Pick-up from your hotel will be between 3:00am and 3:30am in our private mini-bus, and we will make our way from Arequipa to Chivay. We will also make a stop in Chivay - which is the provincial capital of the valley - after breakfast. We’ll continue on by mini-bus in direction of the Cruz del Condor.

The first stop will be at the Cruz del Condor, where you can see the condors in flight and appreciate the magnitude of the canyon. This is the best viewpoint to see the canyon in all its splendour. We’ll stay here for about 1 hour.

Then we will carry on with the return trip from Cruz del Condor to Chivay, while making different stops along the way. The first stop will be in Antahuilque. This place is a viewpoint, where you can see the panorama of the valley's villages, pre-Inca terraces and the whole countryside of the valley.

The second stop will be in the town of Maca, here you can take photographs with domestic and traditional animals, and you will also be able to buy interesting and nice souvenirs.

The third stop will be in the town of Yanque, we will arrive here at about 12:00 pm. Here we can enjoy the relaxing medicinal 38°C hot springs, and we will stay here for about 1 hour.Afterwards, you’ll have the option to eat a buffet lunch in Chivay. This is optional and you do not have to eat at this restaurant.

2:30pm: Return to the city of Arequipa. On the way, we will make two stops, one in Patapampa, where we will appreciate the views of snow-covered mountains and volcanoes. We will also make another stop at the Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca to see traditional animals like llamas, vicuñas and alpacas.

At around 5:30pm we will arrive back to Arequipa, and drop you off at your hotel or hostel door.

Note:

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

- 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).

- For those that wish to finish in Puno: 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 point is at Puno Plaza de Armas.

03:00 - 03:30

Hostel and hotel pick up

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03:30 - 07:00

Drive towards Chivay

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07:00 - 07:45

Have breakfast

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08:00 - 09:20

View Condor's Cross

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10:00 - 12:00

Visit the hot springs (optional)

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12:30 - 14:00

Arrive to Chivay for lunch

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14:00 - 17:15

Bus back to Arequipa city

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17:15 - 17:30

Hostel and hotel drop off

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- Private transport: a guaranteed seat to and from Canyon unlike on public buses
- Official guide: local expert knowledge about the canyon
- Hotel/hostel pick-up and drop-off
- Breakfast

- 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

- Optional entrance to the hot springs and thermal baths - 15 soles (approx. USD $5)
- Lunch or drinks

- Along the way, you will reach altitudes of over 4000 metres, so some people can suffer altitude sickness (“Soroqchi”): Spend at least 1 day in Arequipa before taking part in the tour to acclimatise 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 in Arequipa
- 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 4:00 pm (Lima time) the day before the tour begins.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel the day prior to the tour before 4:00 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. 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.