2-Day 1-Night Colca Tour from Arequipa to Puno with Accommodation

Itinerary for Colca Canyon Tour: 2 Days and 1 Night, Starting in Arequipa and Ending in Puno with Accommodation 

Day 1: 

Arequipa City – Chivay – Hot Springs

Transportation will pick you up between 7:00 am and 8:00 am from your hotel in Arequipa’s historic center to begin this 2-day, 1-night tour to the Colca Canyon, ending in Puno.

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 in Patahuasi to enjoy coca tea, a recommended drink for acclimatization. Along the route, you will spot birds and camelids that inhabit the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve. We will then stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint, the highest point of the route at 4,910 meters above sea level, to admire the mountain range. 

Around midday, we will arrive in Chivay, where you’ll have approximately 50 minutes to enjoy a buffet lunch at a tourist 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 will head to the medicinal hot springs, with water temperatures between 36°C and 38°C (optional). Entry payment is required upon arrival, even if you decide not to bathe. The springs are set in a natural environment, making them more rustic compared to urban or spa facilities. Entry is optional, you may choose not to enter if you prefer.

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).

Afterward, you’ll rest and prepare for the exciting day ahead. 

Day 2: 

Colca Canyon – Condor Watching – Lunch 

The following morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and check out. 

Between 6:00 am and 6:30 am, transportation will pick you up to head towards 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 back, we’ll stop at various viewpoints and in Maca, where you can purchase local handicrafts. 

Around midday, we will return to Chivay for a buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant. 

Colca (Chivay) – Puno Connection

The connection from Colca (Chivay) to Puno takes approximately 6.5 hours and is carried out in a tourist-exclusive bus or mini bus. After lunch in Chivay, passengers ending their tour in Puno will be taken to the designated office to board the bus, which includes a tour coordinator on board and makes several stops to enjoy the scenery.

We will make the first stop along the way at 4,910 meters above sea level, where it will be possible to admire impressive views of the mountain range.

We will then arrive at Patahuasi, where visitors can enjoy traditional drinks such as coca tea, muña, chachacoma, and Inca tea, which help alleviate altitude-related discomfort. 

Our final stop will be at Lagunillas Lagoon, a perfect spot to enjoy beautiful scenery and observe the region’s unique flora and fauna. 

You will arrive at your hotel in Puno’s historic center between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm, concluding this 2-day, 1-night tour. 

If your hotel is outside the historic center, additional transfer services can be arranged at an extra cost with prior coordination. 

Note: As with any shared tour, the stops are pre-established. Additionally, the itinerary may vary due to external factors. In case of road maintenance work, we may need to have lunch earlier than scheduled or adjust the itinerary to avoid disruptions caused by possible road closures. 

If you’d like to customize the itinerary, we recommend inquiring about our private tour option.

The price of the Colca Canyon Tour 2D/1N includes:

• Professional guide in English and/or Spanish
• Sprinter-type vehicle or similar for the Arequipa – Colca route and for the activities during the tour.
• 1 night of accommodation in a 3-star hotel (Casa Andina Standard or similar) with breakfast included.
• Buffet lunch with typical regional dishes at a tourist restaurant (day 1 and day 2, beverages not included).
• Transfer by bus, minibus or van exclusively for tourists for the connection to Puno, accompanied by a tour coordinator throughout the journey.

The tour price does not include:

• Personal expenses.
• Entrance tickets. These must be paid in cash and in local currency:
  • Tourist ticket to the Colca Valley
    • Adult S/70.00
    • Latin american S/40.00
    • Child (6 – 15 years) – S/20.00
• Tourist ticket to the hot springs (optional) Fee S/15.00
• Dinner show (optional)
• Drinks.
• Breakfast day 1.

What to bring for the Tour?

• Only 1 piece of luggage per person is allowed, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds. However, you must inform us if your luggage exceeds 22 pounds.
• It is recommended to bring: comfortable footwear, sun hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Rain gear (especially from November to April)
• Warm clothing for the night, insect repellent
• Passport or ID
• Travel insurance
• Swimwear and towel (optional for hot springs)
• Cash (local currency) for entrance fees and personal expenses. Please note that in the area, many shops apply a 5% surcharge for payments made with credit or debit cards.

What to consider when taking the 2D/1N Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa to Puno?

What does it mean that the tour is shared?

• It means you will share the tour with a group of tourists from different nationalities and ages, including travelers from Guru Explorers as well as other operators. It’s a great opportunity to connect with travelers from around the world! Please note that this type of tour is operated by Guru Explorers or our strategic partners who adhere to the same standards. If you prefer a tour without sharing with others, please request a private tour option.
• Pick-up and schedule: One day before the shared tour, you will be assigned a pick-up time range and an approximate return time. It is important to be punctual to avoid delaying others. The tour duration may vary depending on the group’s pace and traffic, so the return time is approximate. Please note that Guru Explorers is not responsible for traffic delays or the pace of other tourists.
• Transport seating: Random, based on arrival and pick-up order.

Other considerations:

• The times at each location are pre-established, limited, and will be managed by the coordinator. Additionally, the coordinator may adjust the order of activities in case of unforeseen circumstances or external factors.
• As with any transportation route, the road to Puno may be subject to maintenance work to ensure its safety and good condition. In such cases, partial closures or detours along unpaved routes may occur. In these exceptional situations, and if necessary, the transfer will be carried out in a van to allow access via alternative routes, or the itinerary may be adjusted to prevent the maintenance work from affecting the planned route. These circumstances could alter the travel time, although every effort will be made to ensure a comfortable and efficient journey at all times.
• Acclimatization: It is recommended to acclimatize before taking the Arequipa – Colca – Puno 2D/1N tour. This will help your body adjust to the altitude of the region.
• Time at Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint: The guide will determine how long to stay so you can observe the condors without 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
• Large luggage or bags

Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs
• Pregnant women

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.