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.

As we travel from Arequipa to Chivay, we’ll make several essential stops at viewpoints to help you acclimatize to the altitude. This is also a great opportunity to purchase snacks. We will see birds and camelids that live in the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve. Then, we will stop at the volcano viewpoint, the highest area of ​​the road at 4910 meters above sea level, to appreciate the mountain scenery.

Upon arriving in Chivay, we will enjoy a delicious 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. 

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 afternoon, we’ll return to Chivay, giving you some free time to explore the square and engage with locals and their traditions. 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. Around 6:30 AM, our transport will be ready to pick you up and 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. However, in 95% of cases, sightings are positive. 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 back, we will make a short stop in Maca for those who wish to buy handicrafts. 

We will arrive in Chivay to have lunch at a local restaurant before starting the journey back to the historic center of Arequipa. The transportation will end its route just a few blocks from the main square. 

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 in a 3-star hotel, Casa Andina Standard or similar.

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)  

• Lunch (day 1 and 2) and dinner at traditional peña (day 1) The cost of each meal is approximately 30/35 soles, and you will need to pay in cash in local currency. This is an average cost and may vary depending on the option you choose.

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

• 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 (approximately 16 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:

• Only one small bag is allowed per person. If you are returning to Arequipa, we recommend leaving larger luggage at your hotel in Arequipa 

• 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:

• With 3 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.

• Between 4 and 7 days of notification, 70% is refunded.

• More than 7 days, 90% is refunded.

Date changes:

• Rates applied for change of date in private tours:

• There will be no extra charge if notified more than 5 days in advance.

• If notified between 3 and 5 days in advance, an additional charge of 20% will apply.

• If notified 2 days or less in advance, it will not be possible to make the change and it will not be subject to a refund.

• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.

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.