Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint in the Colca Canyon
CONDOR FLIGHT CHIVAY HOT SPRINGS

Colca Canyon 2-Day / 1-Night Tour from Arequipa

  • 2 Days / 1 Night
  • Arequipa · Chivay · Colca Canyon, Peru
  • From $75 USD ≈ S/ 259
Panoramic view of the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint over the canyon
Travelers at a Colca Canyon viewpoint above the clouds
Traveler facing a sea of clouds in the Colca Canyon

One of the deepest canyons on Earth: wild vicuñas, the Volcanoes Viewpoint, natural hot springs, colonial villages and the flight of the Andean condor.

DURATION 2 Days / 1 Night
MAX ALTITUDE 4,910 m (Volcanoes Viewpoint)
DIFFICULTY Easy
GROUP SIZE Shared group
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, plunging more than 3,000 meters in places, and one of the best spots on the planet to watch the Andean condor in flight up close. The valley is carpeted with pre-Inca terraces that are still farmed today and dotted with colonial villages home to the Collagua and Cabana communities, who still wear their traditional embroidered clothing.

This 2-day, 1-night tour from Arequipa lets you explore the valley at a relaxed pace, unwind in natural hot springs and reach the Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross) viewpoint early, just when the condors ride the warm air currents and glide over the canyon.

Highlights

  • Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve: vicuñas, llamas and alpacas on the Pampa de Cañahuas.
  • Volcanoes Viewpoint (Patapampa, 4,910 m): views of the Ampato, Sabancaya, Misti and Chachani volcanoes.
  • La Calera hot springs in Chivay.
  • Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross): a viewpoint high above the canyon for spotting condors.
  • The villages of Yanque, Maca and Pinchollo, with colonial churches and traditional dances such as the Wititi.

Tips

  • Acclimatize for at least one day in Arequipa; the route climbs above 4,800 m.
  • Pack warm clothes, a hat and gloves (nights in Chivay are cold), plus a swimsuit and towel.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and cash in soles for the Colca tourist ticket.
  • The best time to see condors is between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.; sightings peak from June to October.

Signature Highlights

Watch Andean condors soar at the Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross) viewpoint.
Spot vicuñas in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
Stand at the Volcanoes Viewpoint, 4,910 m a.s.l.
Soak in the La Calera hot springs in Chivay.
Colonial villages and pre-Inca terraces of the Colca Valley.
STEP BY STEP

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Each day has been carefully planned to optimize acclimatization and avoid peak tourist hours.

DAY 01

Arequipa – Pampa de Cañahuas – Volcanoes Viewpoint – Chivay – Hot Springs

⛰ 4,910 m a.s.l. 🚶 160 km ⏱ Full day ⛺ Hotel in Chivay

We leave Arequipa in the morning and cross the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, stopping to see vicuñas on the Pampa de Cañahuas. We climb to the Volcanoes Viewpoint at Patapampa, then descend into the Colca Valley to Chivay for lunch. In the afternoon, relax in the La Calera hot springs. Overnight in Chivay.

DAY 02

Chivay – Yanque – Cruz del Cóndor – Maca – Arequipa

⛰ 3,800 m a.s.l. ⏱ Full day ⛺ Return to Arequipa

We set off very early for Cruz del Cóndor, stopping on the way in Yanque, where locals perform traditional dances in the main square. At the viewpoint we take in the canyon and watch the condors in flight. On the way back we stop at the Antahuilque viewpoints and the village of Maca. Lunch in Chivay and return to Arequipa by mid-afternoon.

FULL TRANSPARENCY

What's Included in the Expedition

✓

Included Luxury Services

  • Pickup from your hotel in Arequipa.
  • Tourist transportation for both days.
  • Licensed tour guide.
  • 1 night at a hotel in Chivay with breakfast.
  • Buffet lunches in Chivay (days 1 and 2).
  • Drop-off at your hotel in Arequipa.
✕

Not Included

  • Colca tourist ticket (payable in soles).
  • Admission to the La Calera hot springs.
  • Dinner on day 1.
  • Tips.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

Optional Upgrades & Perks

Complement your journey with exclusive comfort experiences and panoramic summits.

Superior hotel in Colca

Upgrade your stay to a superior-category hotel (price per person).

+ $40 USD ≈ S/ 138
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Colca Canyon 2-Day / 1-Night Tour from Arequipa

Are condor sightings guaranteed every day?

They’re very likely, especially between June and October, but since condors are wild animals, sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Can I end the tour in Puno?

Yes. We can arrange for you to continue from Chivay to Puno by tourist bus on day 2.

How much is the Colca tourist ticket?

The ticket is issued by the local authority and costs approx. S/ 70 for foreign visitors. Rates may change.

Is there a one-day Colca tour?

Yes, but it leaves in the middle of the night (3:00 a.m.) and returns in the evening. The 2-day version is more comfortable and includes the hot springs.