Colca Canyon – Living Nature, Ancestral Culture and the Majestic Flight of the Condor
Discover one of the most impressive landscapes in southern Peru in an experience that combines extreme nature, Andean tradition and unique biodiversity.
The Colca Canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world, awaits you with imposing volcanoes, pre-Inca agricultural terraces and the spectacular flight of the Andean condor.
Viajes Pachacutec guides you on an authentic and carefully organized adventure from Arequipa.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Duration: Approximately 14 hours
- Reference schedule: 03:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.
- Destination: Colca Valley and Canyon
- Activity level: Moderate
- Maximum altitude: 4,910 m.a.s.l. (Patapampa Viewpoint)
- Weather: Cold and dry in the morning / mild at midday
TECHNICAL ALTITUDE INFORMATION
-
- Arequipa: 2,335 m.a.s.l.
- Chivay: 3,635 m.a.s.l.
- Cruz del Cóndor: 3,800 m.a.s.l.
- Patapampa (Volcanoes Viewpoint): 4,910 m.a.s.l.
DESTINATION EXPERIENCE
The Colca Valley is a natural and cultural setting where history, extreme geography and living communities that maintain millenary traditions coexist.
Here you will be able to appreciate:
- Agricultural terraces built by pre-Inca cultures such as the Collaguas.
- High Andean wildlife in freedom.
- Volcanoes exceeding 6,000 meters.
- The flight of the Andean condor, a sacred bird in the Andean worldview.
More than a tour, it is a direct connection with the strength of the Andean landscape.
Availability
Daily departures
Transport
Hotel pickup
Guide
It is included in the service
Available languages
English and Spanish
Type of service
Group Service
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable
Maximum altitude
4.910 m.a.s.l
Difficulty
Moderate
Location
Arequipa, Perú
Itinerary
Discover one of the most impressive landscapes in Peru in an unforgettable experience to the Colca Canyon, considered one of the deepest canyons in the world. This adventure begins very early in the morning, when we will pick you up from your hotel to start the journey to the Colca Valley, crossing high Andean landscapes of great natural beauty, with views of volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, Andean plains and wildlife such as vicuñas and alpacas.
During the journey we will make strategic stops to appreciate the landscape and take photographs, reaching high altitude points such as the natural viewpoints of the high plateau.
Chivay – Colca Valley: Upon arrival in Chivay, capital of the valley, we will enjoy a comforting breakfast, ideal to regain energy before continuing the excursion.
Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint: We will continue to the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, the most emblematic point of the tour and the best place to observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor, sacred bird of the Andes and symbol of the Andean worldview. From here, you will also appreciate the impressive depth of the canyon and its pre-Inca terraces.
Traditional towns of Colca: On the return journey we will visit picturesque towns such as Maca and Yanque, where ancestral customs, colonial churches and local traditions are still preserved, allowing authentic contact with the culture of the valley.
Buffet lunch: We will enjoy a buffet lunch with typical regional dishes prepared with local products from the Colca Valley.
Optional – La Calera Hot Springs: Optionally, you will have the opportunity to relax in the La Calera hot springs, whose natural waters are recognized for their therapeutic properties (entrance not included).
In the afternoon, we will begin the return to the city of Arequipa, arriving approximately at the end of the day.
Return to Arequipa: Approximate departure 13:30 – 14:00 hrs.
Arrival in Arequipa around 17:00 – 17:30 hrs.
End of the experience.
Important note: Schedules are for reference only. Our operations team will contact you the day before the tour to reconfirm the schedule.
Includes
What's included
- Hotel pick-up in Arequipa (downtown area)
- Tourist transportation round trip
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
- Breakfast in Chivay
- Permanent assistance
What's not included
- Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC)
- Entrance to La Calera hot springs
- Buffet lunch in Chivay
- Tips
- Additional snacks and beverages
Recommendations
(CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT)
- Thermal jacket or windbreaker
- Layered clothing
- Comfortable shoes or trekking sneakers
- Hat, scarf and gloves for the morning
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
WHAT TO BRING
- ID document or passport
- Cash (entrance fees and personal expenses)
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Swimsuit (if visiting hot springs)
WEATHER
The weather is cold during early morning hours (0°C to 5°C in high areas).
At midday it may vary between 15°C and 20°C with strong solar radiation.
ALTITUDE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Avoid heavy meals before the tour.
- Stay hydrated constantly.
- Drink coca or muña tea if necessary.
- Rest properly the night before.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CARE
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Do not throw waste.
- Respect local communities and ask permission before taking photographs.
- Always follow the guide’s instructions.
Trade Policies
- Price expressed in US dollars (USD).
- Rate valid per person in group service.
- To confirm the reservation, a 20% deposit is required.
- The balance must be paid 5 days before the start of the service.
- Cancellations more than 72 hours in advance: partial refund according to operational policies.
- Cancellations less than 48 hours in advance: 100% penalty.No
- show: 100% penalty.
- Services subject to availability and prior confirmation.
Price
Colca Canyon – Living Nature, Ancestral Culture and the Majestic Flight of the Condor
Full Day
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