3D/2N COLCA CANYON TOUR
Explore the Colca Canyon over three days, traveling through high-altitude landscapes, traditional Andean villages, and some of the most important viewpoints in the Colca Valley. Visit Pampa Cañahuas, Toqra, Patapampa, and Cruz del Cóndor while enjo... read complete
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arequipa / Pampa Cañahuas / Toqra / Patapampa / Colca Valley
- 7:00 am: Pick up from your hotel in Arequipa and begin the journey towards the Colca Valley.
- 8:30 am: Stop at Pampa Cañahuas, located within the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Enjoy the highland scenery and look for vicuñas and other Andean camelids.
- 9:30 am: Continue towards the Colca Valley with a stop at a high-altitude restaurant around 4,000 m. Take a short break and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and the Bosque de Piedras.
- 10:30 am: Visit Toqra, an area surrounded by highland lagoons and wetlands where you can observe llamas, alpacas, and Andean birds.
- 11:30 am: Reach Patapampa, the Mirador de los Andes, at approximately 4,900 m. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes and high Andes.
- 1:00 pm: Continue descending towards the Colca Valley. Stop for lunch before continuing to your accommodation.
- 3:00 pm: Arrive at your accommodation outside Chivay and check in. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the surrounding Colca Valley.
- Overnight: Accommodation outside Chivay.
Distance: Approx. 160 km by road | Difficulty: Easy | Highest point: Approx. 4,900 m | Meals: Lunch not included
Day 2 — Cruz del Cóndor / Pinchollo / Huayra Punko / Antahuilque / Maca / Yanque
- 6:30 am: Breakfast at your accommodation before beginning the day’s excursion through the Colca Valley.
- 7:00 am: Depart towards Cruz del Cóndor, following the scenic road through the valley and its agricultural terraces.
- 8:30 am: Arrive at Cruz del Cóndor, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Colca Canyon. Enjoy panoramic views of the canyon and look for Andean condors soaring above the valley.
- 9:30 am: Begin the return journey towards Chivay, stopping at Pinchollo and the Huayra Punko viewpoint for views of the Colca Valley.
- 10:30 am: Visit the Antahuilque viewpoint, known for its impressive agricultural terraces and panoramic views of the valley.
- 11:15 am: Continue to Maca, a traditional Colca Valley village where you can explore the town and visit its historic church.
- 12:00 pm: Visit Yanque, known for its traditional architecture and historic church.
- 1:00 pm: Continue towards Chivay and have free time for lunch.
- 2:30 pm: Return to your accommodation outside Chivay and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
- Overnight: Accommodation outside Chivay.
Distance: Approx. 100 km by road | Difficulty: Easy | Highest point: Approx. 4,000 m | Meals: Breakfast included, lunch not included
Day 3 — Colca Valley / Arequipa
- 8:00 am: Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and have a relaxed morning in the Colca Valley.
- 10:30 am: Free time to enjoy the surroundings, rest, or explore the area independently.
- 12:00 pm: Check out and begin the return journey to Arequipa.
- 1:00 pm: Continue through the highland landscapes towards Arequipa.
- 4:00 pm: Arrive at your hotel in Arequipa and finish the 3-day Colca Canyon experience.
Distance: Approx. 160 km by road | Difficulty: Easy | Highest point: Approx. 4,000 m | Meals: Breakfast included
Inclusions
What’s Included
Transportation
- Tourist transportation from Arequipa to the Colca Valley and back.
- Transportation throughout the Colca Canyon sightseeing route.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arequipa.
Accommodation
- 2 nights of accommodation outside Chivay.
- Breakfast at the accommodation on Days 2 and 3.
Guiding
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
- Guided visits to the main viewpoints and attractions included in the itinerary.
Entrance Fees
- Entrance fee to the Colca Canyon.
- Entrance fees to the attractions included in the itinerary.
Visits
- Pampa Cañahuas.
- Toqra.
- Patapampa, the Mirador de los Andes.
- Cruz del Cóndor.
- Pinchollo.
- Huayra Punko.
- Antahuilque.
- Maca.
- Yanque.
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and dinner.
- Breakfast on Day 1.
- Drinks and bottled water.
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
- Tips for the guide and driver.
- Travel insurance.
FAQS
How long is the Colca Canyon tour?
The tour takes 3 days and 2 nights, with two nights of accommodation outside Chivay.
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at approximately 7:00 am from Arequipa. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed with your reservation.
Where will we stay overnight?
The two nights are spent at accommodation outside Chivay, allowing you to enjoy a quieter setting in the Colca Valley.
What places will we visit?
The tour includes Pampa Cañahuas, Toqra, Patapampa, Cruz del Cóndor, Pinchollo, Huayra Punko, Antahuilque, Maca, and Yanque.
Will we see Andean condors?
Cruz del Cóndor is one of the main viewpoints for observing Andean condors. Sightings depend on weather and natural conditions.
How high is the Colca Canyon tour?
The highest point is approximately 4,900 m (16,076 ft) at Patapampa.
Is the tour difficult?
The tour is easy to moderate. It does not involve a long trek, but the high altitude and short walks at the viewpoints can be physically demanding for some travelers.
Why choose the 3-day Colca Canyon tour instead of 2 days?
The 3-day option allows you to explore the Colca Valley at a more relaxed pace and spend two nights in the area instead of returning to Arequipa after the second day.
What should I bring?
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm clothing
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Water
- Personal medications
- Camera or phone
Are entrance fees included?
Yes. The entrance fee to the Colca Canyon and the attractions included in the itinerary are included in the tour.
Are meals included?
Breakfast at the accommodation on Days 2 and 3 is included. Lunches, dinner, and breakfast on Day 1 are not included.
Do I need to acclimatize before the tour?
Yes. It is recommended to spend some time at high altitude before visiting the Colca Valley, especially because the tour reaches approximately 4,900 m at Patapampa.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. Children can participate, although parents should consider the high altitude and long road journeys when deciding if the tour is appropriate for them.
Can I take photographs during the tour?
Yes. There are many opportunities for photography, especially at Cruz del Cóndor, Patapampa, the viewpoints, and throughout the Colca Valley.
Can the itinerary change?
The order and timing of visits may change depending on weather, road conditions, local restrictions, or operating conditions, while keeping the main attractions included in the tour.
Why Choose Us Velflor Travel
All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.
Go off the beaten track. Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and insider tips, passionately bringing alive unique and exclusive experiences for you.
Discover our enchanting world your way. Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences through their comprehensive knowledge of each destination.
All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team. Tell us your travel dream and we will create an itinerary packed with the best experiences your destination has to offer.
Your dedicated and personal trip coordinator is available around-the-clock throughout your trip to accommodate requests, take care of the details, and handle any unforeseen situations.
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