2 Day Tour

Peru Hop does not operate any tours of the Colca Canyon. To see Peru Hop’s recommended operators for this tour read below.

Colca Canyon 2 Day Tour

Hotel/Hostel Pick-up: Between 07:30am & 08:20am
Return Time: 17:30pm next day

Detailed Itinerary 2 Day Tour:

Day 1: Arequipa City to Colca Canyon Valley

We pick you up from your hostel or hotel in Arequipa between 07:30am and 08:20am, and depart by bus on your excursion towards the Colca Valley. We will drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve which is home to herds of vicuñas, llamas and alpacas, so you can stop to get that all important selfie with an Alpaca! We also stop at the Mirador de los Andes, the crater of Chucura, and the Mirador de Chivay to get some incredible photos on the way to our final destination, Chivay.

We arrive to Chivay at around 13:00pm where we will have some lunch and check in to your basic hotel for the night. You then have the option to visit the local hot springs if you want, or simply explore the small but picturesque town of Chivay. Later in the evening, you will meet for dinner with your guide and go to visit a local Peruvian folklore show, where you will be encouraged (and sometimes forced) to partake in the local dancing and singing! An early night is recommended, so try to avoid the local Irish bar!

Day 2: Colca Canyon Valley to Condor’s Cross to Arequipa

After an early breakfast (around 06:00am), we depart to the “Condor’s Cross” from where we will hopefully see the world famous Andean Condor birds fly majestically above us as they rise up from the Canyon. We will take you to different viewpoints of the Canyon to allow you to explore and appreciate the sheer size of this incredible canyon (the second deepest in the world!). On the way back to Chivay, we stop at the town of Yanque, visit its beautiful church and its characteristic stone streets among other attractions. To have spectacular views of the Colca Valley, we will drive to the observation points of Choquetipo and Artahuilque where you can see pre-Inca tombs and mock ups of the terraces, so make sure you save plenty of space in your memory card for these amazing places.

After lunch at a local restaurant we return to the city of Arequipa, arriving at approx. 17:30pm where we will drop you off at your hotel or hostel.

Included

• Round trip tourist transportation – private bus so your seat is always reserved
• Breakfast
• English speaking guide – local expert who knows everything about the Canyon
• 1 night accommodation in Chivay “La Estancia” (basic shared hostel)

Not included:

• Entrance ticket to Canyon: S/.70 soles – not included on any tour due to it being illegal to include it
• Entrance to the Hot Springs: about S/.15 soles – OPTIONAL
• Lunch
• Dinner

The Colca Canyon is located about 4-hours outside of the city of Arequipa. The best way to get there is to take a tour or trek which includes transportation to and from Arequipa. If you are looking for information on the best buses to take to Arequipa, visit our passes page. Select your departure city, the countries you want to visit, and amount of time you have to travel. Then browse our passes to see which include your desired stop in Arequipa.

For the 2 day tour, bring a small bag only. Large luggage can be stored at your accommodation in Arequipa.

• Water bottle
• Original passport
• Local money
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Camera
• Batteries
• Warm jacket

What is the difference between the Colca Canyon TOURS and TREKS?

During the tours you will have limited walking sections as most of the time you stay on a bus and only get outside at several viewing points. The tours are more recommended for travelers who want (or because of physical conditions) have to take it easy. Treks however, are perfect for people with good physical condition. With treks you will definitely get more and intense views of the beautiful and unique landscape of the Canyon.

I do not want to take all of my stuff with me. Where can I leave my big bag?

Hotels and hostels in Arequipa will normally store your bags in their safety deposit for free whilst you are away at the Canyon, until you check-in again upon your return. Head off for the trip with just what you need and leave the rest in storage. Especially for the trek as you will need to carry what you take.

I do not feel well and wish to cancel my trip for tomorrow morning.

Peru Hop does not operate the Colca Tours. The tour provider allows changes up to 17:00pm the day before at no cost. Cancellations or missed tours will be charged the full fee.

I woke up late and missed my tour pick up. Can I change it for tomorrow?

Peru Hop does not operate the Colca Tours. The operators will charge us fully for any NO SHOW or missed departure not previously cancelled before 17:00pm the day before. If you would like to book the tour again for the next day then this is possible but you will have to pay a second time.

Will I see Condors on this tour?

There are quite a few Condors out there and as we visit different viewing points the chances are quite good. We still cannot guarantee that you will be able to see them but if you get lucky they will fly just above your head!

Can I have a private room if I travel alone?

Yes, of course but you will need to pay an extra 20 soles. You must inform your guide on the first day of your tour.

Is there an upgrade possible in accommodation, instead of a basic hotel?

No, this Colca Canyon provider does not offer alternative accommodation. If you wish to stay in a different hotel or lodge in the Canyon it is recommended you book a private tour of the Canyon.

• The Colca Canyon is TWICE as deep as the Grand Canyon!
• The area surrounding the Canyon is famed for its traditional and colourful towns which you will pass through along the way.
• In the Canyon you can find over 100 kinds of birds, over 300 types of plants and more than 30 types of cactus.
• The highest point of the Canyon is Ampato at 6388 meters above sea level. These snow-capped peaks form an impressive backdrop to the Canyon.
• The Andean Condor Bird can weigh up to 12 kg with a wingspan of over 3 metres! The CRUZ DE CONDOR viewpoint is famed as the best place in South America to see the Andean Condor in flight.

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