Colca Canyon: 2-Day Tour From Arequipa to Puno

Exploring the rugged beauty of Colca Canyon is a captivating journey that awaits adventurous travelers. This 2-day tour from Arequipa to Puno offers a chance to witness the majestic Andean condors, marvel at the stunning vistas of snow-capped volcanoes, and take in the serene landscapes of Peru’s highlands. With roundtrip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees included, this affordable tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover the natural wonders that make this region so unique. What discoveries await along the way?

Key Points

• The 2-day tour from Arequipa to Puno via Colca Canyon includes roundtrip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees for $98 per person.
• The itinerary features highlights like the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, Mirador Cruz del Condor, and the scenic drive to Lake Titicaca.
• Travelers will reach high altitudes up to 4,850 meters (15,000 feet) and have opportunities to spot Andean wildlife like vicuñas and llamas.
• The tour includes an overnight stay in Chivay, allowing for immersion in the local culture and cuisine.
• Recommended items for the tour include a passport/ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat, while oversized luggage is not permitted.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Colca Canyon: 2-Day Tour from Arequipa to Puno is a comprehensive excursion that offers an immersive experience in the stunning natural landscapes of southern Peru.

Priced at $98.00 per person, this 2-day tour includes roundtrip transportation from Arequipa, an English-speaking guide, and all necessary entrance fees.

Highlights include a visit to the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve to observe Andean wildlife, and a journey to the famous Mirador Cruz del Condor viewpoint for a chance to see the majestic Andean condor.

The tour also includes an overnight stay in Chivay and a scenic drive to Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the Incas.

With flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the Colca Canyon.

Itinerary Details

The 2-day Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa to Puno begins with a 4-hour scenic drive from Arequipa to the town of Chivay, located within the Colca Canyon.

Along the way, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, which is home to a variety of Andean wildlife, including vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, flamingos, and the Andean eagle.

The route also offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, such as Ampato, Sabancaya, Huallca, and Misti, before reaching an altitude of 4,800 meters (15,000 feet).

On the second day, the tour proceeds to the Mirador Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking 1,200-meter-deep vista, with the possibility of spotting condors.

The journey then continues to Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the Incas.

Day 1 Highlights

On the first day, travelers depart from Arequipa for the 4-hour scenic drive to Chivay, the town within Colca Canyon.

Along the way, they visit the Pampa Cańahuas Reserve, home to an array of Andean wildlife, including vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, flamingos, and the majestic Andean eagle. The route also offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes before reaching an impressive altitude of 4,800 meters (15,000 feet).

The highlights of the first day include:

• Witnessing the diverse Andean wildlife at the Pampa Cańahuas Reserve

• Marveling at the impressive volcanic landscapes along the way

• Reaching an altitude of 4,800 meters (15,000 feet), providing a taste of the high-altitude terrain to come

Reaching Chivay

Arriving in the charming town of Chivay, the gateway to Colca Canyon, marks the end of the scenic 4-hour drive from Arequipa. Along the way, the tour passes notable landscapes, including snow-capped volcanoes and reaches an altitude of 4,800 meters (15,000 feet).

The drive offers breathtaking views of the Andes and provides opportunities to spot Andean wildlife like vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas.

Chivay serves as the base for exploring Colca Canyon, and travelers will enjoy an overnight stay in this quaint town, seeing the local charm and cuisine before embarking on the next day’s adventure into the depths of the canyon.

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Day 2 Highlights

Early on the second day, the tour group embarks on the highlight of the excursion – exploring the breathtaking Colca Canyon. The first stop is the Mirador Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint perched 1,200 meters above the canyon floor. Here, visitors eagerly await the appearance of the majestic Andean condor, the world’s largest flying bird, as it soars on the thermals.

Next, the journey continues to Lake Titicaca, the legendary birthplace of the Incas. The group takes in the scenic vistas of the Andes, tranquil lagoons, and trout farms along the way, reaching an impressive altitude of 4,850 meters before arriving in Puno.

• Mirador Cruz del Condor: Witness the magnificent Andean condor

• Lake Titicaca: Explore the legendary birthplace of the Incas

• Scenic drive: Admire the stunning Andean landscapes

Visiting Colca Canyon

The tour begins with a scenic 4-hour drive from Arequipa to Chivay, the gateway to the breathtaking Colca Canyon. Along the way, travelers marvel at the impressive Andean landscapes, including towering volcanoes that reach altitudes of up to 4,800 meters.

Upon arrival in Chivay, the group embarks on an early morning tour of Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. The highlight is the Mirador Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint 1,200 meters deep that offers prime opportunities to spot the majestic Andean condor in flight.

Visitors are left in awe at the sheer size and natural beauty of this geological wonder nestled high in the Andes.

Journey to Lake Titicaca

From Colca Canyon, the tour then journeys onward to the legendary Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the Inca civilization.

Travelers take in stunning vistas of the Andean mountains, serene lagoons, and bustling trout farms along the way, reaching an impressive altitude of 4,850 meters (12,000 feet) before arriving in the city of Puno on the shores of the expansive lake.

The journey to Lake Titicaca offers:

• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes

• Opportunities to learn about the region’s historical significance

• Chances to observe the local trout farming industry

The tour provides an immersive experience, blending natural beauty, cultural heritage, and high-altitude exploration as it transitions from the Colca Canyon to the iconic Lake Titicaca.

Inclusions and Recommendations

This tour includes a professional English-speaking guide and driver, along with all excursions, tours, transfers, and transportation. Entrance tickets, meals, and overnight accommodations are also provided.

Passengers should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Oversized luggage isn’t allowed.

Accommodations are recommended in Arequipa, Chivay, or Puno to avoid additional charges for pickup and drop-off. Travelers have the option to bring their luggage or have it transported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Solo Traveler?

Yes, this tour can accommodate solo travelers. The tour operator offers flexible booking options that allow solo travelers to reserve a spot and pay later. Solo travelers are welcome to join the group.

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour may not be the best option for travelers with disabilities. The itinerary includes challenging terrain and high altitudes that could pose difficulties. However, the tour operator should be consulted to determine if accommodations can be made to support travelers with special needs.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?

The tour operator may allow some customization of the itinerary to include additional activities, but this would likely incur additional costs. Travelers should inquire about the flexibility of the itinerary and any associated fees when booking the tour.

What Is the Policy for Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

The tour company accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences with advance notice. They work to provide suitable meal options for clients with vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs during the included lunches and overnight stay.

Do I Need a Special Permit to Visit the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve?

No, visitors do not need a special permit to visit the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve. The reserve is open to the public, allowing travelers to observe the Andean wildlife like vicuñas, alpacas, and flamingos in their natural habitat.

Recap

Set out on a captivating 2-day tour from Arequipa to Puno, exploring the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

At $98 per person, this adventure includes roundtrip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees.

Witness the soaring Andean condors, enjoy stunning views of majestic volcanoes, and journey towards the tranquil shores of Lake Titicaca, enjoying the natural beauty of the Andes.

You can check if your dates are available here: