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 takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes under normal conditions, includes several essential stops to help with acclimatization and is accompanied by an onboard coordinator who oversees the trip. In the event of road maintenance work, travel time may be extended to up to 8 hours, depending on the conditions of the day.
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 assist you with a vehicle change: you will join the group arriving from Arequipa, with whom you will share the Day 1 activities. Depending on the day’s conditions, this transition may take place before or after lunch.
From that point on, the tour will continue in a van, the type of vehicle used for the activities in the Colca Valley and the return trip to Arequipa, as some streets in downtown Chivay and the access roads to the hot springs are not suitable for larger vehicles. Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and seat locations are random.
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:
- This is a connection tour focused primarily on the scenic landscapes and road-trip experience through the Colca Valley. Explanations are provided at the valley’s most important highlights. If you are looking for a more in-depth historical and cultural experience, we recommend complementing your trip with the Arequipa City Tour.
- If certain sections of the Puno–Chivay highway are undergoing maintenance, the pickup time may be adjusted in order to pass through the area before scheduled road closures.
- 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.
