Colca Valley 2 Day Tour (Without Accomodation)

Embark on an adventure in one of the world’s most profound canyons by joining us for this 2-day Colca Valley expedition. The journey includes visits to observation points, nature reserves, historic villages, and the chance to witness the formidable flight of the Andean condor. You can also select to conclude your tour in Puno if you wish.

Trip Overview 

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

At the designated hour, we will collect you from your accommodation in Arequipa and make our way toward the remarkable Colca Valley, a region that beautifully merges volcanic scenery, distinctive wildlife, and time-honored customs. Are you prepared to explore the depths of the Peruvian Andes? Let’s embark!

Our journey will lead us through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a natural habitat where you can spot llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas grazing freely, all under the watchful gaze of the towering volcanoes.

As we ascend the mountains, we will pause at several viewpoints to take in the stunning sights of the Misti, Chachani, and Ampato volcanoes. The highest vantage point is the Patapampa viewpoint, located at 4,910 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level, where a breathtaking panorama unfolds with snow-capped summits on the horizon.

By midday, we’ll have reached Chivay, a delightful town serving as the gateway to the Colca Valley. You will have an hour for lunch at your leisure, after which we will drop you off at your pre-arranged accommodation, allowing 40 minutes to an hour for you to settle in.

In the afternoon, should you desire, we can take you to some nearby thermal baths, such as the hot springs at La Calera or similar locations. Here, you will have an hour to luxuriate in the outdoor pools, enveloped by majestic mountain scenery. A perfect time to relax as the sun sets over the Andean backdrop!

Finally, we will bring you back to your hotel in Chivay.

Day 2: Chivay – Cruz del Cóndor – Arequipa

Following an early breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel in Chivay to commence a scenic journey through the Colca Valley. Along the route, we will make brief stops in quaint villages and scenic viewpoints to appreciate the splendor of the Andean landscapes.

After approximately 30 minutes of travel, our first stop will be the charming town of Maca, where we will admire its colonial church and plaza, and observe residents clad in vibrant traditional attire. We will then proceed to the Antahuilque viewpoint, which offers unique perspectives of the Inca and Collagua agricultural terraces still in use today.

Next, we will arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, a highlight of the valley. Here, you will not only appreciate the vastness of the Colca Canyon but also witness the magnificent flight of the Andean condors, soaring gracefully through the mountains on the morning thermals. A natural display that is sure to leave an indelible impression!

Ultimately, we will return to Chivay, where you will have free time for lunch. Refreshed, we will then head back to Arequipa, where you will be dropped off at your hotel in the historic center by 5 PM.

Extending the Tour to Puno

When making your reservation, you have the option to conclude the tour in Arequipa or Puno. If Puno is your choice, the itinerary remains consistent, but on the second day, we will depart from Chivay to Puno in the afternoon.

During this six-hour journey, we will make stops at Patapampa and Lagunilla, providing an immersive experience in the nature of the Colca Valley! The tour will finally conclude in Puno around 7 PM.

Condor Observation

The Colca Canyon is a prime location for viewing the soaring Andean condor. However, these magnificent birds can be unpredictable, and fluctuations in visibility may occur due to various factors. Be aware that during the rainy season, from December to March, the likelihood of spotting condors diminishes.

Pickup Information

This tour includes pickup only from lodgings within the historic center of Arequipa. If you are located elsewhere, we will reach out to provide an alternative meeting point.

Please take into account that on the second day, pickup is solely included from accommodations in Chivay. If your stay is at Colca Lodge, Casitas del Colca, El Refugio, or similar hotels outside the town, we will suggest an alternative meeting point, or an additional fee of 13 USD per person will apply. Additionally, if your lodging is outside Chivay, you will miss out on optional activities like visiting the thermal baths.

Accommodation Details

Please note that this tour does not encompass accommodation, so it is necessary to arrange your preferred hotel in Chivay.

If you prefer to enjoy this experience with accommodation, we suggest opting for our 2-day Colca Valley tour including accommodation.

Children Under 4

Children under four years can attend at no charge, but they must share a seat with an adult, as no individual seat will be provided on the bus.