Colca Canyon Tour

Availability Daily departures
Transporte Hotel pickup
Tour Guide Tour guide included
Available languages Spanish, English & Portuguese
Service type Shared service
Cancellation policy Non-refundable
Difficulty Easy

This full-day tour starts very early (between 2:45 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.) from Arequipa, with the goal of reaching the most iconic viewpoint, the Cruz del Cóndor Lookout, in the early morning to witness the flight of the Andean condor.

Along the way, you will pass through altitudes above 4,500 meters, enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes and wetlands inhabited by vicuñas, and visit villages where native potatoes are grown and Andean rural life is woven day by day. This tour is of easy to moderate difficulty, suitable for most travelers as long as they have some prior acclimatization.

Itinerary

Day 01 Arequipa – Colca Valley – Cruz del Cóndor Lookout – Return to Arequipa

The day begins before dawn with pickup from your hotel in Arequipa between 2:45 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., heading toward southwestern Peru. The journey passes through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you will stop at viewpoints such as Patahuasi or Patapampa (~4,800–4,900 m) to admire the snow-capped peaks of Hualca Hualca, Sabancaya, and Ampato from above.

Descending into the valley, you will arrive in the town of Chivay and enjoy a local breakfast. You will then continue to the Cruz del Cóndor Lookout, where you will have time to observe the flight of the condor over the canyon, take in the scenery that reveals the depth of the valley, and capture photos during one of the most memorable moments of the tour.

The second part of the morning includes stops in the traditional villages of Maca, Yanque, and Pinchollo, where you can admire colonial churches, ancient agricultural terraces, and viewpoints such as Antahuilque. Upon returning to Chivay, you will have the option to relax in the La Calera hot springs (optional). After lunch, the return journey to Arequipa begins, with intermediate stops at the Pampa Cañahuas and the Tocra wetlands, home to vicuñas and alpacas, before arriving back in Arequipa around 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Important note: Schedules are for reference only. One day before the tour, our operations team will contact you to reconfirm the schedules.

Inclusions

What’s Included

Hotel pickup in central Arequipa and round-trip transportation.
Shared tourist transportation.
Professional guide in Spanish and English.
Continental or buffet breakfast (depending on the operator).
Scenic and interpretive stops along the route.

Lunch (or optional, depending on the package)
Entrance to the Colca Canyon (approximately S/. 70 for foreigners).
Entrance to the hot springs (approx. S/. 15).
Drinks and personal expenses.
Travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions

What time does the Colca Canyon tour start?

It starts between 2:45 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. to take advantage of the sunrise and arrive early at the Condor viewpoint.

How long is the tour approximately?

The tour lasts around 14 to 17 hours, departing in the early morning and returning to Arequipa between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Is good physical condition required?

It is not mandatory to be in excellent shape, as the walk is easy, but normal mobility and the ability to adapt to altitude changes are needed.

Will I be able to see the condor in flight?

Yes, the stop at the Cruz del Cóndor Lookout is the key moment to see the Andean condor soaring over the canyon, with the best chance between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.

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Hear from Those Who Have Experienced the Magic of Our Tours

4.9 out of 5 from more than 1,200 reviews

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Carmelo G.

jun. 2026 • Parejas

Fue una linda experiencia y un servicio muy profesional de la agencia.

VIAJANDO CON GATITOS

jul. 2026

Recomendamos al 100% la agencia Machu Picchu Peru Tours. Nos atendieron desde el momento en que llegamos y estuvieron pendientes de nosotros durante todo el viaje. La atención al cliente fue excelente, siempre muy amables y atentos. Los hoteles fueron muy buenos y todos los servicios estuvieron muy bien organizados. Sin duda, una excelente opción para conocer Cusco y Machu Picchu. ¡Muchas gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje una experiencia inolvidable!

Agostina Z.

ago. 2026

Muy linda experiencia! El traslado y el guía estuvieron muy bien. Es una caminata exigente pero muy bonita. Estaría bueno tener una media hora más para recuperarse y subir hasta la cima donde salen mejores fotos. Al menos con mi estado físico no me dio el aire para hacer todo tan rápido!

Colca Canyon Tour

Itinerary

Day 01 Arequipa – Colca Valley – Cruz del Cóndor Lookout – Return to Arequipa