• Chivay - Chivay serves as the entrance to Colca Canyon, situated at an elevation of 3,635 meters. It is the primary stop for travelers to acclimate to the altitude. In the morning, Chivay’s plaza becomes vibrant with local vendors and villagers. The tour pauses here for breakfast, offering a glimpse into the daily life of an Andean town and an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coca leaf tea to ease altitude effects.
• Yanque - This charming village is renowned for its baroque colonial church and rich cultural heritage. In Yanque’s central square, local women and children often perform traditional Wititi dances in colorful costumes for tips in the early morning. The tour either drives through or makes a brief stop, allowing visitors to admire the well-preserved church façade and observe locals in their distinctive Colca Valley attire.
• Maca - Another quaint town in the Colca Valley, Maca is typically visited on the return journey. It boasts an attractive 18th-century colonial church set against a backdrop of volcanoes.
• Mirador Cruz del Condor - The Colca Canyon is the main attraction, a vast gorge over 3,000 meters deep, ranking among the deepest canyons on Earth. At the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, visitors stand at the canyon’s edge, gazing into its depths and across to the far side where small villages and terraced fields cling to the slopes. The highlight here is watching the Andean condors. With wingspans exceeding 3 meters, these birds often glide on thermal updrafts in the mornings, sometimes passing remarkably close to the viewpoint, much to everyone’s delight.

There are several lookout points along a short path at Cruz del Cóndor, providing time to walk around, take photos, and marvel at the birds and the canyon’s grandeur.

• Hot Springs Chacapi - A favored relaxation spot, these thermal baths are located about 10 km from Chivay. They offer several man-made pools fed by natural hot springs, with water temperatures around 35–38°C (95-100°F). Surrounded by canyon walls and offering a view of the Colca River, it’s a picturesque spot to relax your muscles. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, and a small snack bar. Bathing here is optional but recommended if a swimsuit is available.
• Abra Patapampa - This high pass (4,910 meters) is literally breathtaking – the air is thin and cold, but the views are spectacular. Patapampa is marked by hundreds of small stone cairns left by travelers. On a clear day, several volcanoes are visible: Ampato (6,288 meters, where the famous Inca mummy was discovered), Sabancaya (5,976 meters, often active and emitting fumaroles), Mismi (the source of the Amazon River), and others.
• Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve - A vast reserve spanning the regions of Arequipa and Puno, characterized by high plains, wetlands, and volcano-dotted horizons. Pampa Cañahuas is a section of the reserve known for its herds of vicuñas – wild camelids that roam freely here under government protection. The tour’s stop in the reserve allows for close observation of vicuñas (sometimes right by the road) and distinguishing them from their domesticated cousins, the alpaca and llama, which are also seen grazing, often tended by local herders.
• Laguna Lagunillas - A high-altitude lake located roughly midway between Chivay and Puno. The tour usually stops at a viewpoint above Lagunillas to admire its serene waters. At approximately 4,450 meters elevation, the lake is often a striking deep blue and is bordered by bogs that attract wildlife. If fortunate, visitors might spot flamingos feeding in the shallow areas or see vicuñas wandering near the shore.

• Tourism Guide (English/Spanish)
• Continental Breakfast
• Breakfast
• Shared transportation from Chivay to Puno
• Shared transportation from Arequipa to Chivay and Colca Canyon
• Lunch on Chivay

• Transfer to your Hotel in Puno.
• Colca tourist ticket S/70 soles for non-peruvian S/20 Soles for peruvians

This remarkable day trip transports travelers from Arequipa to Puno in one extraordinary journey.

Begin the adventure before sunrise to arrive at the Colca Canyon – among the deepest in the world – just as majestic condors start gliding on the morning thermals under the rising sun. In the Colca Valley, wander through traditional villages, engage with locals in colorful attire, and take photos of ancient terraced fields etched into the mountains.

Traverse the high Andes altiplano where herds of wild vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas roam freely, and stop at pristine lakes often visited by flamingos.

By evening, descend into Puno, Peru’s folklore capital on Lake Titicaca, bringing back unforgettable memories of volcanic vistas, canyon cliffs, and rich cultural experiences. Discover Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and culture in one comfortable, expertly-guided trip – ideal for travelers eager to make the most of every moment, all in a single day.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.