Explore one of the world's deepest canyons with a two-day excursion from Arequipa. These overnight itineraries offer a mix of cultural village visits, stunning viewpoints like Cruz del Cóndor, and convenient transport options.
Free Cancellation A comprehensive trek through Colca Canyon combining cultural landmarks with challenging high-altitude trails.
A two-day guided trek through the world's deepest canyon, featuring condor sightings and high-altitude wildlife.
Free Cancellation A 2-day journey through Colca Canyon to see Andean condors, wild camelids, and traditional mountain villages.
Free Cancellation Spot Andean condors and explore Colca Canyon’s volcanic landscapes on this two-day journey ending in Puno.
Explore Colca Canyon on a relaxed two-day sightseeing trip with bilingual guides, ideal for non-hikers.
Free Cancellation A two-day journey through the Colca Canyon to witness Andean condors, high-altitude reserves, and volcanic landscapes.
Free Cancellation Explore Colca Canyon over two days, spot wild condors, and finish your journey with a transfer to Puno.
Free Cancellation Spend two days exploring the Colca Canyon, visiting local villages and watching condors from the canyon rim.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Colca Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A 2-day tour to Colca Canyon offers an immersive journey into one of the world's deepest gorges, plunging 4,160 meters down. Whether you choose a physically demanding trek to the canyon floor or a scenic driving tour along the rim, you will experience a landscape dominated by soaring Andean condors, ancient agricultural terraces, and towering volcanoes.
Stand at the edge of the canyon rim in the early morning to watch massive Andean condors ride the thermal winds just meters away from the observation deck.
A lush, tropical refuge at the very bottom of the canyon. Trekkers can cool off in natural swimming pools surrounded by palm trees before the steep hike back up.
Reach a staggering 4,900 meters above sea level. This high-altitude viewpoint offers panoramic views of the surrounding active volcanoes and the stark Andean plains.
Relax in mineral-rich thermal baths near Chivay. Fueled by volcanic activity, these 36°C to 50°C pools are the perfect way to soothe sore muscles after a long day.
Drive through this vast national reserve on your way from Arequipa. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of elegant, wild vicuñas and alpacas roaming the wetlands.
Visit towns like Chivay, Yanque, and Maca. Experience local folk dances, admire 18th-century baroque churches, and see how ancient pre-Inca terraces are still farmed today.
Planning a 2-day trip to Colca Canyon requires understanding the different tour formats and preparing for the high-altitude environment.
Make sure you book the right tour type. 'Trekking' tours involve steep, grueling hikes down to the canyon floor (like Sangalle) and require high fitness. 'Sightseeing' tours involve bus travel between viewpoints and villages with minimal walking.
The Boleto Turístico Colca is rarely included in the tour price. You must pay S/ 70.00 (approx. USD 19.00) in cash at the checkpoint. Latin American citizens pay S/ 40.00, and children 6-15 pay S/ 20.00.
Most 2-day tours, especially treks, start with hotel pickups in Arequipa between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM to ensure you reach Cruz del Condor while the birds are active.
You will cross the Patapampa Pass at 4,900 meters, and the canyon rims sit above 3,000 meters. Spend at least two days acclimatizing in Arequipa before your tour to avoid severe altitude sickness.
There are no ATMs inside the canyon, and credit cards are not accepted for the entrance fee, hot springs, or emergency mule rentals. Bring plenty of Peruvian Soles from Arequipa.
If you are heading to Lake Titicaca next, look for specific 2-day tours that offer a transfer to Puno. These tours drop you off in Puno on the second evening instead of returning to Arequipa.
Overnight stays on trekking tours are usually in basic, rustic hostels at the canyon bottom with limited electricity. Sightseeing tours typically use 2-star or 3-star hotels in Chivay.
Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, though a few strict tours state that all sales are final.
| 2-Day Guided Trek | 2-Day Sightseeing Tour | 2-Day Tour ending in Puno | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Style | Active hiking into the canyon | Bus/van travel to viewpoints | Sightseeing + Bus transfer |
| Physical Demand | High (steep, rocky trails) | Low to Moderate | Low |
| Included Meals | Usually Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Usually Breakfast only | Varies (often Breakfast) |
| Price Range | $90 - $125 | $40 - $80 | $93 - $110 |
While the natural canyon is always open, official checkpoints and offices have specific operating hours you need to be aware of:
Colca Canyon is located about 160 kilometers northwest of Arequipa. Almost all 2-day tours handle the transportation for you.
The weather in the high Andes dictates the safety and visibility of your trip.
Colca Canyon is an extreme environment and presents significant challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
Facilities vary drastically depending on whether you are on the canyon rim or deep inside the gorge.
Local authorities enforce several rules to protect the canyon's environment and culture.
Usually, no. Most 2-day tours do not include the Boleto Turístico Colca. You will need to pay this fee in cash at the checkpoint in Chivay. It costs S/ 70.00 for non-Latin American adults, S/ 40.00 for Latin Americans, and S/ 20.00 for children aged 6-15.
Colca Canyon reaches an astonishing depth of 4,160 meters (13,648 feet). This makes it the second deepest canyon in the world, roughly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States.
Pickups are extremely early, typically between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM. This early start is necessary to drive the 3 hours to the canyon and arrive at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint while the condors are most active in the morning.
