2D/1N COLCA / AREQUIPA IN CHIVAY
Discover the landscapes and culture of the Colca Valley on a 2-day tour from Arequipa. Travel through the high Andes, visiting Pampa Cañahuas, Toqra, and Patapampa before arriving in Chivay, where you will spend the night and relax at the La Calera ... read complete
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arequipa / Pampa Cañahuas / Toqra / Patapampa / Chivay / La Calera
- 7:00 am: Pick up from your hotel in Arequipa and begin the journey towards the Colca Valley.
- 8:30 am: Arrive at Pampa Cañahuas, located within the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Enjoy the highland scenery and look for wild vicuñas and alpacas.
- 9:30 am: Continue towards the Colca Valley with a stop at a high-altitude restaurant around 4,000 m. Take a short break, use the facilities, 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 the high Andes.
- 1:00 pm: Descend to Chivay, the main town of the Colca Valley. Enjoy free time for lunch before checking in at your hotel.
- 3:30 pm: Travel to the La Calera hot springs. Relax in the thermal pools and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
- 5:30 pm: Return to Chivay and have the evening free to rest or explore the town.
- Overnight: Chivay.
Distance: Approx. 160 km by road | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Highest point: Approx. 4,900 m | Meals: Breakfast not included, lunch not included
Day 2 — Chivay / Cruz del Cóndor / Antahuilque / Maca / Yanque / Arequipa
- 6:30 am: Breakfast at your hotel before beginning the day’s excursion through the Colca Valley.
- 7:00 am: Depart from Chivay and follow the scenic road towards Cruz del Cóndor, passing through the agricultural terraces and landscapes of the Colca Valley.
- 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 with a stop in Pinchollo and at the Huayra Punko viewpoint for additional views of the Colca Valley.
- 10:30 am: Visit the Antahuilque viewpoint, known for its impressive agricultural terraces arranged along the mountainside.
- 11:15 am: Continue to Maca, a traditional Colca Valley village where you can explore the town and visit its colonial church.
- 12:00 pm: Optional stop in Yanque to see its historic church and experience the traditional character of this Andean village.
- 1:00 pm: Return to Chivay and enjoy free time for lunch.
- 2:00 pm: Begin the return journey to Arequipa, crossing the highland landscapes once again.
- 4:00 pm: Arrive at your hotel in Arequipa and finish the 2-day Colca Canyon experience.
Distance: Approx. 180 km by road | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Highest point: Approx. 4,900 m | Meals: Breakfast included, lunch not included
Inclusions
What’s Included
Transportation
- Tourist transportation from Arequipa to Chivay and back.
- Transportation throughout the Colca Canyon sightseeing route.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arequipa.
Accommodation
- 1 night accommodation in Chivay.
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.
- Entrance to La Calera hot springs.
Visits
- Pampa Cañahuas.
- Toqra.
- Patapampa, the Mirador de los Andes.
- Cruz del Cóndor.
- Pinchollo.
- Huayra Punko.
- Antahuilque.
- Maca.
- Yanque.
Meals
- Breakfast at the hotel on Day 2.
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 2 days and 1 night, with an overnight stay in 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 overnight stay is in Chivay, the main town in the Colca Valley.
What places will we visit?
The tour includes Pampa Cañahuas, Toqra, Patapampa, Chivay, La Calera, 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.
What should I bring?
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm clothing
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Water
- Personal medications
- Camera or phone
Is the Colca Canyon entrance fee included?
Yes. The entrance fee to the Colca Canyon is included in the tour.
Is La Calera hot springs included?
Yes. Entrance to the La Calera hot springs is included.
Are meals included?
Breakfast at the hotel on Day 2 is included. Lunches, dinner, and breakfast on Day 1 are not included.
Do I need to acclimatize before the tour?
It is recommended to spend some time in Arequipa or another high-altitude destination 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 the viewpoints and in 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.
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