Classic Colca Canyon Tour 2 Days/ 1 Night
Duration
From
Overview
The Colca Valley is an area of astonishing scenic beauty! The giant Andean terraces, the volcanoes of Arequipa and the deep canyon (with a depth of 3140 m) guarantee you a journey full of amazement – apart from the highlight of observing the majestic Condor!
Colca Canyon is a grand canyon of the Colca River in Southern Peru. It is located about 160 km (100 miles) northwest of Arequipa. Along the way, you will see herds of Vicuñas (a wild relative of Llamas and Alpacas) as well as various types of birds like the giant hummingbird, eagles, geese, and the mighty Andean Condor.
If you like adventure tours, the Colca Canyon also offers excellent treks down to its bottom, descending through huge mountains, exploring oasis-like valleys, thermal springs, and camping.
This tour starts from Arequipa!
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 the 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 of the 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 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 take 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 back to Arequipa. Arriving there around 05:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Included/Exclude
- Pick up from your hotel in Arequipa
- Drop off back at your hotel in Arequipa
- 24-hour support from the company owner
- Tourist Transport
- English-speaking guide
- Accommodation in Hotel La Casa de Mama Yacchi with breakfast
- (Option to Upgrade your accommodation in Chivay with Colca Lodge, Casa Andina, or Pozo del Cielo)
- S./70 Soles tourist entry ticket to the Colca Valley
- Meals: 2 lunches, one dinner
- S./15 Soles entry ticket to the hot spring thermal baths)
- Insurance of any kind
Recommendations, what to bring
- Warm clothes for the night and early morning
- Sturdy shoes
- A small backpack
- Camera and recharger
- Drinking water
- Sunblock
- Rainjacket
- Sunglasses, sun hat
- Mosquito repellent
- Swimming suit
- Money for souvenirs and drinks
- Travel towels, sandals
- Flashlight, batteries
What we need when you make a reservation
- Full name as it is written on 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 is US$140 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.
