Colca Canyon 1 Day Tour

PRICE

$ 23.00

Daily departures

QUALIFICATION

According to the opinion of 25 people

TOUR TO THE COLCA CANYON FROM AREQUIPA IN A FULL DAY AND MAJESTIC FLIGHT OF THE ANDEAN CONDOR

In this 1-day tour we will visit the Colca Canyon, known for being one of the deepest canyons in the world. We will also have the privilege of observing one of the largest birds on the planet: The Condor, we will be able to appreciate the majestic flight of the Condor at the viewpoint of the cross of the condor. In addition to all this we will enjoy direct contact with nature. We will be accompanied by a specialized guide who will tell us about the history of the cultures that inhabited this area. We will enjoy a delicious lunch, with Andean dishes made with local products.

SUMMARY

Pick up time from hotels: Between 02:30am to 03:00am

Duration: 14 hours approximately

Ending time: 05:00pm

End place: Moral Street with Santa Catalina

Number of participants:

  • SHARED: 19 people
  • PRIVATE: Upon request

THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES:

  • Pick up from your Hotel in the center of Arequipa
  • Continental breakfast
  • Tourist stops throughout the tour
  • Tourist transport for the entire tour
  • Professional guide in Spanish and English throughout the tour

THIS PROGRAM DOESN´T INCLUDE:

  • Lunch in a tourist restaurant in Chivay
  • Entrance to the Colca Canyon:
    • Europe/USA: S/. 70.00
    • Latin American: S/. 40.00
    • Peruvian: S/. 20.00
  • Entrance to the Hot Springs: S/. 15.00


WHAT PLACES WILL WE KNOW?

  • Patahuasi stone forest

    Patahuasi

    At this point we can observe the stone castles of Patahuasi, located on a mountain.

  • Patapampa volcanoes viewpoint

    Patapampa, viewpoint of the Volcanoes

    It is the highest point of the route located at 4800 m.s.n.m, from which we can observe the Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes.

  • Entrance gates to the town of Chivay

    Chivay town

    Located at 3500 m.s.n.m., it is the main town of the Colca Valley.

  • Mirador de la Cruz and flight of the Andean condor

    Viewpoint of the Cross of the Condor

    Main point of the tour, and a propitious place for the sighting of the majestic flight of the Andean Condor.

  • Colca Valley viewpoint

    Colca Valley viewpoints

    During the tour to the viewpoint of the cross, we will be able to observe different points from where the spectacular Colca Valley can be seen.

  • Colonial church of Maca in Colca

    Maca town and church

    Representative church of the Colca Valley, it has luxurious relics inside.

  • Chacapi hot springs in Yanque

    Chacapi hot springs

    A relaxing bath in this place to be able to regain strength, and cure ills since they are healing waters..

  • Wetlands de Tocra on the way to Chivay

    Tocra

    In the tocra wetlands we can see South American camelids such as Llamas and Alpacas grazing freely..

  • Salinas Reserve with Vicuñas and the Misti volcano in the background

    Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve

    In the Salinas reserve we will observe Vicuñas that live freely and the back of the Misti Volcano.



DETAILED ITINERARY

02:30am to 03:00am – Pick up from hotels in the center of Arequipa.


03:00am- Departure from Arequipa to Chivay.

After 03 hours of travel we will arrive at the town of Chivay where we will taste a delicious breakfast. After breakfast we will move to the Viewpoint of the Cruz del Condor, which is 01 hour away, it is the observation point of the Colca Canyon and the spectacular flight of the Condor. At this point we will spend an average of 45 minutes to observe the beauty of the Colca canyon.

On the way back we will stop at the viewpoints of the area from where we will observe the impressive terraces of the Valley and in the town of Maca, where we will see its church and optional taste of local drinks such as Colca Sour, made with products from the zone.


Before lunch we will enjoy a relaxing bath in the Yanque Hot Springs (optional entrance) whose thermal medicinal waters range between 35º C to 38º C in the pools.


12:30pm - Lunch in Chivay.


We start our way back to Arequipa and during the journey we will stop at the Viewpoint of the Cruz del Condor, which is also the highest area of ​​the road (4800 m.s.n.m) from where we will appreciate a large part of the western mountain range. Then we will also make a small stop in the Toccra wetlands where we will observe a large number of Alpacas grazing freely in the area.


Bordering the snowy Chachani towards Pampa Cañahuas we will pass through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, home to vicuñas which live freely in this area.


05:00pm – We will arrive in the city of Arequipa and we will leave you very close to the Main Square.



WHAT TO BRING?

  • Warm clothes
  • Suitable sneakers for short walks
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Little suitcase
  • Bathing suit for hot springs

PRIVATE TOUR TO THE COLCA CANYON

If you are traveling alone, as a family, partner or friends and you want a more personalized tour, we can offer you the private tour to the Colca Canyon, it includes a transport and private guide, as well as pick up from your hotel and upon return we leave you at the door of his hotel. The times are more flexible so that they can enjoy the tour in their own way.



Colca Valley FAQs

  • Will we see condors at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor?

    • There is no guarantee that we will be able to see condors in flight during our visit, but it is very likely that we will be able to see them almost all year round, except during the rainy season, since during this season some condors migrate to other places in search of better weather.


  • How far is the Colca Valley from Arequipa?

    • The Colca Valley is located 151 km from the city of Arequipa; In a trip of approximately 03 hours you will reach the main town which is Chivay where you will be able to find all the main services such as accommodation, restaurants, night entertainment centers and others.


