Colca Canyon Full Day Tour

Itinerary for the Colca Full Day Private Tour

3:45 AM - Hotel Pickup in the Historic Center of Arequipa

Our journey will begin very early, but it will be worth it, as we ensure the sighting of condors, which typically fly between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM. We will start a 4-hour drive toward the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. The guide will pick you up from your hotel in the historic center of Arequipa.

Patahuasi

We will make a brief stop in Patahuasi, where you can enjoy a coca tea and use the restroom facilities.

Breakfast with Views of the Colca Canyon

Then, you will continue the journey until you reach the countryside restaurant, located in an exceptional spot with views of the impressive Colca Canyon, where you will enjoy a traditional local breakfast. An experience you will never forget! Arrival at Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint

After breakfast, we will enter the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where we will appreciate the Colca Canyon and discover the sanctuary located in this very place. Upon arrival, we will have time to enjoy two main activities:

• Panoramic Views of the Colca Canyon: Admire the vastness and beauty of this impressive place, considered one of the deepest and most beautiful canyons in the world.
• Andean Condor Sighting: Watch these majestic birds in their natural habitat as they soar over the canyon.

Condor sightings mostly occur in the morning when they search for food. However, as this is a completely natural activity, we cannot guarantee an exact number of condors to be seen, as it depends on factors such as weather conditions and winds. 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 of the nature of this experience.

Visit to the Village of Maca

Once we have enjoyed the majestic views of the canyon, we will head to the village of Maca, famous for its picturesque main square.

Hot Springs (optional)

Next, you can relax in the hot springs, an optional activity. Remember, as this is a private tour, we can adapt the activities to your preferences.

Lunch in Chivay and Return to Arequipa

Then, you will have free time to have lunch in Chivay before beginning the return journey to Arequipa. On the way, we will stop at some viewpoints, such as the Mirador de los Volcanes, where we can also appreciate various species of wild birds and vicuñas.

5:30 PM - Arrival in Arequipa

Between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM, we will arrive in Arequipa.

Note: Currently, the road used for the return to Arequipa is under maintenance. Therefore, depending on the day, we may need to start the return journey before noon, as the road will be closed later. In this case, we suggest having free time for lunch at 11:00 AM to begin the return trip before noon.

The price of the colca full day tour includes: 

• Bilingual professional guide (English/Spanish; check availability for Portuguese) 
• Private transportation. For groups of 3 people or fewer, the guide will drive the vehicle. For groups of 4 or more, there will be a driver plus a guide.
• Basic traditional breakfast of the region.

The price of the Tour to Colca Full Day does not include:

• Entrance fee to the hot springs (15 soles per person, to be paid in cash in local currency)
• Entrance fee to Colca Canyon (40 soles for Latin Americans or 70 soles for other countries, to be paid in cash in local currency)
• Lunch (average price 40 soles)

What to bring to the Colca Full Day Tour?

• It is recommended to bring: comfortable footwear, lightweight clothing, a hat, a wool cap, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain gear (especially from November to April),
• Warm clothing
• Insect repellent
• Passport or ID
• Travel insurance
• Swimwear and a towel (optional for the hot springs)
• Cash (local currency).

What considerations should you have when doing the Tour to Colca Full Day?

• Childrens must be accompanied by an adult.
• Due to environmental, climatic or other factors, beyond our control, the itinerary of the trip may vary. If so, it will be notified in a timely manner.
• Guru Explorers values your time and strives to respect the tour schedule; however, they may vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable reasons). We will do our best to offer 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:

1. 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.
2. 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!
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 they can choose the inclusions or upgrades they 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 event 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 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 we have a journey of approximately 160 km, to the town of Chivay.

What is the weather like in Colca?

During the day, temperatures are pleasant, but at night it can drop, so we recommend wearing appropriate clothing during tours to Colca.

What activities are carried out in Colca?

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

What are the main attractions of Chivay?

Chivay is an arrival point, which is why it has many places to eat or stay: restaurants, hotels, hostels, among others. On this site we have connections with different towns.