Arequipa Colca Canyon - Colca Canyon Tours

Introduction to the Adventure

Full Day

Easy

4,910 m.a.s.l.

2 to 12 People

Spanish, English, Portuguese

Discover the raw beauty of Arequipa Colca Canyon with Lama Glama Travel. We will explore one of the deepest canyons in the world, where towering cliffs and ancient landscapes stretch across the Andean highlands. This journey will offer dramatic scenery, rich culture, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Colca Canyon Tours will reveal Peru’s natural power and timeless traditions.

We will travel through high-altitude plains, where vicuñas graze beneath snowcapped volcanoes. At the Cruz del Cóndor, we will watch Andean condors soar across the canyon’s vast expanse. These majestic birds will glide just meters above, offering a rare and thrilling sight. Along the way, we will visit traditional villages and scenic viewpoints.

This experience pairs perfectly with a rainbow mountain Peru tour from Cusco. After the canyon’s grandeur, we will hike colorful slopes on a rainbow mountain Peru day tour. Together, these adventures will showcase the Andes’ most iconic wonders. Let’s discover the spirit of Peru, one breathtaking view at a time.

Day 01

Colca Canyon Tour

We will begin our journey at 3:00 A.M. from the historic center of Arequipa. Our route will cross the Andes and reach the Colca Valley. We will travel through volcanic landscapes and high-altitude plains. The day will offer wildlife, culture, and breathtaking views.
We will first reach Pampa Cañahuas, located at 3,800 meters above sea level. This natural viewpoint lies inside the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. We will observe wild vicuñas grazing across the open puna grasslands. The air will feel crisp and the scenery will stretch endlessly.
We will continue climbing to Patapampa Viewpoint, the highest point of the day at 4,910 meters above sea level. We will see snowcapped volcanoes like Ampato, Misti, and Chachani. The landscape will feel surreal and silent. We will descend to Chivay, a lively town at 3,600 meters above sea level.
In Chivay, we will enjoy a traditional breakfast with local flavors. We will then head to Cruz del Cóndor, the most iconic viewpoint in Colca Canyon. There, we will watch Andean condors glide above cliffs over 1,200 meters deep. Their wingspans can reach nearly 3 meters wide.
We will spend time observing the condors’ flight and the canyon’s vastness. The view will be unforgettable and the silence powerful. On our return, we will stop in Yanque and Maca, two traditional Andean villages. We will admire colonial churches and meet local artisans.
We will optionally visit Chacapi Hot Springs, where thermal waters reach 38°C. The pools sit beside the Colca River and offer pure relaxation. We will return to Arequipa by 5:00 P.M. The day will end with stunning memories and scenic impressions.

Day Statistics:

Distance traveled: 320 kilometers
Highest altitude: 4,910 meters above sea level (Patapampa)
Lowest altitude: 3,600 meters above sea level (Chivay)
Route: Arequipa – Pampa Cañahuas – Patapampa – Chivay – Cruz del Cóndor – Yanque – Maca – Arequipa
Difficulty level: Easy (no hiking, suitable for all travelers)

Included

Hotel pickup from Arequipa’s historic center (starting around 3:00 A.M.)
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English) throughout the tour
Tourist transport from Arequipa to Colca Canyon and back
Breakfast in Chivay, featuring local Andean ingredients
Guided stops at Pampa Cañahuas, Patapampa, Chivay, Cruz del Cóndor, Yanque, and Maca
Optional visit to Chacapi thermal baths (entry not included)

Not Included

Colca Canyon entrance fee (approx. S/70 per person)
Lunch in Chivay (available at local restaurants, not included)
Entry to Chacapi hot springs (optional, paid separately)
Personal expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, or tips
Accommodation (not needed for full-day tours, but excluded from multi-day packages)

To ensure you enjoy your adventure to the fullest, we have prepared this detailed checklist. We recommend reviewing each category before packing your bags.