Colca Canyon Tour - 2 Day Colca Canyon Trek

Introduction to the Adventure

2 Days / 1 Night

Easy

4,800 m.a.s.l.

2 to 12 People

Spanish, English, Portuguese

Our Colca Canyon Tour with Lama Glama Travel will take you to one of the deepest canyons in the world. We will start early from our hotel in the Historic Center and drive toward the highlands. Along the way, we will admire volcano landscapes and see herds of alpacas in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve. This journey sets the scene for the beauty of the 2 Day Colca Canyon Trek.

Once we reach the Colca Valley, we will explore traditional villages with terraced fields and ancient customs. Our guide will share stories about local history, culture, and daily life in this remote Andean region. We will relax in refreshing hot springs before heading to the canyon viewpoints. This mix of nature and culture makes the start of the tour truly unforgettable.

On the second day, we will visit the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint to watch Andean condors soar above the canyon. We will admire the huge cliffs and learn about the local wildlife. Along the way, we will pass scenic villages and stop at panoramic viewpoints across the valley. The 2 Day Colca Canyon Trek promises amazing landscapes, local traditions, and unforgettable canyon views.

Day 01

AREQUIPA – SALINAS Y AGUADA BLANCA – CHIVAY – HOT SPRINGS – COLCA VALLEY

We will start the tour at 7:00 A.M. with hotel pickup in Arequipa Historic Center. From there, we will drive toward the Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca, passing vast highland landscapes. Along the route, we will see alpacas and vicuñas grazing near volcanic plains, while our guide explains the ecosystem and cultural importance of this protected area.
The journey continues ascending to high viewpoints above 4,800 meters. From these peaks, we will admire views of Misti, Chachani, and Ampato volcanoes. The route offers many opportunities for photos of mountains, wetlands, and wildlife. Then we will descend toward Chivay, located in the heart of the Colca Valley.
After lunch in Chivay, we will visit nearby thermal baths filled with natural hot spring waters. You can relax in warm pools surrounded by canyon landscapes while the guide explains the benefits of these mineral waters. We will also explore traditional communities and learn about agricultural terraces and local customs.
We will reach our hotel in the Colca Valley during the afternoon. The valley offers a perfect evening atmosphere, and we will rest early to enjoy the canyon visit the following day.

Day 1 Statistics:

Distance traveled: 165 km
Highest altitude: 4,800 meters above sea level during the return route
Lowest altitude: 3,300 meters above sea level at Cruz del Cóndor
Route: Colca Valley → Cruz del Cóndor → Maca → Yanque → Chivay → Arequipa
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate (short walks and viewpoints)

Day 02

COLCA VALLEY – CRUZ DEL CÓNDOR – TRADITIONAL VILLAGES – AREQUIPA

The day starts early with breakfast at the hotel. Then we travel to the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the best spot to watch condors. We will see the birds soaring above the canyon walls on the morning thermal winds, while our guide explains condor behavior and the canyon’s geological formations.
After the viewpoint, we continue through the Colca Valley and visit traditional villages such as Maca and Yanque, known for their colonial churches. We will stroll through town squares, observe local crafts, and learn about farming traditions. Each village offers a unique glimpse into valley life.
Next, we visit panoramic viewpoints revealing terraces, deep canyon walls, and flowing rivers. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos while the guide explains ancient agricultural systems and the valley’s connection to Inca and pre-Inca cultures. We will stop for lunch in Chivay before starting the return journey to Arequipa.
In the afternoon, we drive across high Andean plateaus, enjoying the light over volcanic peaks. We arrive in Arequipa around 5:00 P.M., completing a memorable Colca Canyon tour. This 2 Day Colca Canyon Trek leaves incredible views and cultural experiences to remember.

Day 2 Statistics:

Distance traveled: 165 km
Highest altitude: 4,800 meters above sea level during the return route
Lowest altitude: 3,300 meters above sea level Cruz del Cóndor
Route: Colca Valley → Cruz del Cóndor → Maca → Yanque → Chivay → Arequipa
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate (short walks and viewpoints)

Included

Hotel pickup in Arequipa.
Tourist transport during both days.
Professional bilingual guide.
One-night accommodation in a local lodge.
Breakfast on Day 2.
Entrance to traditional viewpoints.
First-aid kit.
Oxygen bottle for altitude support.

Not Included

Colca Canyon entrance fee (Boleto Turístico).
Lunches and dinner.
Hot springs entrance fee.
Drinks and snacks.
Travel insurance.
Trekking poles rental.
Any private expenses.

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