Colca 2 days and 1 night tour with accommodation

Colca Canyon Tour Itinerary: 2 Days and 1 Night with accommodation

Day 1: Arequipa City- Chivay City

Your adventure begins between 7 AM and 8 AM when our transport picks you up from your hotel in the Historic Center of Arequipa, to begin this exciting 2-day, 1-night journey to the Colca Canyon.

On the way from Arequipa to Chivay, we will make several stops at viewpoints. These stops are essential to help the body acclimate to the altitude. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to buy snacks if you wish.

The first stop will be at Patahuasi, where you can enjoy a coca tea, a beverage recommended for acclimatization. Along the way, we will spot birds and camelids that inhabit the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve. Then, we will stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes, the highest point of the route at 4,910 meters above sea level, to admire the mountain range.

Upon arriving in Chivay, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Remember that due to the geography of the area, restaurant options are limited. Guru Explorers is always on-site to provide the best alternatives, considering that, being a rural area, restaurant standards will be more basic compared to those in a city.

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.

Afterward, we’ll visit the medicinal hot springs, where the water temperature ranges from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius (optional). Please note that the entrance fee is payable upon arrival, even if you choose not to soak in the hot springs.They are set in a natural environment, which makes them authentic and rustic compared to those offered in urban or spa settings. This is an optional stop, if you wish, you can choose not to enter.

In the evening, we will savor a traditional peña featuring local dances at a restaurant in Chivay. (optional)

As the day winds down, you can rest and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.

Day 2 - Colca Canyon - Condor watching - Return to Arequipa.

The next morning, you will have breakfast at your hotel and checkout. Between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM, our transport will pick you up to begin our journey to the Colca Canyon.

We will arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the highest point of the canyon. Upon arrival, our guide will inform us of the available time for condor watching. 

The sighting of condors occurs in their natural habitat, mainly in the morning when they go out to search for food. Because this is a 100% natural activity, we cannot guarantee an exact number of condors to see, as they depend on external factors such as weather conditions and winds. We appreciate your understanding of the nature of this activity.

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

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

We will arrive in Chivay to enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant before starting the journey back to your hotel in the historic center of Arequipa. 

Ask our advisor about the option of connecting from Chivay to Puno for an additional cost.

Note: As with any shared tour, the stops are predetermined. Additionally, the itinerary may vary due to external factors. Currently, the road used for the return to Arequipa is under maintenance. Therefore, depending on the day, we may need to start our return before noon, as the road will close afterward. In that case, lunch will be around 11 a.m.

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

What’s included in the tour?

• Transportation (Arequipa-Chivay-Arequipa) 
• Professional guide in English and/or Spanish  
• Emergency oxygen available upon request with the guide  
• 1 night of accommodation with breakfast included at Casa Andina Standard 3-star hotel or similar.
• Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant on day 1 and day 2, drinks not included.

The price does not include: 

• Entrance to the hot springs (15 soles per person, payable in cash in local currency) 
• Entrance to the Colca Canyon (40 soles for Latin Americans or 70 soles for other countries, payable in cash in local currency)  
• Dinner at traditional peña (optional)

What to Bring for the Colca 2-Day, 1-Night Tour 

• Only one small bag is allowed per person. If you are returning to Arequipa, we recommend leaving larger luggage at your hotel in Arequipa.
• It is recommended to bring: comfortable footwear, a sun hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain gear (especially from November to April)
• It’s very important to bring 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.

Considerations for the Colca 2-Day, 1-Night Tour

What Does It Mean That the Tour Is Shared?

• It means that you will be sharing the tour with a group of tourists from different nationalities and ages, both from Guru Explorers and various other operators (a maximum of 15 people). It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with travelers from around the world! Please remember that this type of tour is operated by Guru Explorers or our strategic partners who meet the same standards. If you prefer a tour without sharing with others, please ask us about the private tour option. 
• Pickup and Schedule: One day before the shared tour, you will be assigned a pickup time and an approximate return time. It’s important to be punctual to avoid delaying others. The duration of the tour may vary depending on the group’s pace and traffic conditions, so the return time is only an estimate. Please note that neither traffic nor the pace of tourists is the responsibility of Guru Explorers. 
• Seating on Transport: Seating is random, based on the order of arrival and pickup.

Other Considerations:

• The times at each location are pre-established, limited, and will be managed by the guide. Additionally, the guide may adjust the order of activities in case of unforeseen circumstances or external factors.
• Consult with our advisors if you wish to connect to Puno for an additional cost.
• Acclimatization: It is recommended to acclimatize before participating in the Colca 2-Day, 1-Night Tour. This way, your body will be adapted to the altitude of the region. 
• Time at the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint: The guide will determine the duration of the stop for spotting condors to avoid delaying the itinerary.
• Itinerary Variations: The travel itinerary may change due to environmental or climatic reasons beyond our control. We will notify you in advance of any changes. At Guru Explorers, we value your time and work to adhere to established schedules, even if they may be affected by circumstances outside our control (natural disasters, field conditions, among other verifiable reasons). We will do our best to provide efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.

Not allowed: 

• Pets
• Smoking
• Laguages 

Not recommended for: 

• People in wheelchairs

Cancellation Policies:

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

Date Changes:

• Any date change request will be considered a cancellation and will be subject to the same terms as the cancellation policies.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations or modifications due to delayed flights, train delays, adverse weather conditions, or other external factors beyond our control.

The experience that makes you live the beauty of this walk through the Colca Full Day Tour is inexplicable, it is truly a personal encounter between you, nature and the Inca ruins.

We want to be part of that experience that you will live on the way to the Colca Full Day Tour.

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

• QUALITY: When you go to a teacher, 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.

• EXPERIENCE: To become Guru Explorers, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We live 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!

• 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 they can choose the inclusions or upgrades they are looking for.

• 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.

• 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 event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.

• 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.

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

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

How far is Colca from Arequipa?  

Starting from the city of Arequipa, the distance is approximately 160 km to the town of Chivay.

At what time do the condors fly in Colca?

In the morning, between 8 AM and 9:30 AM, the condors usually take flight, utilizing the thermal air currents. During this time, there is less wind, which makes it easier for them to search for food.

What activities are available in Colca?  

In addition to its beautiful landscapes, Colca offers an exclusive space for adventure activities. Many tourists visit Colca for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife and flora observation, among many other activities.

What are the main attractions in Chivay?

Chivay is a point of arrival, which is why it has many places to eat and stay, including restaurants, hotels, and hostels. From here, you can connect to various towns. The main attraction of Chivay is its culture. It is a typical and representative town of the area. Its square and market are two of the main attractions that visitors can explore to learn more about local customs.