Colca Canyon Tour 2 Days

A 2 day tour to Colca Canyon from Arequipa is one of the most popular travel experiences in southern Peru. This classic itinerary allows travelers to discover the dramatic landscapes of the canyon while enjoying cultural encounters, traditional villages, and the chance to observe the majestic Andean condor in its natural habitat.

Located about 160 kilometers from Arequipa, Colca Canyon is often considered one of the deepest canyons in the world. The journey to the canyon takes visitors across the high Andean plateau, where herds of alpacas and vicuñas roam freely across the vast plains. Along the way, travelers reach the high mountain pass of Patapampa, located at nearly 4,900 meters above sea level, where spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes can be admired.

This classic two-day Colca Canyon tour is designed to give visitors enough time to explore the highlights of the region without rushing the experience. During the first day, travelers journey through the Andes and arrive in the heart of the Colca Valley, where they can visit traditional villages and learn about the agricultural terraces that have shaped the landscape for centuries.

One of the most charming towns in the valley is Chivay, which serves as the main gateway to the canyon. Here visitors can explore local markets, discover traditional Andean culture, and relax in nearby hot springs surrounded by mountain scenery.

The highlight of the tour usually takes place on the second day at the famous viewpoint of Cruz del Condor. This spectacular location offers one of the best opportunities in South America to observe the giant Andean condor flying above the canyon. Early in the morning, thermal winds rising from the canyon allow these impressive birds to glide effortlessly across the cliffs.

In addition to wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, this two-day Colca Canyon tour also provides insight into the cultural traditions of the Colca Valley. Many villages in the region maintain ancestral customs, colorful traditional dress, and historic colonial churches that reflect centuries of Andean heritage.

For travelers visiting southern Peru, a Colca Canyon 2 day tour from Arequipa offers the perfect balance between adventure, nature, and culture. With comfortable transportation, experienced local guides, and carefully planned stops along the route, this tour is an unforgettable way to discover one of the most spectacular destinations in the Andes.

Why Choose a 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour?

Choosing a 2-day tour to Colca Canyon from Arequipa is the best way to fully experience one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Andes. While a day trip allows visitors to see some highlights, a two-day itinerary offers more time to explore the canyon, enjoy the scenery, and discover the cultural traditions of the Colca Valley.

One of the main advantages of a two-day Colca Canyon tour is that the journey through the Andes becomes part of the adventure. The route from Arequipa climbs high into the mountains, crossing remote high-altitude plains where herds of alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas graze freely. At the famous Patapampa Pass, travelers can admire panoramic views of several volcanoes surrounding the region.

Spending a night in the Colca Valley also allows visitors to experience the local atmosphere of the small Andean towns. Places such as Chivay, Yanque or Coporaque offer a glimpse into daily life in the Andes, with traditional markets, colonial churches, and welcoming local communities. Many travelers also enjoy relaxing in the nearby hot springs after a day exploring the canyon.

Another advantage of a two-day tour is the opportunity to visit the canyon’s most famous viewpoint at the best time of day. Early in the morning, travelers head to the iconic Cruz del Condor, where it is possible to observe the magnificent Andean condor gliding above the canyon cliffs. These giant birds use the rising thermal winds to soar effortlessly across the canyon, creating one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in South America.

A two-day Colca Canyon tour also provides a more relaxed travel pace. Instead of rushing through the highlights in a single day, visitors have more time to enjoy scenic viewpoints, learn about the ancient agricultural terraces of the valley, and appreciate the dramatic landscapes that make the canyon famous.

For many travelers visiting southern Peru, a 2-day Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa is the perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure. With enough time to explore the valley and witness the flight of the condors, this itinerary offers a deeper and more rewarding experience in one of the most impressive destinations in the Andes.

Day 1: Arequipa – Patapampa- Chivay- La Calera Hot Springs

Pick up at at 7:30 AM, the tour guide will meet you in your Arequipa hotel and then we will start our daily private or shared guided tour to the Colca Canyon the second deepest in the world.

Along the way we will arrive to the 4200m where is located the Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve, at this place we will watch vicugnas, lamas and alpagas. We will arrive to Patahuasi for drinking a coca tea.

Arrival to the highest point Patapampa, located at 4800 MASL, natural viewpoint where we will see the mountain range.
At 1pm we will arrive to Chivay town, located at 3600m. Lunch in Chivay and accommodation. In the afternoon visit to the hot springs La Calera, return to Chivay.

We will meet the tour guide in the lobby of the hotel at 7PM for having  dinner with folk show, return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 2: Chivay – Cruz del Condor – Arequipa

At 5:30AM, breakfast and departure to the famous Cruz del Condor for watching the flight of the Condors, on the way back to Chivay we will visit the different natural viewpoints and the Yanque and Maca towns.
Arrive to Chivay for having lunch and return to Arequipa. Arrival to Arequipa at 5PM, transfer to the hotel.

Tour Price:

From Chivay:

We will pick you up from the hotel in Chivay at 1PM for having lunch with the tour group and do hiking in the afternoon (optional). Then we will visit "La Calera" hot springs and dinner with the folk show.

From Puno:

Pick up from the hotel in Puno from 6 to 6:20AM and departure to Chivay town.
Along the way we will stop in Lagunillas for taking pictures of the birds and in the National  reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca for watching vicuñas and alpacas. Before arriving to Chivay we will stop in Patapampa pass located at 4910 MASL from where we will watch the mountain range.
Arrive to Chivay and transfer to the hotel in Chivay.  In the afternoon you will have lunch with the tour group and visit the hot springs.

From Cusco:

Day 1: Cusco - Colca (Chivay)

Departure: Tuesday, thursday and saturday

Departure Time: 7AM

• English-Speaking guide
• Tourist Transportation
• 1 night accommodation in the Colca Valley
• Entrance Fee to The Colca Valley
• One Hour Hiking
• Meals: Day 1: Lunch and dinner, Day 2: breakfast and lunch

• Soft and alcoholic drinks
• Breakfast on the first day
• Hotel in Arequipa
• Tips