Explore one of the world's deepest gorges with a guided trip to the Colca Canyon departing from Arequipa. Choose from full-day excursions or multi-day treks featuring stops at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint and local nature reserves.
Free Cancellation Hike deep into Colca Canyon, relax in the Sangalle Oasis, and spot condors on this demanding two-day adventure.
Free Cancellation Full Day Tour to Colca from Arequipa
Free Cancellation See the Cruz del Condor, soak in hot springs, and visit traditional villages on this full-day Colca Canyon circuit.
Free Cancellation Experience the depths of Colca Canyon on a full-day guided journey through the high Andean landscapes.
Free Cancellation Private, customizable Colca Canyon tours led by professional bilingual drivers with 13 years of local experience.
Free Cancellation Explore the Colca Valley’s high-altitude wetlands, traditional villages, and the flight of the Andean condor.
Free Cancellation A day trip from Arequipa to Colca Canyon to see wild vicuñas, soaring condors, and high-altitude volcanic vistas.
Explore the Colca Canyon on a private day trip featuring condor sightings, Andean villages, and natural hot springs.
Explore the 4,000-meter depths of the Colca Canyon and spot wild vicuñas in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve.
Free Cancellation Watch Andean condors soar over the Colca Canyon and explore volcanic landscapes on this full-day trip from Arequipa.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Colca Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Tours to Colca Canyon from Arequipa take you on an unforgettable journey into the Andes, traveling through high-altitude reserves to reach the second deepest canyon in the world. You can expect dramatic volcanic landscapes, ancient agricultural terraces, traditional Andean villages, and the breathtaking sight of massive Andean condors soaring on morning thermals.
Stand at the edge of this dizzying cliffside observation platform to look deep into the canyon. In the morning, you can watch massive Andean condors with eight-foot wingspans ride the thermal currents right before your eyes.
Cross the staggering Patapampa Pass at 4,900 meters above sea level. Stop to enjoy panoramic views of active, snow-capped volcanoes and the stark, beautiful Andean plains.
Drive through this vast national reserve on your way from Arequipa. Keep an eye out for elegant wild vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas grazing freely near stunning high-altitude wetlands.
Visit charming towns like Chivay and Yanque, featuring colonial churches and lively plazas. Experience authentic local culture, folk dances, and see locals in vibrant, embroidered clothing.
Soothe your muscles after a long day of exploring at La Calera or Chacapi hot springs. These natural volcanic thermal baths range from 36°C to 50°C.
For the adventurous, multi-day tours offer steep hikes down to the canyon floor. Discover lush oases like Sangalle and remote geothermal areas right next to the rushing river.
Planning a trip to Colca Canyon from Arequipa requires some preparation due to the extreme altitude, travel distance, and rugged terrain. Here is what you need to know before booking your tour.
Tours range from grueling 14-to-16-hour full-day trips starting at 3:00 AM, to more relaxed 2-day standard tours, and multi-day trekking adventures. If you have the time, a 2-day tour is highly recommended to break up the driving and help you acclimatize.
Most tour prices do not include the mandatory Boleto Turístico Colca (Tourist Ticket). You will need to pay S/ 70.00 (approx. USD 19) in cash upon arrival. Reduced rates are available for Latin American citizens and children.
Shared group tours are budget-friendly but mean you'll be traveling with people of varying fitness levels. Private tours offer flexible itineraries, personalized attention, and the ability to stop for photos at your own pace.
The journey reaches elevations up to 4,900 meters at Patapampa Pass, and the canyon rim is over 3,000 meters. Spend a few days in Arequipa to acclimatize before your tour to avoid severe altitude sickness.
Even if you aren't doing a deep canyon trek, the altitude makes walking around viewpoints tiring. Multi-day treks require previous hiking experience and a moderate to high fitness level due to steep, gravel-covered trails.
Layering is essential. You will need warm clothes for the freezing early morning starts and light clothing for the intense midday sun. Don't forget cash (Soles), a hat, sunscreen, and your original passport.
Most guided tours and treks offer free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. However, check your specific ticket, as some private or highly customized options may have strict no-refund policies.
| Full-Day Sightseeing Tour | 2-Day Standard Tour (No Trekking) | 2-Day Canyon Trek | Private Custom Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 14 - 16 hours | 2 Days / 1 Night | 2 Days / 1 Night | Flexible (1-2 days) |
| Best for | Travelers short on time | Acclimatizing and relaxing | Adventurous hikers | Families, couples, photographers |
| Physical Demand | Low to Moderate | Low | High (steep inclines) | Customizable |
| Price from | $27 - $50 | $60 - $80 | $85+ | $180 - $200+ |
Ticket Control (Chivay): Open Monday through Sunday from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Tourist Information Office (Arequipa): Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM.
