Short itinerary
Day 1: Arequipa – Cruz del Cóndor – Chivay – Arequipa
- Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa (around 2:30 – 3:00 AM).
- Drive to the town of Chivay for a brief stop to have a continental breakfast and purchase entrance tickets.
- Continue the scenic drive for approximately 1.5 hours to reach the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint.
- Spend time observing the depth of the canyon and watching the majestic condors in flight.
- Visit the natural viewpoints of Wayrapunko, Antahuilque, and Choquetico to see pre-Inca terraces, hanging tombs, and carved stone models.
- Stop at the charming villages of Maca and Yanque.
- Enjoy a relaxing visit to the hot springs of La Calera (approx. 1 hour).
- Return to Chivay for a buffet lunch (drinks not included).
- Drive back to Arequipa, arriving around 4:30 PM.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Colca Canyon Experience
Your adventure begins very early with pick-up from your hotel between 2:30 and 3:00 AM. We head toward the picturesque town of Chivay, where you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast and have time to purchase the tourist tickets required for the Colca Canyon.
We continue our journey for about 1.5 hours until we reach the renowned Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Here, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring depth of one of the world’s deepest canyons and, with some luck, observe the spectacular flight of the Andean condors soaring across the skies.
After about an hour, we visit natural lookouts such as Wayrapunko, Antahuilque, and Choquetico, where you’ll learn about pre-Inca engineering, see hanging tombs, and view intricate stone models carved by ancient cultures. We also make short stops in the traditional villages of Maca and Yanque.
Next, we relax in the therapeutic hot springs of La Calera for around an hour before returning to Chivay for a buffet lunch. Finally, we drive back to Arequipa, arriving around 4:30 PM — filled with unforgettable memories of Peru’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Included
- Tourist transportation throughout the day.
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English).
- Continental breakfast in Chivay.
- Buffet lunch in Chivay (drinks not included).
Not included
- Colca tourist entrance ticket (approx. S/.70 – S/.100 depending on nationality).
- Personal expenses and tips.
Recommendations
- Bring cash for entrance tickets and optional purchases.
- Wear layered clothing to adjust to the cold morning and warmer afternoon temperatures.
- Use sunscreen and bring a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Bring a swimsuit and towel if you wish to enjoy the hot springs.
