Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno Full Day is perfect for those who don’t mind spending a few hours in a van to achieve their dream of visiting two iconic destinations in Peru. First, you’ll explore the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon, home to the majestic Andean condor, before continuing on to Puno to witness the beauty of Lake Titicaca. It’s an adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural treasures, offering an unforgettable experience of Peru’s natural wonders.
Important: Tourists participating in this tour need to be flexible, as we will be using two different types of vehicles for the group tours: one from Arequipa to Chivay and another from Chivay to Puno. Additionally, we recommend bringing some snacks for the journey.
Peru
Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno Full Day
Summary
Important: Tourists participating in this tour need to be flexible, as we will be using two different types of vehicles for the group tours: one from Arequipa to Chivay and another from Chivay to Puno. Additionally, we recommend bringing some snacks for the journey.
Overview
03:00AM – 07:00PM
Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno Full Day
- Tour Start Time: 3:00 AM
- Tour End Time: 7:30 PM
- Maximum Altitude: 4,910 meters (16,108 feet) above sea level (Patapampa viewpoint)
- Weather: Cold in the early morning and evening, mild during the day with potential for strong sun; temperatures can range from -5°C (23°F) in the morning to 20°C (68°F) during the day.
- Driving hours between each major point in the tour:
- Arequipa to Chivay: 3 hours
- Chivay to Cruz del Condor: 1.5 hours
- Cruz del Condor to Chacapi Thermal Baths: 1 hour
- Chacapi Thermal Baths to Chivay: 30 minutes
- Chivay to Puno: 6 hours (including stops at viewpoints like Patapampa and the Salinas Reserve)
Itinerary
Itinerary Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno Full day
We will pick up participants between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM. Please be ready at the reception of your accommodation by 3:00 AM for pick-up. The journey begins with a three-hour drive to the village of Chivay, located at more than 3,000 meters above sea level.
Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring bread with butter and jam, juice, and coffee or tea to start your day.
With your energy restored, head to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you can marvel at the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. This location is also ideal for spotting the majestic Andean condor in its natural habitat.
Afterward, continue the journey with stops at picturesque villages and scenic viewpoints of the Colca Canyon, such as Wayrapunko and Antahuillque. Around 11:30 AM, visit the Chacapi thermal baths to relax and spend an hour soaking in the soothing natural pools.
Following this rejuvenating experience, return to Chivay, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Once refreshed, regroup and set off on the journey to Puno, your final destination.
During the six-hour drive, there will be several stops to stretch and appreciate the scenery. Highlights include the Patapampa viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes, as well as the Salinas Reserve and Lagunillas, where you may spot herds of camelids or flocks of wild birds.
The excursion concludes at the Puno Terminal at approximately 7:30 PM.
Price
We also done Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno Full day Tours in private service and the cost is based on your group size.
you can read our Tripadvisor Reviews: TRIPADVISOR INTI SUN TREK
Inclusions
Included to Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno Full Day
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Arequipa
- Drop off in Puno Bus Station
- English/Spanish-speaking professional guide
- Continental breakfast
- Lunch
- Vegetarian food available on request with no extra charge
- First aid equipment
Not Included:
- Dinner
- Entrance fees to Colca Canyon
- Entry fee to the Chacapi Hot Springs
- Snacks
- Tips for the guide and driver
What to bring
What to bring to Excursion to the Colca Canyon Ending in Puno Full Day
- Passport or ID card
- Small daypack or backpack (approximately 20L)
- Comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended)
- Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and traction
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Warm coat
- Wimwear or bathing suit.
- Hat and gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Water (at least 1L)
- Personal medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Painkillers or anti-inflammatories
- Bandaids (especially those designed for blisters)
- Toilet paper
- Camera
- Cash (in small denominations of Peruvian Nuevos soles)
FAQ
What time will the tour start?
The tour starts with a pick-up from your accommodation between 3:00 AM and 3:30 AM. Please be ready at the reception of your accommodation by 3:00 AM for pick-up.
How long is the drive to Colca Canyon?
The drive to Colca Canyon takes approximately three hours, and we will stop along the way for rest breaks and scenic views.
What should I bring for the tour?
SWe recommend bringing comfortable clothing for the journey, a jacket as temperatures can vary, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning views. Also, don’t forget to bring some snacks for the road.
How long will we spend at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint?
You will have ample time to enjoy the breathtaking views at Cruz del Condor, where you can watch the Andean condors and take photos of the canyon. Expect to spend around 1 hour
When does the tour start and finish?
Since the location is 3.5 hours away we will have an early start between 4.30 a.m and 5:00. The tour finishes at 6:00 p.m.
Are there any stops for food during the tour?
Yes, you will have a delicious breakfast upon arrival in Chivay, consisting of bread, butter, jam, juice, and coffee or tea. After the visit to the Colca Canyon, there will also be free time for lunch in Chivay, where you can choose a place to eat.
Can I relax in the thermal baths?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Chacapi thermal baths, where you can relax and enjoy the natural pools for about an hour.
How long will the drive to Puno be?
The drive from Chivay to Puno takes approximately six hours, with several stops along the way for scenic views and breaks.
What are the highlights of the drive to Puno?
During the drive, you will enjoy stunning views at the Patapampa viewpoint, see the Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes, and stop at the Salinas Reserve and Lagunillas, where you might spot wildlife such as camelids and wild birds.
When will the tour end?
The excursion will conclude at the Puno Terminal at approximately 7:30 PM.
Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
This tour involves a long drive and some walking, so it may not be ideal for young children or people with limited mobility. We recommend checking with us before booking if you have any concerns.
How much time do we spend in the van during the tour?
Expect to spend around 9-10 hours total in the van, including the drives between Arequipa, Chivay, and Puno, with several stops along the way for sightseeing and rest breaks.
hat type of vehicles are used for the tour?
The tour uses two types of vehicles: one for the journey from Arequipa to Chivay and another for the longer stretch from Chivay to Puno.