Colca Valley 2 Day Tour (Without Accomodation)
Trip Details
Day 1: Arequipa – Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve – Chivay
At the indicated time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa and head toward the spectacular Colca Valley, a destination that combines volcanic landscapes, unique wildlife, and ancestral traditions. Are you ready to venture into the heart of the Peruvian Andes? Let’s go!
The road will take us through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a natural setting where herds of vicunas, llamas, and alpacas graze freely under the gaze of the surrounding volcanoes.
As we ascend the mountain range, we will stop at various viewpoints to enjoy unforgettable panoramas of the Misti, Chachani, and Ampato volcanoes. The highest point will be the Patapampa viewpoint at 4,910 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level, from where you can see a horizon crowned by snow-capped peaks.
Around noon, we will arrive in Chivay, the charming town that welcomes visitors to the Colca Valley. Here you will have one hour for lunch on your own, and then we will drop you off at your reserved accommodation, where you will have 40 minutes to an hour to settle in.
In the afternoon, if you choose to, we can take you to the La Calera hot springs. Here you will have one hour to relax in the outdoor pools, surrounded by mountains. The perfect time to unwind as the sun sets behind the Andean landscape!
Finally, we will drop you off at your hotel in Chivay.
Day 2: Chivay – Cruz del Cóndor – Arequipa
Early in the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Chivay to begin a scenic route through the Colca Valley. Along the way, we will make stops in small villages and natural viewpoints that allow you to enjoy the grandeur of the Andean landscapes.
After about 30 minutes of travelling, we will make our first stop in the picturesque town of Maca, where we will admire its colonial church, the plaza, and observe locals dressed in colorful traditional clothing. Then we will continue to the Antahuilque viewpoint, from where you can enjoy unique views of the agricultural terraces built by the Incas and the Collaguas, still in use today.
Next, we will reach the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, one of the most emblematic locations in the valley. From here, you will not only see the vastness of the Colca Canyon, but also witness the breathtaking flight of the Andean condors, soaring majestically among the mountains using the morning air currents. An unforgettable natural spectacle that will remain in your memory!
Finally, we will return to Chivay, where you will have free time for lunch. Refreshed, we will make the journey back to Arequipa, where we will drop you off at your hotel in the historic center at 5 pm.
Ending the Tour in Puno
When booking, you can choose whether to end the tour in Arequipa or in Puno. If you choose the latter, the itinerary remains the same, except that on the second day, we will depart in the afternoon from Chivay to Puno.
During this six-hour journey, we will make stops at Patapampa and Lagunilla. An immersion in the nature of the Colca Valley! The tour will finally end in Puno at 7 pm.
Condor Watching
Colca Canyon is a strategic location for spotting the flight of the Andean condor. However, the animals are unpredictable. The number of animals you may spot can vary due to several factors.. Keep in mind that during the rainy season, from December to March, the chances of seeing condors decrease.
Pickup Info
This tour includes pickup only from accommodations located in the historic center of Arequipa. If you stay outside this area, we will contact you to provide an alternative meeting point.
Also, please note that on day 2, pickup is only included from accommodations in the town of Chivay. If you stay at Colca Lodge, Casitas del Colca, El Refugio, or other hotels outside the town, we will provide an alternative meeting point, or you will need to pay an additional US$ 13 per person.
Accommodation Info
Please note that this tour does not include accommodation, so you will need to book your preferred hotel in Chivay.
If you prefer to do this same activity with accommodation included, we recommend choosing our 2-day Colca Valley tour with accommodation.
Children Under 4
Although children under 4 can participate for free, they must sit on an adult’s lap, as they will not have their own seat on the bus.
More Information
Duration
2 days.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.
Included
Hotel pickup in Arequipa
Return transfer to your hotel in Arequipa (for the tour that ends in Arequipa)
Transfer to your hotel in Puno (for the tour that ends in Puno)
Transport by bus or minibus
English–speaking guide
Not included
Accommodation in Chivay
Food and drinks
Admission to the Colca Canyon: S/ 70 (US$ 20.77) per person
Admission to the La Calera hot springs: S/ 15 (US$ 4.45) per person
When to book?
You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Only some areas are accessible. Accessible toilets. An accompanying person is required. This must be indicated in the reservation.
Sustainability conditions
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - What is recommended to bring?
A - We recommend bringing warm clothing, comfortable shoes, medication for altitude sickness if necessary, and cash.
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Q - Can I bring luggage?
A - Yes, you can bring one suitcase or large backpack and one personal backpack per person.
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Arequipa Tour Corporate name: Culturas Andinas Expeditions E.I.R.L Registered Office: Calle Jerusalen 311A segundo piso Oficina 6, Arequipa, Peru Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): RUC 20454495722 Contact information Email: arequipatourperu@hotmail.com Phone: +51 54 576976
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us.