Tour Timings: Full-day tours from Arequipa typically start very early, with hotel pick-ups between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM. This early start is necessary to reach the Cruz del Condor viewpoint by 8:00 AM, which is the optimal time for condor sightings.
Colca Canyon is located about 160 kilometers northwest of Arequipa. If you book a guided tour, transportation is included, usually with a pick-up from hotels in Arequipa's historic center.
Best Months: The optimal time to visit is during the dry season from May to November (specifically April to August). Rainfall is minimal, trails are clear, and condor sightings are highly reliable.
Worst Months: The rainy season from December to March brings slippery trails, unpredictable weather, and a higher risk of landslides or flash floods. Heavy rains can also cause road closures.
Time of Day: To see the Andean condors, you must be at the viewpoints (like Cruz del Condor) in the morning, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, when the birds use the warming thermal currents to glide.
Wheelchair Users: Colca Canyon is highly challenging for wheelchairs due to steep, rugged, and unstable high-altitude terrain. Paved pathways are mostly limited to main town plazas like Chivay.
Elderly Visitors: The high elevation (exceeding 3,000 meters) and steep trails pose a significant physical challenge. It is recommended that seniors stick to gentler walks near towns, visit the hot springs, or view the canyon from easily accessible lookouts.
Children: Children can visit, but parents must exercise extreme caution near steep, unfenced rims. Gradual acclimatization is necessary to prevent altitude sickness in young travelers.
Cash is King: There are no ATMs inside the canyon, and local hostels, restaurants, and ticket checkpoints do not accept credit cards. Bring plenty of Peruvian Soles (PEN) from Arequipa.
Accommodation: Trekking down into the canyon involves staying at rustic hostels in oases like Sangalle or Llahuar. These often have no electricity or rely on limited solar power, so a headlamp is essential.
Emergency Transport: If you are trekking and cannot complete the steep climb out of the canyon, you can hire an emergency mule or donkey in Cabanaconde for a cash fee.
Tourist Ticket: The Boleto Turístico Colca is required for entry. It costs S/ 70.00 for non-Latin American adults and must be paid in cash. Keep this ticket safe, as park officials will inspect it at various checkpoints.
Identification: You must present a valid official ID, such as a physical passport, alongside your Tourist Ticket.
Prohibited Items: Drones, professional camera gear (like tripods in restricted zones), weapons, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited without official permits. Littering or throwing objects over the canyon edge is forbidden.
Colca Canyon is officially measured at a depth of 4,160 meters (13,648 feet). This makes it one of the deepest canyons in the world, roughly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Usually, no. Most tour operators do not include the Boleto Turístico Colca (Tourist Ticket) in their base price. You will need to bring S/ 70.00 in cash to pay the entrance fee at the checkpoint.
No, credit cards are not accepted at the physical checkpoints or ticket offices in Chivay. You must pay the fee in cash using Peruvian Soles (PEN).
Full-day tours from Arequipa start very early, usually with hotel pick-ups between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM. This is necessary to reach the canyon viewpoints by 8:00 AM to see the condors.
While they are wild animals and sightings cannot be 100% guaranteed, your chances are extremely high if you visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM during the dry season.
Yes, the trekking routes are very demanding. The trails are unrelentingly steep, narrow, and covered in loose gravel, all at altitudes above 3,000 meters. Trekking poles and good hiking boots are highly recommended.
If you are unable to complete the steep climb out of the canyon, you can hire a mule or donkey in Cabanaconde for emergency transport. Make sure you have extra cash on hand for this.
To avoid altitude sickness (soroche), spend at least two to three days acclimatizing in Arequipa before your tour. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and drink local coca leaf tea.
Most tour operators offer hotel pick-up from accommodations located within the historic center (Downtown) of Arequipa. If you are staying outside this area, you may need to meet at the Plaza de Armas.
Layering is essential. You will need a warm jacket or thermal coat for the freezing early mornings and nights, but light, breathable clothing for the sunny daytime. Sturdy walking shoes and a sun hat are also necessary.
