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. The guide will pick up passengers in an exclusive bus from hotels in Puno's historic center, between 6:00 and 6:15 a.m., to start the trip to Colca (Chivay). If the hotel is located outside the center, an additional pick-up point can be arranged.

The trip, lasting approximately 6 hours, includes several stops to acclimatize. For the first 4 hours, the journey will be on an exclusive bus for greater comfort. Then, at Patahuasi, passengers will transfer to join the rest of the group for the guided tour. Transportation for subsequent activities will be in a van with a small group of up to 15 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

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

Next, we will head towards Patahuasi, where visitors will have the opportunity to try traditional drinks such as coca tea, muña, chachacoma, and the popular Inca tea, which help alleviate the effects of altitude. Here, we will transfer to the van that will accompany us for the rest of the tour.

We will then head to Tocrapampa, an area rich in natural wetlands, where high-altitude and migratory birds can be spotted. On the way, we will stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint (Patapampa), located at 4,910 meters above sea level. From here, we can enjoy stunning views of the volcanic mountain ranges.

After noon, we will reach Chivay, the capital of the Colca Valley, where we will have approximately 50 minutes to enjoy a buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant.

Later, we will visit the town of Coporaque and take a hike lasting approximately 1 hour in total, including a 2,953-foot ascent (30 minutes), to the archaeological site of San Antonio, where we can see the pre-Inca and Inca tombs of Yuraq Qaqa. (optional)

Additionally, at the 'Cultural House,' we will engage with the locals to share their culture and art, enjoy a presentation of traditional dances, and view an exhibition of crafts.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Chacapi hot springs, where you can relax in the thermal waters. Please note that the entrance fee is paid upon entering the site, even if you decide not to bathe in the hot springs. These are located in a natural setting, making them authentic and rustic compared to those offered in urban or spa environments. This stop is optional; if you wish, you can choose not to enter.

To end the day, those who wish can attend a tourist peña restaurant, where a display of traditional dances from the Colca Valley will be presented.

DAY 2: Colca Canyon - Condor Watching - Arequipa City

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

We will continue our journey through the Colca Valley, a place full of fascinating landscapes and small towns rich in history. Between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m., we will arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, where we will have the chance to observe the majestic flight of the condors, emblematic birds of the region and a symbol of Andean culture. From this viewpoint, we will also be able to appreciate the immense stretch of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, with a depth of 4,160 meters.

Upon arrival, our guide will inform us of the available time for condor watching.

Condor watching takes place in their natural habitat, mostly in the morning when they search for food. Since this is a 100% natural activity, we cannot guarantee an exact number of condors to see, as they depend on factors such as weather conditions and winds. However, in 95% of the cases, the sighting is successful. We appreciate your understanding regarding the nature of this activity.

Once we have enjoyed the flight of the condors, we will begin our return journey.

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

We will reach Chivay for a buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant, then begin our return journey and arrive at your hotel in the historic center of Arequipa around 4:30 p.m.

Note: As with all shared tours, the stops are fixed. Currently, the road used for the return to Arequipa is under maintenance. Therefore, depending on the day, we may have to start our return before 12 p.m., as the road will be closed afterward. In this case, lunch will be served around 11 a.m.

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

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

• Transfers (Exclusive bus for the connection from Puno Historic Center to Patahuasi / Sprinter-type or similar transportation for the rest of the tour, ending at the Historic Center of Arequipa)
• Professional guide in English and/or Spanish
• Emergency oxygen available upon request with the guide
• 1 night of accommodation in a 3* hotel, Casa Andina Standard or similar, with breakfast included
• Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant on day 1 and day 2, excluding drinks

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:
    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?

• 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.

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.
• Pickup and schedule: The day before the shared tour, you will be assigned a pickup time window and an approximate return time. It is important to be punctual to avoid delaying others. The duration of the tour may vary depending on the group’s pace and traffic, so the return time is only approximate. Please note that neither traffic nor the pace of the tourists is the responsibility of Guru Explorers.
• Seating in the transport: Random, based on the order of arrival and pickup

Other Considerations

• Please remember that due to the geography of the area, restaurant options are limited. Guru Explorers is always monitoring the location to offer the best alternatives, considering that, being a rural area, the restaurant standards will be more basic compared to those in a city.
• Acclimatization: It is recommended to acclimatize before taking the 2-day, 1-night Puno - Colca - Arequipa tour. Only then will your body be adjusted to the altitude of the region.
• Time at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint: The guide will determine the time spent at the viewpoint to ensure condor watching without delaying the itinerary.
• Itinerary variations: The tour itinerary may change due to environmental or weather conditions beyond our control. We will notify you in advance of any changes. At Guru Explorers, we value your time and strive to meet the established schedules, although these may be altered by circumstances outside our control (natural disasters, field conditions, and other verifiable reasons). We will do our best to offer efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.

Not allowed:

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

Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs.
• Pregnant women.

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations made 10 days or less in advance: No refund.
• Cancellations made more than 10 days in advance: A 40% refund of the total amount will be provided.

Date Changes:

• Any request for a date change will be considered a cancellation and will be subject to the same cancellation policy conditions.

No refund will be given in case of cancellation or changes due to delayed flights, train delays, adverse weather conditions, or other external factors beyond our control.

We want to be part of the experience that you will live in the Colca Canyon Tour 2D/1N.

If you still wonder why choose us, we would like you to read 7 features highlights of our service:

1. QUALITY: When you go with a master, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment you have to solve and that's what Guru Explorers is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.

2. EXPERIENCE: To become Guru Explorers, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We had bad and good experiences, appreciating that the difference is in the details, that is why we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!

3. TRANSPARENCY: We are here to provide you with the best information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs. We provide the necessary information so that you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.

4. SECURITY: You trust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we refine every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.

5. FLEXIBILITY: Although we have pre-established packages; we adapt to your needs and make plans to suit you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of a Guru Explorers. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports events during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations. 

6. PASSION: Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; that makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

7. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive us or their environment. We create experiences that are more human and respectful of heritage.

Do you want a different trip? We won't keep you waiting!