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. 

Along the way, there will be several stops at viewpoints, essential for helping your body acclimate to the altitude. You’ll also have the chance to purchase snacks if desired. 

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. Please note that due to the area's geography, restaurant options are limited. Guru Explorers continually monitors the area to offer the best available options, though standards may be simpler compared to those in urban locations. 

Later, we will visit the town of Coporaque and take a hike lasting approximately 1 hour in total, including a 2,953-foot ascent (30 minutes), to the archaeological site of San Antonio, where we can see the pre-Inca and Inca tombs of Yuraq Qaqa. (optional)

Additionally, at the 'Cultural House,' we will engage with the locals to share their culture and art, enjoy a presentation of traditional dances, and view an exhibition of crafts.

We will then 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. This stop is optional, so you may choose to skip it.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional dance show at a tourist restaurant in Chivay (optional).

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. 

We’ll arrive at the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint, the canyon's highest point. Upon arrival, your guide will inform you of the time available for condor watching. 

Condor sightings take place in their natural habitat, typically in the morning as they search for food. Since this is a 100% natural activity, we cannot guarantee a specific number of condors, as it depends on weather conditions and wind patterns. However, 95% of the time, sightings are successful. We appreciate your understanding regarding the nature of this experience. 

After enjoying the condors’ flight, we’ll begin the return journey. 

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 an exclusive 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 guide on board and makes several stops to enjoy the scenery.

• Currently (December 2024), the road between Colca (Chivay) and Puno is under maintenance, which may result in partial closures and detours through unpaved roads. Depending on the day's conditions, the transfer might be carried out in a van for greater flexibility. This could affect travel times and, in some cases, lead to skipping tourist stops with blocked access. Nonetheless, a comfortable and efficient journey is ensured.

The first stop will be at the Volcanoes Viewpoint (Patapampa), 4,910 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of volcanic mountain ranges. 

Next, we’ll visit Tocrapampa, an area rich in natural wetlands, where you can see Andean and migratory birds. 

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 7:00 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, stops are predetermined. Additionally, the itinerary may vary due to external factors. 

Currently, the return road is under maintenance. Depending on the day, we may need to depart before noon, as the road closes later in the day. In such cases, lunch will be served around 11:00 am. 

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:

• Transfers (Exclusive bus for connection Chivay (Colca) - Historic Center of Puno / Sprinter-type transport or similar for the rest of the tour)
• Professional guide in English and/or Spanish
• Emergency oxygen available upon request with the guide
• 1 night of accommodation in a 3* hotel, Casa Andina Standard or similar, with breakfast included
• Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant on day 1 and day 2, excluding drinks

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
    • Child (6 - 15 years) - S/20.00
• Tourist ticket to the hot springs (optional) Fee S/15.00
• Dinner show (optional)
• Drinks.

What to bring for the Tour?

• 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.

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 road between Colca (Chivay) and Puno is under maintenance, which may involve partial closures and detours through unpaved roads. In such cases, the transfer is conducted in a van for greater flexibility. This might affect travel times, although efforts are made to ensure a comfortable and efficient journey.
• 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.
• Itinerary changes: The trip itinerary may vary due to environmental or weather-related 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 the scheduled times, although they may be altered by circumstances outside our control (natural disasters, field conditions, etc.). We will do our best to offer alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment.

• Not allowed:

• Pets
• Smoking
• Large luggage or bags

• Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs
• Pregnant women

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations made 10 days or less in advance: No refund.
• Cancellations made more than 10 days in advance: 40% refund of the total amount.

Date changes

• Any request for a date change will be considered a cancellation and subject to the same cancellation policy conditions.

No refund will be provided in the event of cancellation or modification due to delayed flights, train delays, adverse weather conditions, or other external factors beyond our control.

We want to be part of the experience you'll have on the 2D/1N Colca Canyon Tour.

If you're still wondering why choose us? We’d like you to read 7 standout features of our service:

QUALITY: When you go to an expert, it's because you want answers to all your questions. When it comes to travel, money, time, and enjoyment, everything needs to be balanced, 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 travelers of the world, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and Peru's top destinations. We’ve had good and bad experiences, learning that the difference lies in the details. That’s why we know what’s essential for your trip. We’re travelers who strive to enhance your experience!

TRANSPARENCY: We’re here to provide you with the best information and description of our tours. We don't believe in hidden costs. We offer the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you're looking for.

SECURITY: You trust us with your time, money, and expectations, which is why we refine every detail to guarantee the trip of your dreams.

FLEXIBILITY: While we offer preset packages, we also adapt to your needs and create tailored plans, so you can visit any place in Peru with the expertise of a Guru Explorer. We customize trips for special occasions like corporate travel, honeymoons, birthdays, or social, cultural, and sports events during your visit to Peru, offering comprehensive advice to meet and exceed your expectations.

PASSION: Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; that makes us passionate about creating the best experiences with the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: We promote responsible and sustainable tourism, ensuring we don’t harm the traveler or exploit the communities or environments that welcome them. We create more humane and respectful experiences of cultural heritage.

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