Colca Valley 2 Day Tour (Without Accomodation)

Explore one of the world's deepest canyons by embarking on this 2-day Colca Valley trip. The journey includes visits to breathtaking viewpoints, nature reserves, and traditional villages, culminating in the awe-inspiring flight of the Andean condor. You can also select to conclude the tour in Puno if that suits your travel plans.

Trip Details 

Day 1: Arequipa – Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve – Chivay

We'll commence by picking you up from your accommodation in Arequipa, setting off toward the stunning Colca Valley, where volcanic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich traditions await. Are you prepared to delve into the Peruvian Andes? Let’s begin!

Our route leads us through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a picturesque area where vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas freely roam under the watchful eye of the surrounding volcanoes.

As we climb the mountainous terrain, we will pause at several viewpoints to take in the remarkable views of the Misti, Chachani, and Ampato volcanoes. The highest elevation on our journey will be the Patapampa viewpoint, sitting at 4,910 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level, offering a stunning panorama of snow-capped summits.

We will reach Chivay by noon, a quaint town that serves as the gateway to the Colca Valley. You’ll have an hour to enjoy lunch independently before we escort you to your booked accommodation, where you can take 40 minutes to an hour to settle in.

In the afternoon, should you be interested, we can take you to local thermal baths, such as the hot springs at La Calera or similar facilities. You will have an hour to relax in the outdoor pools while enjoying the mountain surroundings—perfect for winding down as the sun sets behind the Andean peaks.

As the day concludes, we will drop you off at your accommodation in Chivay.

Day 2: Chivay – Cruz del Cóndor – Arequipa

In the early morning, we will collect you from your hotel in Chivay to embark on a scenic journey through the Colca Valley. Along our path, we’ll stop at small villages and natural viewpoints that allow you to appreciate the grandeur of the Andean landscapes.

Approximately 30 minutes into our journey, we will make our first stop in the charming town of Maca, allowing you to admire its colonial church, plaza, and people dressed in vibrant traditional attire. Our exploration will then continue to the Antahuilque viewpoint, where you can marvel at the Inca agricultural terraces, still in active use today.

Next, we will arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, a highlight of the valley. From this point, marvel at the vast Colca Canyon and witness the spectacular flight of the Andean condors soaring gracefully through the mountains, utilizing the morning thermal currents—a truly unforgettable sight!

Our day will wrap up with a return to Chivay for some leisure time to enjoy lunch. Afterward, we will journey back to Arequipa, dropping you off at your hotel in the historic center around 5 pm.

Ending the Tour in Puno

When you book, you have the option to conclude your journey in Arequipa or Puno. If you select Puno, the itinerary remains largely unchanged, with the exception of departing from Chivay to Puno in the afternoon on the second day.

This six-hour journey will include stops at Patapampa and Lagunilla, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Colca Valley! The tour will come to a close in Puno at approximately 7 pm.

Condor Watching

Colca Canyon serves as an excellent locale for observing the Andean condor in flight. However, sightings can be unpredictable, as various factors influence their presence. Be aware that during the rainy season, from December to March, opportunities to see condors may decrease.

Pickup Info

Pickup for this tour is exclusively from accommodations within Arequipa's historic center. If you are situated outside this area, we will get in touch to arrange an alternative meeting spot.

Please note that on the second day, pickup is restricted to accommodations within Chivay. Should you be staying at Colca Lodge, Casitas del Colca, El Refugio, or other hotels beyond town limits, we will suggest a different meeting point, or you may incur a supplemental charge of 13 USD per person. Additionally, if your accommodation is outside Chivay, you will miss out on optional activities, including the thermal baths visit.

Accommodation Info

This tour does not cover accommodation, and you will need to arrange your own hotel stay in Chivay.

For those who wish to incorporate accommodation into this experience, we recommend opting for our 2-day Colca Valley tour with accommodation.

Children Under 4

Children under 4 years are welcome to join for free but must sit on an adult's lap, as they will not be provided with their own seat on the bus.