Colca Canyon 2‑Day Classic Excursion from Arequipa
Observe wild Andean condors rising from thermal updrafts at Cruz del Cóndor and relax in Chivay volcanic hot springs.
Colca Canyon 2‑Day Classic Excursion from Arequipa
Observe wild Andean condors rising from thermal updrafts at Cruz del Cóndor and relax in Chivay volcanic hot springs.
Tourist transport arrives directly to hotels within Arequipa's historic center with vehicular access. Accommodations on pedestrian walkways coordinate pickup at the nearest vehicular corner.
Lodging outside Arequipa center? Meeting is coordinated at a central landmark (such as Plaza de Armas).
Need dedicated walking escort right to your door or pickup outside the historic center? Select Boutique Private in the booking card above.
Experience overview
Colca Canyon plunges over 10,000 feet—twice as deep as the US Grand Canyon. This classic 2-day excursion balances high-altitude volcanic vistas with tranquil stays in traditional Andean villages where pre-Inca agricultural terraces are still farmed today.
High-Altitude Safety Profile
Effective O₂ at 4,910m
Prior rest recommended
+492 ft vertical gain
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (2D / 1N)
- Day 14,910 m(16,109 ft)
Arequipa – Pampa Cañahuas Vicuñas – Patapampa Pass – Chivay & Hot Springs
Pickup from your Arequipa hotel at 8:00 AM. Travel through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca reserve observing protected vicuñas in native pajonal grasslands. Cross Patapampa pass (4,910m / 16,109 ft) overlooking eight volcanic peaks. Descend into the terraced Colca Valley for lunch in Chivay, followed by an afternoon soak in La Calera mineral hot springs. Overnight in Chivay.
Key highlights
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch buffet availableLodging: Colca Valley Hotel / Eco-lodge in Chivay - Day 23,635 m(11,925 ft)
Chivay – Cruz del Cóndor – Traditional Villages – Return to Arequipa (or Puno)
Early morning breakfast and departure at 6:30 AM toward Cruz del Cóndor. Spend 1.5 to 2 hours witnessing giant Andean Condors (with 10-foot wingspans) ride morning thermals right above your head over the canyon abyss. On the return drive, stop at traditional colonial villages like Maca and Yanque. Enjoy lunch in Chivay before returning to Arequipa by 5:00 PM (or taking our direct tourist connection bus to Puno / Lake Titicaca).
Key highlights
Meals: Hotel Breakfast
What's Included & Excluded
What is Included
100% Pre-PaidPre-paid services verified & delivered on route
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arequipa
- Comfortable tourist transport for 2 days
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Chivay with private bathroom and heating
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide
- All tourist stops and wildlife viewing
What is Not Included
Out-of-PocketPersonal expenses & discretionary gratuities
- Colca Valley Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): S/ 70 foreign visitors
- Entrance to La Calera Hot Springs: S/ 15 per person
- Lunches and dinners in Chivay
Optional Journey Upgrades
Premium UpgradesNominal permit slots & panoramic train cars available on request
- Optional tourist bus transfer from Chivay to Puno ($35 USD)
Field Realities & Pocket Cash
Real ground notes from our team in CuscoIdeal Traveler Fit
Who enjoys this route mostTravelers wanting to witness the flight of the Andean Condor over 1,200m abyss walls, soak in volcanic thermal springs, and experience colonial Andean villages.
Scenic highland highway transit punctuated by short 30–45 minute walks along canyon rims and village plazas.
Radical Honesty: Who This is NOT For
We prefer honesty over unsuitable bookings- ✕Anyone severely prone to high-altitude pass motion sickness (highway crosses Patapampa Pass at 4,910m / 16,108 ft).
- ✕Travelers expecting metropolitan nightlife or fast 5G in rural Chivay and Yanque.
- ✕Individuals seeking fully flat terrain; village plazas and canyon viewpoints feature historic stone paths.
Route Pocket Expenses (Carry Cash Soles in Daypack)
Mandatory checkpoint fees, community tickets & coin-operated restrooms
Boleto Turístico del Colca (BTC)
Mandatory regional admission ticket for foreign travelers.
La Calera Hot Springs
Optional natural volcanic thermal pool entrance in Chivay.
Local Valley Dining
Traditional buffet lunches and dinners in Chivay.
Route Restrooms
Keep 1 and 2 Sol coins handy for roadside stops.
Luggage & Transit Rule: Suitcases travel securely in the undercarriage luggage bay of the vehicle. If continuing from Chivay to Puno (Lake Titicaca), your luggage transfers with you.
What to pack for this journey
Tested on the trail by our team in CuscoReal Traveler Reviews & Experiences
Independent traveler feedback verified on TripAdvisor and Google Maps.
“Working with Daspe Travel was completely seamless. From our early morning hotel pickup in Cusco to the Vistadome train tickets and citadel entrance, our guide was exceptionally punctual, knowledgeable, and full of positive energy. Zero stress, everything was flawlessly organized.”
“I was looking for a trek along the Choquequirao route and contacted them. From the very start they gave me complete confidence, and I was not wrong. Of all the operators I have used across Peru, they were by far the most professional and attentive. The route is spectacular, perhaps the finest I have done. Standing up there taking in that beauty remains one of the best sensations of my life.”
“Truly a wonderful experience doing the Salkantay trek. The entire crew goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and the cultural immersion was truly eye-opening. Everything was smoothly organized from day one. ✨ Highly recommend trekking with them.”
Frequently asked questions
Have custom requests?
Dietary accommodations, hotel upgrades or a slower photography pace? Speak directly with our local Cusco specialists.