Experience an unforgettable adventure with the Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour, a journey that takes you from Arequipa to the second deepest canyon in the world, plunging over 3,400 meters deep. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Colca Valley, observe the Andean condor in its natural habitat at the Condor’s Cross, and explore colonial towns rich in history, such as Chivay, Yanque, and Maca. You’ll also visit the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can see vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas, and marvel at the stunning volcanoes surrounding the region.
The tour includes accommodation in Chivay for a comfortable rest and the chance to relax in the hot springs of Yanque or Chacapi. It’s available as a Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour from Arequipa, departing from the Plaza de Armas, or as a private tour with a bilingual guide. This experience is perfect for families, couples, or travelers seeking nature, culture, and unique landscapes. With Top Inka Travel, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive, safe, and unforgettable journey through the heart of southern Peru.
Summary
The Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience through one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders. On the first day (Arequipa → Chivay), you’ll depart early from your hotel and head to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can observe vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat. From the Mirador de los Andes (Tojra Pampa), you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll stop in Patahuasi, the perfect spot to acclimate with a traditional coca tea before continuing to Chivay. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the town, and in the evening, you can unwind at the Yanque hot springs, surrounded by a peaceful, natural setting.
On the second day (Cruz del Cóndor → Arequipa), you’ll start early with a visit to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the tour’s most iconic spot, where you can witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor soaring over the deep Colca Canyon. Next, you’ll explore charming villages like Maca and Coporaque, known for their colonial architecture and impressive pre-Inca terraces. Before returning to Arequipa, you can savor local cuisine or enjoy a colorful folkloric show in Chivay. This Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa blends nature, culture, and Andean tradition, ensuring a safe, authentic, and well-organized experience with Top Inka Travel.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arequipa – Chivay
We will begin with a pick-up from your hotel around 7:30 AM, heading towards Chivay, where we will enjoy majestic views of the volcanoes surrounding the city. Next, we will enter Pampa Cañahuas, located in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the natural habitat of South American camelids, such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
We will make a stop at Patahuasi, where you can admire remarkable geological formations and taste a coca infusion, ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude. We will continue the journey through the wetlands, reaching Tojra Pampa, the “Andean viewpoint,” situated at 4,910 meters (16,109 feet) above sea level. From here, you can observe the impressive volcanoes, including Ampato (6,288 meters), Sabancaya (5,976 meters), and Hualca Hualca (6,025 meters).
In the afternoon, we will have lunch in the charming town of Chivay. You will then have the opportunity to rest at your accommodation and visit the thermal baths in Yanque. The day will end with a dinner at a restaurant, accompanied by a folkloric show.
Day 2: Chivay – Cruz del Cóndor – Arequipa
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will depart towards the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you can closely witness the majestic flight of these incredible animals and admire one of the deepest canyons in the world in its full grandeur. On the way back, we will pass various pre-Inca terraces and agricultural platforms, as well as visit picturesque villages featuring colonial-era churches. Finally, we will have lunch and begin the journey back to Arequipa, arriving around 5:00 PM.
Includes
Includes
- Hotel pick-up (from central locations).
- Tourist transport.
- 1 Breakfast (Second day).
- 1 Night accommodation.
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English).
Does Not Include
- Travel insurance.
- Entrance fee to Colca Canyon: Foreigners (70 soles), Latin Americans (40 soles), Nationals (20 soles).
- Thermal baths (15 soles).
- Lunch (35 soles).
- Dinner (35 soles).
- Additional expenses.
- Tips.
- Snacks and/or refreshing drinks.
Important Information
- Hotel pick-ups are made from central locations, around the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa.
- If your hotel is far from the historic center, the meeting point will be at the Plaza de Armas.
- The exact pick-up time will be communicated one day before the tour.
- Our tour ends one block from the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Your Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour
What to Pack:
- ID or passport (original).
- Sunscreen (high SPF).
- Towel and sandals (for hot springs).
- Change of clothes (layers are best).
- Sunglasses and a hat.
- Reusable water bottle.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Tour
Pack smart for your Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour. Wear comfortable, layered clothing, as temperatures in the highlands can shift dramatically—warm during the day and very cold at night. Bring bottled water, energy snacks, and a small first-aid kit with basic medications, especially if traveling with children or seniors.
If you love photography, bring extra batteries and a zoom lens to capture the condors soaring at sunrise from the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Temperatures can drop significantly, so thermal layers are a must. This experience is part of the Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa or the Cruz del Cóndor Tour from Arequipa, offering a unique chance to immortalize the valley’s beauty.
Don’t forget your original ID or passport—they’re required to enter the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and other tourist spots in the valley. These documents are also needed for the Private Colca Canyon Tour or the Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas. With these tips, your Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour 2025 will be comfortable, safe, and unforgettable.
Useful Travel Tips
The tour takes place between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level, so altitude sickness (soroche) is possible. Arrive in Arequipa a day early, drink coca tea, and avoid strenuous activity before the tour. This is especially important for those taking the Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour from Arequipa.
Weather by Season:
- Summer (December–March): Rain is possible, so pack a light rain jacket.
