DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru
DOS MANOS PERU Travel & tours in Peru

Colca Canyon 1 Day Tour


breakfast and lunch
Meals
small groups or private
Group size
up to 4910 m (Patapampa Pass)
Altitude
easy
Dificulty

Colca Canyon Tour (full day): Why Go

Colca Canyon Tour (full day)

The Colca Canyon 1 Day Tour from Arequipa is the perfect option for travelers who want to experience one of Peru’s most impressive natural landscapes but have limited time.

Located about four hours from Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is famous for its dramatic scenery, traditional Andean villages and the majestic Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world.

During this tour you travel through spectacular high Andean landscapes, crossing mountain passes surrounded by volcanoes and wildlife before reaching the canyon.

The highlight of the excursion is the visit to Cruz del Condor, the most famous viewpoint in the Colca Canyon and the best place to observe condors soaring above the canyon cliffs.

This tour combines breathtaking scenery, local culture and wildlife observation, making it one of the most rewarding day trips from Arequipa.

What to Expect

Your day begins very early with departure from Arequipa and a scenic drive through the Andes toward the Colca Valley.

Along the way you pass through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where it is common to see vicuñas, alpacas and llamas. The route crosses the Patapampa Pass (4910 m), offering spectacular views of surrounding volcanoes.

In the Colca Canyon region you visit the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you have excellent chances of seeing the majestic Andean condor flying above the canyon.

You also visit picturesque villages such as Yanque and Maca, where you learn about local traditions and agriculture. On the return journey you stop at scenic viewpoints and traditional villages before returning to Arequipa in the evening.

Extra Info: The Andean Condor

The Andean condor is one of the most iconic birds in South America and an important symbol in Andean culture.

With a wingspan of up to three meters, it is one of the largest flying birds in the world. Condors use the warm air currents rising from the canyon to glide effortlessly above the cliffs.

The best time to observe them is usually in the early morning, when they leave their nesting areas and begin soaring above the canyon.

Colca Canyon Tour (full day)

Photos

Tour Details

Highlights

Watch majestic Andean condors soaring above the canyon at Cruz del Condor

Travel through spectacular Andean landscapes with volcanoes, wildlife and traditional villages

Location:
Colca Canyon, approx. 160 km northwest of Arequipa
Tour type:
full day group or private tour
Duration:
full day (approx. 14 hours)
Altitude:
up to 4910 m at Patapampa Pass
Difficulty:
easy
Best season:
year round

Additional Options:

Tour type: scenic drive, wildlife observation, cultural visits

Itinerary

  • Colca Canyon 1 Day Tour
  • Early morning pickup from your hotel in Arequipa around 3.30 am
  • Scenic drive through the Andes and Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve
  • Stop at Patapampa Pass for panoramic volcano views
  • Visit to Cruz del Condor viewpoint
  • Stops in traditional villages such as Yanque and Maca
  • Scenic viewpoints along the Colca Valley
  • Lunch in the Colca Valley
  • Return to Arequipa in the evening
  • Day Overview
  • Early morning pickup from your hotel in Arequipa followed by a scenic drive through high Andean landscapes.
  • The route crosses the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you may see wildlife such as vicuñas and alpacas. After reaching the Patapampa Pass (4910 m), you descend toward the Colca Valley.
  • At Cruz del Condor, you enjoy spectacular views over the canyon and have the opportunity to see Andean condors soaring above the cliffs.
  • Later you visit traditional villages such as Yanque and Maca, where you can observe local culture and architecture. After lunch in the valley, the journey continues back toward Arequipa with scenic stops along the way. Arrival in Arequipa is usually in the early evening.

Please note that the times provided in the above itinerary are approximate and subject to change. Last-minute adjustments may occur due to weather conditions, political unrest, or other unforeseen factors. We cannot be held responsible for any changes or delays.

Colca Canyon Tour (full day)

Good to Know

  • The tour starts very early in the morning (around 3.30- am)
  • High altitude areas may exceed 4800 m
  • Warm clothing is recommended for early morning departures
  • Sun protection is important due to strong mountain sunlight
  • Comfortable walking shoes recommended
  • If you want to explore the canyon more deeply, consider the Colca Canyon 2 Day Tour or the Colca Canyon Trek, which include overnight stays in the Colca Valley.
Colca Canyon Tour (full day)

Price & Inclusions

Price

Contact us for updated price information

Included

Pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa
Round trip transportation
Professional bilingual guide
Breakfast and lunch
Assistance during the tour

Not Included

Colca Canyon entrance ticket
Personal expenses
Tips
Colca Canyon Tour (full day)
Colca Canyon Tour (full day)

Your booking request is subject to availability and is only confirmed once you receive our written confirmation

Reviews

Leon Sciarone
Peru Classic in 14 Days
It was a marvellous experience!

I recently booked an excursion with Dos Manos to Puno and the Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca. It was a marvelous trip and I really enjoyed it!

Yves Leclerc
Peru Classic & Amazon in 20 Days
Your team is unbelievable!

When we came to your agency, it was for info on Salkantay trail. My wife and me are bilingual (French & English). We talked to Joseph a guy who speaks Spanish and French.

Adam Rice
Peru Itinerary Classic & Northern Peru 20 days
We had a great time!

Just wanted to send you a note back from our trip. We had a great time, everything worked out really good,,the service by you and your company was excellent!!!

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