Overview
Tight on time but don’t want to miss the majesty of the Andes? This intensive full-day tour takes you from Arequipa to the heart of the Colca Canyon. Witness the legendary flight of the Condor and explore traditional villages in a single, action-packed day.
- The Highlight: Early morning arrival at the Condor’s Cross for bird watching.
- Ancient Heritage: Discover pre-Inca hanging tombs and litho-models carved in stone.
- Relaxation: A soothing soak in the La Calera hot springs before heading back.
- Scenic Drive: Pass through the beautiful landscapes of the Colca Valley.
Full Itinerary
Early Departure & Breakfast:
Our journey begins with an early morning pickup between 2:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. from your hotel. We head straight to the town of **Chivay**, where we will stop for breakfast and purchase the necessary tourist tickets.
The Condor’s Cross:
We continue for about 1.5 hours until we reach the famous **Cruz del Condor**. We will spend approximately one hour here to appreciate the depth of the canyon and witness the spectacular flight of the Andean Condor.
Viewpoints & Traditions:
On our way back toward Chivay, we will stop at several natural lookouts: **Wayrapunko, Antahuilque, and Choquetico**. At these spots, you can observe pre-Inca agricultural engineering, hanging tombs, and ancient litho-models (stone-carved maps). We will also make short visits to the traditional towns of **Maca and Yanque**.
Afternoon Relax & Return:
Once back in Chivay, you will have about an hour to enjoy the **La Calera Hot Springs**. After a restorative soak, we will have lunch in town and begin our return trip to Arequipa, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The tour includes:
- Hotel pick-up and return transfer.
- Tourist transportation for the full circuit.
- Professional bilingual tour guide.
The tour does not include:
- Meals (Breakfast and Lunch).
- Colca Canyon Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).
- Entrance fee to La Calera Hot Springs.
- Personal expenses and tips.
Recommendations
Since this is a long day with varying temperatures, we recommend:
- Warm Clothing: It is very cold in the early morning; bring a heavy jacket.
- Swimwear: Don’t forget your towel and swimsuit for the hot springs.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential for the high-altitude sun.
- Water & Snacks: Bring some water and light snacks for the road.
- Cash: Small bills in Soles for the tourist ticket, entrance fees, and meals.
General Info
Duration: Approximately 14 hours.
Departure: 2:30 a.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Return: 4:30 p.m. (Arrival in Arequipa).
Max Altitude: Approx. 4,900 m.a.s.l. (during transit).
Difficulty: Low (Conventional bus tour), but requires resilience for the early start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast and lunch are not included in this full-day program. We will stop in Chivay so you can purchase these meals locally.
Will I see Condors on the 1-day tour?
Yes! We leave Arequipa very early specifically to arrive at the lookout during the morning hours when the Condors are most active.
Can I stay in Chivay instead of returning to Arequipa?
Yes, many travelers use this tour as a transfer. You can bring your luggage and depart the group in Chivay if you have a hotel booked there or plan to take a bus to Puno afterward.