- Winter (June–August): Nights are very cold, especially in Chivay or at the Mirador de los Andes (Tojra Pampa), so bring warm clothing.
The drive from Arequipa to Chivay takes about 4 hours, passing through stunning landscapes of volcanoes, deserts, and colonial towns. This route is part of the Arequipa–Chivay 2-Day Tour and the Chivay Colca Canyon Tour. You can fly into Arequipa’s Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport and start your tour directly from your hotel or the Plaza de Armas.
Why Choose Top Inka Travel?
With Top Inka Travel, every detail is taken care of: safe transfers, bilingual guides, and personalized service. Enjoy the Colca Canyon Tour with an expert guide and experience an authentic, comfortable, and worry-free adventure.
FAQ
What places will I visit on the Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour?
This tour takes you from Arequipa to the impressive Colca Canyon. You’ll visit the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can see vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas, the Andes Viewpoint (Tojra Pampa) at about 4,910 m a.s.l., and the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor. You’ll also explore traditional villages like Chivay, Maca, and Coporaque, enjoy one night of accommodation, and have the chance to relax in natural hot springs.
What is the tour’s difficulty level and altitude?
This tour is considered easy, as most of the route is done by vehicle with short walks. The altitude reaches around 3,800 m a.s.l. in Chivay and up to 4,900 m a.s.l. at the Andes Viewpoint. You may feel mild altitude symptoms, so it’s recommended to acclimatize in Arequipa for at least one day before the trip.
What’s included and not included in the tour price?
Includes: Hotel pick-up in Arequipa, tourist transportation, 1-night accommodation, 1 breakfast (second day), and a professional bilingual guide.
Not included: Entrance fee to the Colca Canyon, lunch, dinner, travel insurance, entrance to hot springs, drinks, tips, or personal expenses.
What is the best time to take this tour?
The dry season (April–October) is ideal, offering clear skies and perfect views of the condors and canyon landscapes. The rainy season (December–March) can bring showers that limit visibility, and nights between June and August are quite cold so pack accordingly.
What should I pack for the Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour?
Bring comfortable layered clothing, warm clothes for the night, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle, camera, and swimsuit if you plan to visit the hot springs. Also carry some snacks and personal medication if needed.
Is the tour suitable for families or seniors?
Yes. The itinerary is designed for travelers of all ages, including families and seniors, as most of the journey is done by bus and includes comfortable accommodation. It’s best for children over 8 years old due to the altitude.
How can I book, and how far in advance should I do it?
You can book directly through the Top Inka Travel website or via WhatsApp. Because this tour includes lodging and small groups (around 12 people max), we recommend booking at least 48–72 hours in advance, especially during high season.
Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, tours are led by professional bilingual guides in English and Spanish. You can also request another language (such as Portuguese) depending on availability when booking.
How does transportation work, and where is the meeting point?
Pick-up is from your hotel in Arequipa or a nearby meeting point. The tour departs in the morning, traveling to Chivay on day 1 and visiting Cruz del Cóndor on day 2, returning to Arequipa around 5 PM.
What about altitude sickness?
Since the tour reaches elevations between 3,000 m and 4,900 m a.s.l., mild altitude sickness may occur. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and drink coca tea—it helps a lot. It’s best to spend one full day in Arequipa before the trip.
Additional
Additional Information
Who Is This Tour For?
The Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour is designed for all ages, though we recommend it for children 8 and older due to the altitude and short hikes. Peak tourist seasons are June to August and December, so we advise booking your Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour or a flexible cancellation Colca tour in advance.
Why Choose Top Inka Travel?
At Top Inka Travel, we work with small groups (max 12 people) to provide a more personalized experience. We also offer private Colca Canyon tours, perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking comfort and exclusivity.
Our modern, safe tour vehicles are ideal for enjoying the scenery and capturing unforgettable photos at spots like the Mirador de los Andes (Tojra Pampa) and Cruz del Cóndor. Our local guides—many of whom are Quechua speakers born in Chivay or nearby villages—share authentic and enriching stories about Arequipa’s Andean culture.
We also plan strategic schedules and visit less crowded viewpoints, such as an early-morning trip to Cruz del Cóndor, so you can enjoy a peaceful, crowd-free experience in full contact with nature.
More Reasons to Book With Us
Choosing Top Inka Travel means trusting an agency with over 15 years of experience, committed to quality, safety, and personalized service. Our Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour from Arequipa 2025 is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic experience beyond traditional tourist routes.
We provide comfortable tour transportation and certified guides who are experts in history, culture, and geography. For international travelers, we offer the Colca Canyon Tour with a bilingual guide.
We are one of the few agencies offering private Colca tours with customized itineraries, transparent pricing, and included access to the Yanque-Chivay hot springs. No hidden fees or surprises—everything is planned for your comfort.
With Top Inka Travel, every journey is in small groups (max 12 people), ensuring close and flexible attention. Whether you choose the Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas, the Chivay Colca Canyon Tour, or the Colca Canyon Family Tour, we guarantee a complete, safe, and transformative experience.
Ready for an Adventure?
If you’re looking for a trip that blends history, nature, and tradition in the heart of the southern Andes, this tour is for you. Don’t wait—start planning your adventure with us today!
