Colca Canyon 2 Days Classic

Your journey begins between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. with a hotel pickup in Arequipa. From there, we’ll drive along a scenic route passing through the district of Yura. Along this stretch, you’ll witness stunning geological formations and gain your first views of the towering Chachani Volcano.

As we ascend into the highlands, we’ll traverse the Pampa de Arrieros and the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve. This expansive plain is home to unique Andean wildlife including vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and a variety of highland birds. Don’t forget your camera—these landscapes are vast and picturesque.

We’ll make a brief stop in Vizcachani, where you can sip a warm coca tea—helpful for adjusting to the high altitude. You’ll also get a first glimpse of the beautiful lagoons and bofedales (wetlands), which host seasonal migratory birds.

Our next highlight is Patapampa, located at 4,910 meters (16,100 feet) above sea level. Known as the “Mirador de los Volcanes” (Volcanoes Viewpoint), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the volcanic chain including Misti, Chachani, Ampato, and the active Sabancaya Volcano.

We then descend into the Colca Valley and arrive in Chivay, the capital of the province, where we’ll stop for a delicious lunch. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to rest before heading to the La Calera Hot Springs, where you can unwind in the naturally heated thermal waters surrounded by Andean beauty (entrance fee not included).

In the evening, enjoy your free time in Chivay. You can have dinner at a local restaurant or choose to attend a traditional folkloric show featuring Andean music and dance. (Dinner and show not included.)

Rise early for breakfast, then we’ll set off towards Cruz del Cóndor, the most famous viewpoint in the canyon. This is where the canyon reveals its immense depth—twice as deep as the Grand Canyon—and where, with a bit of luck, you can witness the graceful flight of the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds, gliding above the canyon walls.

After this unforgettable experience, we’ll begin our return journey with several cultural and scenic stops along the way. At Choquetico and Antahuilque, you’ll observe pre-Inca agricultural terraces and archaeological remains, including mysterious carved stone models (litho-scale maps).

Next, we visit the charming villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, each home to beautiful colonial churches and rich local traditions. You’ll have a chance to explore and interact with the friendly locals, perhaps purchase handwoven textiles or taste local snacks.

We return to Chivay for lunch. Afterward, we continue our return to Arequipa, making scenic stops along the route. Highlights include another pass through Patapampa and a stop at Pampa Cañahuas, part of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you may spot wild vicuñas and more panoramic vistas of the Andes.

Arrival back in Arequipa is expected around 5:00 p.m., where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.