Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa to Puno 2 Days/ 1 Night
Duration
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Overview
This special Colca Canyon program involves a journey throughout the Altiplano, leaving from the city of Arequipa to the kingdom of the condors in the Colca valley, then to the Altiplano again, to the city of Puno. During this trip, you will be able to see incredible Andean scenery and gorgeous views of the volcanoes of Arequipa, adorned by Alpacas and vicuñas in the foreground.
You will visit the famous lookout point “Cruz del Condor” in the Colca Canyon, an observation platform from which you can see the majestic flight of the Andean Condor in its natural habitat. On our journey, we include visits to some of the small communities along the route, as well as the most excellent Hot Springs of Peru. In this fantastic natural place, you can relax after exploring the incredible Colca Canyon.
Full Itinerary
Your journey begins at 7:15 am, when a private bus picks you up from your hotel. We start heading towards the small town of Chivay, which is a 4-hour ride through beautiful Colca Valley. On our way, we stop at the National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and Salinas. In this place, you can observe the famous Vicuñas as well as all three great volcanoes of Arequipa: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.
The second stop will be at the National Reserve of “Pampa Cañahuas”, where we take a short break to observe the wild Vicuñas (one of the four types of American camels) in their natural habitat at about 3400 m.o.s.l. Continuing our journey, we will arrive at “Pata Wasi”, an Andean community at the opposite border of the reserve, where we will have the opportunity to use the bathrooms and to drink the famous coca tea, which will help you to prevent altitude sickness.
From here we will pass “Tocra”, a high plain at 4500 meters, where we will observe migrant birds at stunning lakes and get pictures of the “Antiplano” with its Llamas and Guanacos. The highest point of our tour will be “Pata Pampa” at 4820 meters, from where we can observe the volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca, Misti (the source of the Amazon River), and the “Cordillera Chila”. As we approach the town of Chivay, we will enjoy some spectacular views of the multicoloured terraces of the Colca Valley.
Upon arriving in Chivay, we will have lunch, followed by some free time to explore the local market. Afterwards, we bring you to Hotel la Casa de Mama Yachi, in Coropique town, on the other side of the Colca Valley, where you can relax before joining a 30-minute walk or taking the car to the Hot Springs. Here you can enjoy the warm natural waters (35°C / 95ºF) in the outdoor pools, surrounded by mountains, on the shores of the Colca River. After sunset, we return to the hotel and have dinner.
(In case you stay in a different hotel, the tour guide will coordinate your afternoon activities and pick you up the next morning. Colca lodge has its host spring )
Accommodation: Hotel La casa de Mama Yacchi
On the second day of our adventure, we will have breakfast very early in the morning and leave for the famous “Cruz del Condor”. Arriving there, we have plenty of time to enjoy the great view of the deep canyon and (if the weather permits) the majestic Condor in its natural habitat.
After some time, our guide will take you for a short walk near the Canyon (approx. 1 hour). On our way back to Chivay, we’re going to visit the traditional village of Pinchollo and the “Antahuilque viewpoint” where we can gaze at the wonderful 1500-year-old terraces constructed by the Collaguas, an ancient culture before the Incas’ time. We will also make a small stop at the lookout point of “Choquetico” with its hanging tombs. Then, we continued our trip to the small Andean community of Maca and the village of Yanque, which boasts the most beautiful church in the whole valley.
We will stop for Lunch in Chivay before heading to Puno, where we'll cross the breathtaking scenery of the Altiplano and leave behind the stunning views of the Colca Canyon. On our way, we continue ascending a minor road until we reach the highest point of our trip, the lookout point of the Andes (4800 m/15,748 ft). At the very top, we will get off the bus for a few minutes and enjoy the stunning landscape with the great volcanoes, including Mismi, Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya (active), and Ampato.
Along the paved road, we will see many small towns as well as the beautiful lagoon Lagunillas, where we can explore trout farms and observe Andean flamingos among many Andean birds. Following an ascending road, we will then reach the Viscachani. We take a short break, stretching our legs, using the bathroom if needed, and enjoying a typical coca tea or coffee at the local restaurant.
Later on, we will drive through the national reserve park of the Peruvian Altiplano to finally reach the beautiful city of Puno, close to the majestic Titicaca Lake.
Included/Exclude
- Pick up from your Hotel in Arequipa
- 24-hour support from the company owner
- English-speaking guide
- Accommodation in Hotel Mamayacchi with breakfast
- Guided visit to the Cruz del Condor lookout point and the Andean villages located on the route
- Transfer to the bus station in Chivay
- Tourist bus from Chivay to Puno (Group Service)
- Meals (Lunch and Dinner)
- Entrance ticket to the Colca Canyon (70 Soles) and hot springs
- S/. 10 soloes entrance to the hot springs thermal baths
- Insurance of any kind
Recommendations, what to bring
- Backpack to carry personal items
- Warm clothing for variable temperatures (especially at night)
- Camera and batteries
- Sun protection
- Rain poncho and good rainjacket (rain season)
- Toiletries
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs
Note: Please do not give candies or lollies to the kids that you might meet on the road or the kids who take care of the llamas and alpacas. They really appreciate oranges and other fruits, as it is impossible to grow these at the altitude. As well, it will contribute to their (dental) health and their environment.
What we need when you make a reservation
- Full name as it is written in your passport(please include a scanned copy of your passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Tour departure date
- Send a deposit of 60% of the total price of your tour. (The remainder of your balance will be due upon your arrival in Arequipa) Payment can be made via Western Union, PayPal, or ABN AMRO Bank in Holland, or securely and directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and clicking the BOOK NOW button.
Prices
Price US$180 per person, based on two people.
A single person pays +US$40.
Children under 12 years get a 20% discount on the Tour (whilst booking with Hotel Mamayacchi).
Upgrade your Hotel:
(double room, the addition of price per night is based on two persons)
Hotel Pozo del Cielo: +US$25 per person.
Hotel Casa Andina: +US$30 per person.
Hotel Colca Lodge: +US$90 per person.
“With every tour you book with Green Peru Adventures, you can request a free walking tour of Cusco’s mysterious and historical city, accompanied by one of our professional guides, who speaks several languages.”
We are looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for you.