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This two-day trek into the Colca Canyon is built for those with previous hiking experience. On the first day, you will spend six hours navigating the canyon's steep terrain, moving both uphill and downhill, with a one-hour break for lunch. You will spend the night in the canyon, where you can meet local residents and rest at the Sangalle Oasis, a retreat featuring natural spring-fed pools. The second day begins with an early morning start to tackle the final three-hour ascent out of the canyon. After completing the climb, the itinerary includes a visit to the hot springs in Yanque to recover and a stop in Chivay for a traditional Peruvian meal. Throughout the journey, there are frequent opportunities to observe Andean condors flying above the canyon walls.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
If you are looking for an exciting day trip in Arequipa that takes you off the beaten path through beautiful Andean landscapes, explore the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world and appreciate the majestic flight of the Andean condor, also enjoy beautiful landscapes and diversity of flora and fauna such as llama, alpaca, vicuña and others in their natural habitat. Refresh yourself in its thermal pools, taste the gastronomy of the Colca Valley based on high Andean products.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This one-day tour covers the essential landmarks of the Colca Canyon. You will visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to observe the canyon's depth and watch Andean condors in flight. The itinerary also includes stops at traditional Andean villages and provides time to relax in the local hot springs. While the round-trip involves significant travel time, the tour is physically accessible for most visitors as it requires no strenuous hiking. The roads are well-maintained, though it is important to prepare for the high altitude and variable mountain weather throughout the day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day trip departs early in the morning with a pickup directly from your hotel. You will travel by tourist transportation to the Colca Valley, led by a professional English-speaking guide who provides context on the region’s geography and local traditions. Designed for those on a tight schedule, this itinerary focuses on the most significant landmarks of the canyon, which is among the deepest in the world. The route offers clear views of the Andean landscape and opportunities to observe the living culture of the communities within the valley.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Based directly in the Colca Canyon, we provide private transportation and tailored tours with over 13 years of experience in the region. Our service is designed to be flexible; you can adjust the itinerary on the go or fully customize your route to explore the valley at your own pace. We operate a fleet of modern vehicles that meet Leading Quality Assurance (LQA) standards for safety and comfort. Every trip is hosted by a professional tourism driver who is fluent in both English and Spanish, offering local knowledge and reliable service throughout your visit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This journey begins with a drive through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can spot wild vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. We visit the Tocrapampa wetlands and the Patapampa viewpoint to see the volcanic landscape before heading into the heart of the Colca Valley. You will spend time in the towns of Chivay, Yanque, and Maca, learning about local customs and seeing the ancient agricultural terraces. The itinerary includes a visit to the Chacapi hot springs for a soak and stops at the Wayrapunku and Antahuilque viewpoints for views of the deep mountain gorges. A central part of the experience is the Cruz del Condor, a natural lookout where you can watch Andean condors flying over the canyon. Throughout the trip, you will have opportunities to see local textiles, try traditional food, and experience the daily life of the Colca people.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The tour begins with a 3:00 AM pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa. You will travel along the Yura road, passing Chachani mountain and the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, where wild vicuñas are commonly seen. By 6:00 AM, the group arrives in the town of Chivay for breakfast before continuing the drive for another hour to reach the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor. This viewpoint offers a clear look at the canyon's depth and the flight of Andean condors. After spending time at the viewpoint, you will head back to Chivay for lunch and a brief walk through the local streets. At 2:00 PM, the return trip to Arequipa begins. On the way back, the tour stops at Patapampa, the highest point of the route at 4,800 meters, which provides a wide view of the surrounding volcanic mountain range. The journey concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation in Arequipa at approximately 5:00 PM.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This private tour departs from Arequipa at 3:10 AM to reach the Colca Canyon early in the day. The itinerary centers on the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you can observe Andean condors in flight. For those who want to see the landscape on foot, there is an optional one-hour hike from Cruz del Condor to Cruz del Cura, providing several different vantage points over the canyon. The journey continues with stops at the Wayrapunko and Antahuilque viewpoints, as well as the Choquetico hanging tombs. You will also visit the traditional towns of Maca and Yanque to see their colonial architecture and local culture. The tour includes a stop at the La Calera hot springs for a soak in the thermal waters before arriving back in Arequipa at 5:30 PM.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This trip begins with a drive out of Arequipa, heading toward the Colca Canyon. At over 4,000 meters deep, it stands as the deepest canyon in Peru. The route offers a look at the diverse geography of the Andes, shifting from urban outskirts to rugged mountain passes. During the journey, you will travel through the Vicuña National Reserve (Salinas and Aguada Blanca). This high-altitude plain is one of the best places to observe vicuñas in their natural habitat. You will have time to take in the scenery before reaching the canyon to view its scale and the surrounding landscapes.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
English, Spanish
This full-day trip departs Arequipa early in the morning to reach the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in the world. The primary stop is the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you can watch Andean condors soaring above the canyon floor. Following the flight of the birds, the tour visits the highland villages of Yanque, Maca, and Pinchollo to see their colonial architecture and learn about local culture. You will explore pre-Inca history at the Choquetico and Antahuilque viewpoints, which overlook ancient agricultural terraces. In the town of Chivay, the tour includes a traditional lunch and offers time to visit the La Calera hot springs. The return leg ascends to the Patapampa pass at 4,910 meters for a view of the surrounding volcanoes before crossing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a protected area where vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas roam freely. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, and lunch.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish