BEST SELLER – COLCA PLUS EXPERIENCE

Colca Canyon 2 Days Tour
from Arequipa

GIARDINO IN
TRIP ADVISOR

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2019 - 2020 - 2021
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Colca Canyon Tour Plus - 2 Days

Our Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour Plus takes you from Arequipa to one of Peru’s most spectacular destinations: the Colca Canyon. This guided experience combines Andean culture, nature, and breathtaking landscapes in a short but unforgettable journey.

On the way, you will cross the Andean highlands and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can observe wild vicuñas in their natural habitat, along with stunning volcano and mountain scenery.

Explore the Colca Valley, visit traditional villages, admire ancient agricultural terraces, and enjoy incredible panoramic views. The highlight of the tour is the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you can see the majestic Andean Condor flying over the canyon.

Our flexible Colca Tour Plus allows you to return to Arequipa or, for an additional cost, continue to Puno and Lake Titicaca. Travelers from Puno can also join the tour directly — please contact us for arrangements.

Private / Group

Arequipa

Natural Scene

Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour Highlights

Discover the best of the Colca Canyon on this 2-day journey from Arequipa, combining wildlife, high-altitude landscapes, traditional villages, and cultural experiences.

Wildlife & Natural Landscapes

  • See wild vicuñas and alpacas in their natural habitat while crossing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve (Pampa Cañahuas), one of the best wildlife areas near Arequipa.
  • Walk through the unique Puruña stone forest, a natural rock formation perfect for light hiking and photography.
  • Get stunning views of the Colca Canyon and observe the majestic Andean condor at the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint.

High Altitude Experiences

  • Experience the altitude of the Andes at over 4,910 meters (16,100 ft) at the Patapampa viewpoint, known as the “Roof of the Andes”.
  • Enjoy panoramic photo stops at the Atahuilque viewpoint, overlooking the Colca Valley terraces and mountains.
  • Make several scenic stops along the route to admire volcanoes, valleys, and dramatic Andean landscapes.

Andean Culture & Traditional Villages

  • Visit traditional towns such as Chivay, Coporaque, Yanque, and Maca, known for their culture, history, and colonial churches.
  • Learn about local traditions, costumes, and Andean way of life in the Colca Valley.
  • Experience authentic cultural stops guided by your local tour guide.

Relaxation & Optional Activities

  • Relax at La Casa de Mamayacchi Lodge with panoramic views of the Colca Valley.
  • Enjoy the natural local hot springs (thermal baths), perfect after a day of experiences.
  • Join optional guided walks to discover hidden viewpoints and canyon landscapes.

What’s Included in our Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour Plus

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arequipa with comfortable tourist transportation and professional driver.
  • Professional English-speaking guide certified and experienced in Colca Canyon tours.
  • Accommodation in a selected lodge or hotel in the Colca Valley, including breakfast.
  • All visits according to the official itinerary.
  • Oxygen bottle and first aid kit available on board for high-altitude safety.
  • 24/7 assistance during the tour for support before and during your trip.
  • Health and safety protocols followed throughout the entire experience.

Optional Extensions and Add-Ons (Extra Cost)

  • Transfer to Puno (Lake Titicaca): Continue your journey after the Colca Canyon tour with a scenic transfer to Puno instead of returning to Arequipa. Ideal for travelers exploring southern Peru.
  • Cultural experience in Coporaque village: Spend an extra day living with local families and discovering authentic Andean traditions in the Colca Valley.
  • Full-day hiking activities in the Colca Valley: Enjoy additional guided trekking routes with panoramic views, ideal for travelers looking for more adventure and nature exploration.
  • Sibayo llama walking experience: Visit the traditional village of Sibayo and enjoy a unique cultural activity walking with llamas in a high-Andean environment.

About the Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour with Giardino Tours

During our Colca Canyon 2-day tour (Colca Tour Plus), we offer an immersive travel experience that brings travelers closer to the culture, landscapes, and local traditions of the Colca Valley in Peru. This journey combines nature, Andean communities, and authentic cultural experiences.

Andean Condor Experience

The Colca Canyon is one of the best places in South America to observe the Andean Condor. During the tour, we visit several strategic viewpoints, including the famous Cruz del Condor, increasing the chances of seeing these majestic birds in flight in their natural habitat.

Flexible Route: Arequipa and Puno Connection

Our Colca Canyon 2-day tour is flexible and allows travelers to finish the experience either by returning to Arequipa or continuing to Puno and Lake Titicaca.

We also offer pick-up from Puno, allowing travelers to join the tour and end the journey in Arequipa.

Safety, Transport and Professional Guides

All transportation used in our Colca Canyon tours is regularly inspected under strict safety controls and operated by experienced professional drivers trained for high-altitude routes.

All vehicles are equipped with a first aid kit and oxygen supply for safety during high-altitude travel in the Andes.

Our professional English-speaking guides have many years of experience and receive continuous training, including emergency response preparation.

Giardino Tours maintains a strong safety record, recognized by local tourism authorities and international organizations.

Responsible Tourism Commitment

We are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, minimizing environmental impact while supporting local communities, education, and employment in the Colca Valley region.

Our goal is to create a positive impact through tourism while offering meaningful travel experiences in the Andes of Peru.

responsible

Responsible Travel

Respect for local communities and environment.

Guided

Professional guide English / Spanish.

Safe transportation

We verify the transport for a safe trip

Oxygen bottle

In transport and in hotels.

Accomodation

Accommodation in selected hotel

Support 24/7

We monitor your trip permanently.

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    Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour – Frequently Asked Questions

    All Colca Canyon tours depart from the city of Arequipa (From your hotel). Upon request, we can also arrange pick-up from Puno and connect you with our Colca tour Plus in Chivay.

    The Colca Canyon is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Arequipa.

    There is a very high chance (around 95%) of seeing Andean Condors during the tour. The itinerary includes a visit to the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you can observe their spectacular flight.

    Yes, the entrance fee is 70 soles per person. It is not included in the tour price. During the journey to Chivay, we stop at the official ticket office so you can purchase your ticket. On request, we can also arrange it in advance.

    Our 2-Day Colca Canyon Plus Tour offers hikes that are always optional, such as the approximately 45-minute walk in the Puruña Stone Forest. For those who prefer not to walk or have physical limitations, we provide transportation available throughout the tour, ensuring that all travelers can enjoy the experience comfortably and safely. This tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

    However, it is important to consider the altitude of the tour, which can exceed 4,900 meters at points like Patapampa. We recommend proper acclimatization in Arequipa beforehand to enjoy the experience more comfortably.

    Yes, our Colca Canyon 2-day tour includes one night of accommodation in a comfortable lodge with breakfast, allowing you to rest and enjoy your experience in the Colca Valley.

    We usually work with different hotels in the area to offer flexibility and adapt to different travel preferences. One of our preferred accommodations is La Casa de Mamayacchi, located in Coporaque, a quiet traditional village with beautiful views over the right side of the Colca Valley.
    However, if you prefer, you can also choose your own accommodation or even join the tour without hotel booking. We are flexible and happy to adapt the experience according to your needs.

    The best time to visit the Colca Canyon is during the dry season, from April to November, when the weather is more stable, skies are clear, and conditions are ideal for observing the flight of the condor.

    The rainy season in Peru runs from December to March. During this period, the trip may require adjustments due to weather, but in April and May, the landscapes and agricultural terraces become especially green and colorful, highlighting the valley’s beauty.

    Yes, it is possible to travel from Arequipa to Puno via the Colca Canyon. Many travelers choose this route as part of a Colca Canyon 2-day tour, as it connects both destinations while allowing you to explore the canyon along the way.

    This option includes scenic stops in the Colca Valley and ends in Puno at Lake Titicaca, making it a convenient and time-efficient way to continue your journey through southern Peru.

    Chivay is located at an altitude of approximately 3,645 meters (11,959 feet) above sea level.

    Yes, it is highly recommended to acclimatize before the Colca Canyon tour, especially if you are arriving from lower-altitude destinations. The tour reaches high elevations where some travelers may feel the effects of altitude.

    We recommend spending at least 1 day in Arequipa (2,300 m) before starting the tour. This helps your body adapt gradually and improves your overall experience in the Colca Canyon region.

    Proper acclimatization can reduce the risk of altitude sickness and allows you to enjoy the journey more comfortably.

    All our tours include oxygen and a first aid kit on board the transportation, ensuring additional safety and support during high-altitude travel.

    Yes, it is absolutely possible. We offer tours to Lake Titicaca and are experienced tour operators based in Arequipa. You can confidently let us know which places you want to visit, and we will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests and schedule, combining the Colca Canyon experience with other wonders of southern Peru.

    MitchNice
    MitchNice
    In Tripadvisor
    We had a wonderful birdwatching tour yesterday, organized by Giardino Tour. Luis was an excellent guide, and Julio was an excellent driver. We drove from Arequipa to the Mejia Lagoons National Bird Sanctuary...
    BarbE
    BarbEIn Tripadvisor
    Giardino was recommended by a friend, and even though I had booked some hotels on my own, they managed to work around it, and provide us a wonderful experience from Paracas, Nazca, Ica, Huacachina to Puno. The guide Luis Angel was very knowledgeable, answered every question, and went over and beyond his duties to make the tour an unforgettable time in Perú.
    Decat08
    Decat08
    In Tripadvisor
    We had a fun and educational private Colca Valley tour and road trips with Ramiro (guide) and Herbert (driver) from Giardino Tours. They picked us up from the Arequipa airport, took us to our accommodations at Colca Lodge, took us on a beautiful hike to the isolated Chimpa Fortress... We are glad the agency we engaged to plan our Peru adventure chose Giardino Tours for this part of the trip!
    Stephen M
    Stephen MIn Tripadvisor
    We traveled in Peru with having all of our trip booked through the Giardino travel agency. Karla helped us with the planning and booked the trip, the individual tours and our flights. The price for the tour overall was very reasonable... The guides were fantastic and were the best part about doing these tours. They were knowledgeable and had some of the best recommendations for us to do
    Pavel N
    Pavel NIn Tripadvisor
    Best tour operator in Perú! We have been working with Giardino Tours for years and they have always been outstanding... They will always help us in the best possible way and their service and guides are impeccable. They will sometimes go out of their way just to accommodate our…
    Ritaana
    RitaanaIn Tripadvisor
    We went on a two-day tour with Luis and Julio and it was amazing! Luis speaks very good English and knows a lot about the history and culture of is own country. At every question, he could easily give you a good answer and explainating. Julio was a very good driver. We felt very safe and he stopt at the best spots for pictures. This was one of the best trips during our stay in Peru. We highly recommend this tour guide!