  • What is the best season to visit the Colca Valley?

    • You can visit the Colca all year round, however the best time to visit is between April and May as the rainy season is ending and these are the months that show the greatest greenery of the Colca Valley terraces and all its landscapes.


  • How can I get to the Colca Valley?

    • You have 02 options to get to the Colca Valley. You can go on your own by buying tickets at the bus terminal in the city of Arequipa where buses leave at different times; the price is normally S/. 15.00. You must keep in mind that at the Terminal you must pay a boarding fee for the use of the facilities; the price is S/. 1.50

    The other option is taking our different excursions that we offer, which include tourist transportation, guide, food and lodging services.


  • After my visit to Colca, can I go directly to Puno?

    • Yes, it is possible to do so! Normally, there are transportation companies that have daily departures from Chivay to Puno; the departures are generally after lunch.

    We can also help you with the purchase of tickets for Bus from Chivay to Puno.


  • What is the difference between a Valley and a Canyon?

    • A canyon is a deep and narrow river valley. The main characteristic for the formation of a canyon is a fast-flowing river, because the faster it flows, the greater the load of rocks and other debris it can carry. A valley is a flat terrain located between the slopes of mountains caused by the erosion of water descending from mountain peaks. The valley is an attractive place for its natural environment and its scenic value. The mountains that surround them and the rivers make these places an excellent visit for nature lovers.


  • What clothes should I bring to Colca?

    • The climate in the Colca Valley is varied, so it is advisable to bring a warm jacket for the morning and night as it gets colder and during the day we can use light clothing; in addition, you should remember to bring sneakers for short walks, a cap or hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. If you plan to visit between December and March, it is advisable to bring waterproof clothing as it is the rainy season.


  • At what altitude is the Colca Valley?

    The main town of the Colca Valley is located at an altitude of 3635 meters above sea level, however on the way from Arequipa to Chivay you pass a high point which is Patapampa also known as the Mirador de los Volcanes; this is located at 4900 meters above sea level, it is the highest point of the entire route.


  • What is the price of the tourist ticket to enter the Colca Valley?

    • The price of the Tourist Ticket is the following:

    • Foreign Tourist Ticket S/. 70.00
    • Latin Tourist Ticket S/. 40.00
    • National Tourist Ticket S/. 20.00
    • National Student Tourist Ticket S/. 5.00

    Payment of the tourist ticket allows you to visit different tourist attractions in the Colca Valley such as archaeological sites, viewpoints, and trekking circuits. It is worth mentioning that this ticket does not include visits to museums or admission to the hot springs found in different towns such as Chivay, Yanque, and Coporaque.


  • What kind of food is prepared in the Colca Valley?

    • The typical food of Colca is varied, generally the food is prepared with native products of the area, in the case of meats, alpaca and beef are used, and trout is also eaten. In addition, vegan restaurants can be found in the town of Chivay. Generally, tourist restaurants offer buffet lunch where you can find a variety of dishes and drinks.


  • Where should I pay for the tourist ticket?

    • There are 02 points of purchase where you can buy the tourist ticket

    • Before entering the town of Chivay there is a tourist entry checkpoint where you can buy the tourist ticket.
    • Another point is halfway to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, it is also a tourist checkpoint

    It should be noted that credit cards are not accepted to pay for the tourist ticket, payment must be in cash.


  • Can I pay for different services with a credit card in the Colca Valley?

    • Most tourist establishments such as accommodations and restaurants accept payment by credit card, the most commonly used being American Express, VISA, Diners and Mastercard. However, it is also recommended to bring cash if you want to buy souvenirs or crafts and that payment can only be made in cash.


  • What type of excursions can I take in the Colca Valley?

    • To visit the Colca Valley you can choose to take different types of tours.

    • Conventional tours: There are 01 and 02 day tours where you can see part of the Valley's terraces and the main point which is the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor.
    • Experiential tourism: In this type of tours, you live with the locals to learn about their customs; This type of tour usually takes place in the towns of Coporaque, Sibayo and Yanque.
    • Trekking in Colca: For nature lovers and those in good physical condition to hike for 02 and 03 days inside the canyon.

  • What can I do or what pills should I take to avoid altitude sickness?

    • It is generally recommended to stay one or two days in the city of Arequipa to acclimatize and thus avoid altitude sickness when going to the Colca Valley; it is also recommended to drink the traditional coca tea; without a doubt essential to avoid altitude sickness. Now if you want to take some pills, the most recommended is the “Sorojchi Pills”, you should take it 30 minutes before starting the trip and you can buy it at any pharmacy. It should be noted that if you are allergic to any medication, it is best to consult a doctor before taking the pill.


GENERAL CONDITIONS:

  • Prices not valid for long holidays: Holy Week, National Holidays, Christmas, New Years. For these dates add 25%.
  • Prices include IGV, in case the client wants a ticket or invoice, it will be granted without adding any amount.
  • The prices are expressed in soles, they are per person. If the client wishes to make the payment in dollars, the exchange rate in force on the day of purchase will be applied.
  • To confirm a reservation, the payment of 100% of the service is requested before the tour, otherwise the service will be canceled.
  • MINORS: Children under 03 years have a 100% discount on the price, sharing a seat and food with adults. Children from 03 to 08 years old have a 10% discount on all services. Children from 09 years old pay adult rate. Only 01 child under 03 years old is accepted with a 100% discount for every 04 adults.

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