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: 

• Professional guide in English and/or Spanish

• 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 restaurant with views of the Colca Canyon, may not be available during the rainy season if access is affected by rainfall. In that case, breakfast will be served in the town of Yanque.

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.
• 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 20% of the total amount
• Between 7 and 30 days in advance: Penalty is 40% 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.