Minimum age: 7 years old – Must have parents permission


DAY 1: AREQUIPA to the COLCA VALLEY

We will pick you up from your hostel or hotel in Arequipa between 7:30 am and 8:20 am, and depart by bus towards the Colca Canyon. 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 of Chivay.

We will arrive in Chivay at around 1:00 pm where we will have some lunch, and you will be able to check into your basic hostel for the night. You’ll then have the option to visit the local hot springs, or simply explore the small but picturesque town of Chivay. Later in the evening, we will meet for dinner with your guide and go to a local Peruvian folklore show, where you will be encouraged to partake in the local dancing and singing.

DAY 2: COLCA VALLEY to CONDOR'S CROSS to AREQUIPA

After an early breakfast at around 6:00 am, we’ll depart to the "Condor's Cross", where we will hopefully see the world famous Andean condor birds soar 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 it and appreciate its sheer size: This incredible canyon is the second deepest in the world!

On the way back to Chivay, we’ll stop at the town of Yanque to visit its beautiful church and its characteristic stone streets, among other attractions. For spectacular views of the Colca Valley, we will drive to the viewpoints of Choquetipo and Artahuilque, where you can see pre-Inca tombs and mock ups of the terraces - make sure you save plenty of space in your memory card for these amazing places.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll return to the city of Arequipa, arriving at approximately 5:30 pm.

Note:

- Official Colca Canyon entrance tax of 70 soles is not included in the ticket price. This must be paid on the tour.

- For those that wish to finish in Puno: On return to Chivay at 1 pm, there will just be 15 minutes for lunch before departing to Puno. Arrival time in Puno is 7 pm, and the drop off point is at Puno Plaza de Armas.

- Do not forget to bring clothes for wet weather during the rainy season of March and April (these are available to rent or buy in Arequipa).

DAY 1: 07.30 - 08.20

Hostel and hotel pick up

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DAY 1: 08.20 - 11.00

Drive towards Chivay; stop to see llamas, vicuñas and alpacas

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DAY 1: 11.00 - 13.00

Complete journey to Chivay; stop at Mirador de los Andes, the crater of Chucura, and Mirador de Chivay for stunning viewpoints

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DAY 1: 13.00 - 15.00

Lunch and hotel check in

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DAY 1: 15.00 - 20.00

Free time: Optional visit to the natural hot springs of Chivay

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DAY 1: 20.00 - 22.00

Dinner with traditional song and dance show

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DAY 2: 06.00 - 07.00

Breakfast in your hotel

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DAY 2: 07.00 - 09.00

Bus to Cruz del Condor area

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DAY 2: 09.00 - 10.30

Andean condor bird viewing time - largest wingspan in the world!

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DAY 2: 10.30 - 12.30

Stops at different points of the canyon to get the best views and photos

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DAY 2: 12.30 - 14.00

Lunch at a buffet restaurant

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DAY 2: 14.00 - 17.00

Bus back to Arequipa city

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DAY 2: 17.00 - 17.30

Drop off at the Central area, Arequipa

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- Private transport to and from Arequipa
- English speaking local guide
- 1 night accommodation in Chivay "Keros" (basic shared hostel)
- Breakfast in Chivay

- The government enforced tourist entrance tax for the Colca:
Foreigners 13 years of age and above: 70 soles (approx. USD $25)
South American 13 years of age and above: 40 soles (approx. USD $15)
National 13years of age and above: 20 soles (approx. USD $8)
Children (All Nationalities) under 13years of age: 5 soles (approx. USD $2)
Note: Not included on any tours, as it is illegal to include it

- Lunch and dinner (cultural song and dance show is part of dinner; cost is approx. 30 soles)
- Optional entrance to the hot springs and thermal baths - 15 soles (approx. USD $5)

- Along the way, you will reach altitudes of over 4000 meters, so some people can suffer altitude sickness (“Soroqchi”). Spend at least 1 day in Arequipa before taking part in the tour to acclimatize to the altitude, although this is not necessary if coming from Cusco or Puno
- Bring a small bag only: Large luggage can be stored at your accommodation provider in Arequipa
- Water bottle
- Original passport
- Local money
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Camera
- Batteries
- Warm jacket

Cancellation or changes of this tour:

CHANGES: It is FREE to change the tour date before 6:00 pm (Lima time) the day before the tour begins.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel the day prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time) or earlier, a 10% administration fee (+ the card fee) will apply. After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

1. I can’t find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations as I’m making my booking. What should I select?

   This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation.

2. 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 travellers 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.

3. I do not want to take all of my belongings with me. Where can I leave my big bag or suitcase?

   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 to the trip with just what you need and leave the rest in storage.

4. 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!

5. Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

   Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500 metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.

6. Can I finish in Puno instead of Arequipa?

   Yes, this is possible. On return to Chivay at 1pm, there will just be 15 minutes for lunch before departing to Puno. Arrival time in Puno is 7pm, and the drop off is at Puno (Plaza de Armas). For this option, you MUST select the ticket option - TOUR + TRANSFER FROM THE CANYON TO PUNO - when making a booking.

7. 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.

8. What is the name of the hotel in Chivay and what kind of rooms are available?

   The hostel is Keros and there are double, twin and triple rooms. You will be placed in rooms depending on the size of your group.

9. Does this tour operator cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and vegan?

   Yes, you must let your guide know of your dietary requirement on the first day of your tour.

10. Can I start the tour in Chivay?

    Yes, you can! There is no problem if your hotel is in Chivay. However, if your hotel is on the outskirts of the town of Chivay, there will be an extra charge. You will need to send us an e-mail at the moment of your booking in order to inform the tour operator.

11. I do not want to take all of my belongings with me to the Canyon. Where can I leave my big bag or suitcase?

    Hotels and hostels in Arequipa will all 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 to the trip with just what you need and leave the rest in storage. If you continue after your trek from Chivay to Puno, on the first day of your trek you will have breakfast in a restaurant in Chivay. This restaurant has a storage facility, where passengers who are trekking can leave their backpacks for a small fee, and pick them up on return.

12. Is there an accommodation upgrade available? I do not want to stay in 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.

13. Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

    Apart from our low-price guarantee, with us you are 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide an instant email confirmation, and have live spaces and availability for each tour. If you have any queries, you are in the hands of our team of 20 local experts here on the ground, who speak perfect Spanish and English. We guarantee quick responses to any questions or queries. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours... We are the experts at reservations, organisation and assistance with your plans for these tours.