordinator throughout the entire journey.
• Sprinter-type or similar transportation for activities in the Colca Valley and the return to the historic center of Arequipa.
• Tour coordinator in English and/or Spanish for activities in the Colca Valley and the return to the historic center of Arequipa.
• 1 night of accommodation in a 3* hotel Casa Andina Standard or similar, with breakfast included.
• Buffet lunch with typical regional dishes at a tourist restaurant (day 1 and day 2, beverages not included).

The price of the Colca Canyon Tour 2D/1N does not include:

• Personal Expenses.
• Entrance tickets to be paid in cash and in local currency:
  • Tourist ticket to the Colca Valley:
  • Latinamericans S/40.00
  • Adult S/70.00
    Child (6 – 15 years) S/20.00
  • Tourist ticket to the hot springs (optional):
    Fee S/15.00
• Dinner show (optional)
• Drinks.

What to bring for the Colca Canyon Tour 2D/1N?

• Only 1 piece of luggage per person is allowed, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds. However, you must inform us if your luggage exceeds 22 pounds.
• It is recommended to bring: comfortable footwear, sun hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain gear (especially from November to April).
• Warm clothing for the night.
• Insect repellent.
• Passport or ID.
• Travel insurance.
• Swimwear and towel (optional for the hot springs).
• Cash (local currency) for entrance fees and personal expenses. Shops that accept card payments usually apply a 5% surcharge.

What considerations should you have when doing the 2D/1N Colca Canyon Tour?

What does it mean that the tour is shared?

• This means you can share the tour with a group of tourists from different nationalities and ages, both from Guru Explorers and other operators. It’s a great opportunity to connect with travelers from around the world! Please remember that this type of tour is operated by Guru Explorers or by our strategic partners who meet our same standards. If you prefer a tour where you don’t share with others, please request the private tour option.
• Pick-up and Schedule: One day before the tour, you will be assigned a time range for pick-up and an approximate return time, which may vary depending on the group’s pace and traffic. These factors are beyond the responsibility of Guru Explorers.
• Seating on the transportation: Random, based on order of pick-up and arrival.

Other Considerations

• The times at each location are pre-established, limited, and will be managed by the tour coordinator. Additionally, the tour coordinator may adjust the order of activities in case of unforeseen circumstances or external factors. If you wish to adapt the stops to your own pace and preferences, please ask about our private tour option.
• Restaurants during the tour: As part of a local development support initiative, a rotation system is implemented among different tourist restaurants in the Colca Valley. This allows the benefits of tourism to be distributed among more local families. All restaurants are buffet-style with traditional dishes prepared using local ingredients. These restaurants are managed by the local community. Please note that the standard and infrastructure may be simpler than in cities like Arequipa, Cusco, or the Sacred Valley, which is part of an authentic experience with local identity.
• Road conditions: Currently, some sections are under maintenance, which may lead to changes in pick-up or return schedules.
• Weather conditions: Since these are outdoor activities, the itinerary may be modified due to weather factors.
• Shared tour: This service is carried out in a group with other travelers. Not all passengers on the first day will continue with the same itinerary on the second day. Each passenger’s accommodation may vary depending on the option contracted. Some passengers return to Arequipa, while others continue to Puno or other destinations.
• Transportation: The longest section (Chivay – Puno) is done in a bus or minibus exclusively for tourists, for greater comfort. The rest of the route and the return to Arequipa are done in a tourist van, which allows access to areas where large vehicles cannot circulate.
• Hot springs: Located in a natural setting, with rustic facilities offering a genuine experience, different from urban spas.
• Acclimatization: We recommend acclimatizing to the altitude beforehand to better enjoy the tour.
• Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint: The coordinator will set an appropriate amount of time to observe the condors without affecting the itinerary’s progress.
• Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.
• Currently, the road to Puno is undergoing maintenance work to ensure its safety and good condition. In such cases, there may be partial closures or detours through unpaved routes. In these exceptional situations, and if necessary, transportation may be carried out in a van to allow access via alternative roads, or the itinerary may be adjusted to prevent the work from affecting the tour. These circumstances may alter the duration of the journey, although every effort will be made to ensure a comfortable and efficient trip at all times.

Not allowed:

• Pets.
• Smoke.
• Large briefcases and pockets.

Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs.
• Pregnant women.

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign tourists may be exempt from the local tax IGV (VAT).

As a formal and registered travel agency, we are required to submit to the local authorities a copy of the document you used to enter the country, as well as your date of entry.

For this reason, a few days before your arrival, we will contact you to request a photo of that document and ask you to let us know the date you entered Peru. If we do not receive this information, we will be required to add the 18% corresponding to the IGV tax. 

Thank you for your cooperation!

Cancellation Policy

• More than 30 days in advance: Penalty is 20% of the total amount
• Between 7 and 30 days in advance: Penalty is 40% of the total amount
• Less than 7 days in advance: Penalty is 100% of the total amount

Date changes

• More than 30 days in advance: Penalty is 5% of the total amount
• Between 7 and 30 days in advance: Penalty is 10% of the total amount
• Less than 7 days in advance: Penalty is 100% of the total amount
• Subject to availability.
• There will be no refunds in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

Force Majeure Policy

• Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.