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.

Just before leaving the city, we will make a brief strategic stop to use the restrooms or make any last-minute purchases, as we will then have approximately 2 hours until the first stop.

On the way from Arequipa to Chivay, we will make some stops at scenic viewpoints. These are essential to help the body gradually acclimate to the altitude.

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. 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’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.

At night, those who wish may go on their own to the main square of Chivay to enjoy a peña show with traditional dances at a tourist restaurant (optional activity).

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 6:15 AM and 7:00 AM, our transport will pick you up to begin our journey to the Colca Canyon.

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 going to school. You will have between 10 and 15 minutes of free time to explore the square, take photos, or buy snacks.

We will arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the highest point of the canyon. Upon arrival, our guide will indicate the available time to enjoy two main activities:

• Panoramic views of the Colca Canyon: Admire the immensity and beauty of this stunning location, 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 glide over the canyon.

Condor sightings mainly occur in the morning when they search for food. However, since this is a completely natural activity, we cannot guarantee an exact number of condors to see, as it depends on factors such as weather conditions and wind patterns. There is a higher chance of spotting condors during the dry season and a lower chance during the rainy season. We appreciate your understanding regarding the nature of this experience.

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 the historic center of Arequipa. 

Please note that on the return, the transportation will do its best to drop you off as close as possible to the Main Square, within what is permitted, since traffic in the historic center is restricted in the afternoon. Depending on the day and current conditions, access to the streets surrounding the square may or may not be allowed, especially for van-type vehicles. Traveling with a light backpack is recommended for greater comfort.

Notes:

• This tour is conducted in a group along with other travelers. Some passengers will return to Arequipa, while others will continue on to different destinations, depending on the option they booked. Please follow the instructions provided by Guru Explorers at the time of your reservation.

• As with any shared service, stops are pre-established and the itinerary may be adjusted due to external factors. Occasionally, the road back to Arequipa may be under maintenance, which would require an earlier departure before noon and moving lunch forward to approximately 11:00 a.m.

Additional options:

• If you wish to continue to Puno, ask about our tour option ending in Puno.
• Prefer a more flexible and personalized service? Ask about our private tour.

What’s included in the tour?

• Transportation (Arequipa-Chivay-Arequipa) 
• Professional guide in English and/or Spanish  
• 1 night of accommodation with breakfast included at Casa Andina Standard 3-star hotel or similar.
• Buffet lunch with typical regional dishes at a tourist restaurant (day 1 and day 2, beverages 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.
• 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.

Not allowed: 

• Pets
• Smoking
• Laguages 

Not recommended for: 

• People in wheelchairs

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 30% of the total amount
• Between 7 and 30 days in advance: Penalty is 50% 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.