If you are on a trekking tour and cannot manage the steep 3-hour ascent out of the canyon, you can hire a mule or donkey in Cabanaconde or from the oasis. You will need cash to pay the local handlers for this emergency transport.
The best time to observe the condors at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. During these hours, the morning sun warms the air, creating the thermal drafts the birds use to glide.
It depends on the tour type. Trekking tours usually include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sightseeing tours often only include breakfast at the hotel, leaving you to purchase your own lunch and dinner at local restaurants in Chivay.
Yes, several operators offer 2-day Colca Canyon tours that include a transfer to Puno. After visiting the canyon and hot springs on the second day, you will board a bus that drops you off in Puno, making it a great way to transit to Lake Titicaca.
The tour crosses the Patapampa Pass at 4,900 meters. To prevent altitude sickness (soroche), spend at least two days acclimatizing in Arequipa beforehand, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and drink local coca leaf tea.
Pack a high-quality headlamp, as canyon hostels have limited electricity. You also need sturdy hiking boots, a warm jacket for freezing nights, high-SPF sunscreen, plenty of water, and plenty of cash in Peruvian Soles.
Yes. Most sightseeing tours stop at La Calera hot springs near Chivay, while trekking tours might visit the thermal pools in Llahuar or the Sangalle Oasis. The natural volcanic waters range from 36°C to 50°C.
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This itinerary covers the essential highlights of the Colca region for those on a tight schedule. It balances cultural visits to local villages with direct exploration of the canyon’s natural landscape, providing a full overview of the area’s heritage and geography in a single trip. The route is specifically designed for active travelers. Because it involves significant walking on varied terrain, it is best suited for those with prior hiking experience who are comfortable with the physical demands of the canyon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day trek begins with an early morning departure to reach the Condor's Cross. At this viewpoint, you can observe Andean condors soaring above the canyon before we continue toward Cabanaconde, the starting point of our hike. Throughout the journey, your guide will help you spot local wildlife, including alpacas, vicuñas, and many of the 79 different species of cactus native to the valley. The route descends into one of the deepest canyons on earth, offering a close look at the region's unique ecosystem. This experience focuses on the natural landscape, moving from the high-altitude viewpoints down into the heart of the valley to explore its diverse flora and fauna.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip travels from the high Andean plains into one of the deepest canyons in the world. The journey begins with a drive through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can spot wild vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat. As you reach the Colca Valley, the landscape opens up into a series of massive agricultural terraces and steep mountain gorges. During the tour, you will visit local communities to learn about their history and daily traditions. The second morning is dedicated to watching the Andean condor. At the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, these massive birds fly close to the canyon walls, using the morning thermals to soar. The itinerary balances these wildlife sightings with time to explore the small towns and unique geography of the region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip takes you through the heart of the Colca Canyon, beginning with a descent past ancient pre-Inca agricultural terraces and views of distant volcanoes. Along the way, you can see llamas and alpacas grazing in the wild. After lunch, the afternoon is spent at the local hot springs, where you can swim or rest while looking out over the valley. On the second morning, you will travel to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to watch Andean condors fly across the canyon. The drive passes through traditional villages and pre-Inca ruins before returning to Chivay for lunch. The excursion concludes with a six-hour bus ride to Puno, featuring expansive views of the high Andean plateau throughout the journey.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day excursion offers a comprehensive look at the Colca Canyon without the physical demand of trekking. Led by bilingual guides fluent in English and Spanish, the itinerary focuses on the region's natural viewpoints and cultural highlights. You will travel by road to key spots like the Cruz del Condor, where you can observe Andean condors in flight. The tour is designed for travelers who prefer a comfortable pace. Instead of hiking down into the canyon, the schedule includes stops at traditional Andean villages and local hot springs. All transport and guided commentary are included, ensuring a straightforward and informative experience through one of Peru's most famous landscapes.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This two-day excursion travels from Arequipa into the heart of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. The journey starts with a drive through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve at Pampa Cañahuas, a protected area for wild vicuñas. You will continue through the high-altitude wetlands of Tocrapampa and reach the Patapampa viewpoint, situated at 4,830 meters above sea level, which provides a clear vantage point of the Andean volcanic chain. Upon arriving in the town of Chivay, you can visit the local thermal baths to experience their natural medicinal properties. The following morning is dedicated to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Here, you can watch Andean condors in flight and look down into the immense depth of the canyon. The trip combines wildlife spotting, geological wonders, and the distinct cultural atmosphere of the Arequipa highlands.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip travels from the high Andean plains into the depths of Colca Canyon. On the first day, you will pass through nature reserves where llamas and alpacas graze freely, stopping at high-altitude viewpoints to see the surrounding mountain ranges and volcanoes. The second morning starts early at the Cruz del Condor, where you can watch Andean condors rise from the canyon on morning thermals. After visiting the traditional villages and terraced landscapes of the valley, the tour continues across the Altiplano, concluding with a drop-off in Puno in the late afternoon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip takes you into the heart of the Colca Valley to see one of the world's deepest canyons. You will travel through high-altitude landscapes and stop at traditional Andean villages to see how local communities live and maintain their heritage. The itinerary includes a visit to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you can watch Andean condors flying over the canyon. After exploring the trails and viewpoints, you have the option to visit the local thermal baths to soak in the natural hot springs before returning.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish