Colca Route | From Arequipa to the Condor Lookout | Full Day

🕓 Detailed Itinerary – Full Day from Arequipa to the Mirador de Cóndores

1. Pickup from your hotel in Arequipa
We start very early to make the most of the day. Our team will pick you up from your accommodation in the historic center or nearby areas, before setting off on the route to the Colca Canyon.

2. Travel to Chivay (3,635 m above sea level)
During the journey, we will cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. We’ll make a brief stop in Patahuasi for a coca tea, ideal for acclimatizing.

3. Breakfast in Chivay
Upon arriving in the town of Chivay, we’ll enjoy an Andean breakfast at a local restaurant, accompanied by mountain bread and hot drinks.

4. Route to the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint

We’ll visit the picturesque towns of Yanque and Maca, with their colonial churches and pre-Incan terraces. We’ll continue along the canyon’s edge until we reach the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, one of the best places to see the Andean condor in flight.

5. Condor Watching
Enjoy free time to take photographs and observe the flight of these majestic birds in one of the deepest canyons in the world, at over 3,400 meters deep.

6. Return to Chivay with panoramic stops
On the way back, we will make brief stops at natural viewpoints such as Antahuilque and Choquetico, from where you can appreciate the agricultural terraces and hanging tombs.

7. Lunch (optional)
Upon arrival back in Chivay, you will have the option of lunch at a buffet restaurant serving typical regional dishes.

8. Return to Arequipa via Patapampa (4,910 m above sea level)
We begin the return journey crossing the highest point of the route: the Mirador de los Volcanes in Patapampa, with impressive views of the Misti, Ampato, and Chachani volcanoes.

9. Arrival in Arequipa
End of the tour with transfer to your hotel. After a day filled with Andean landscapes, local culture, and stunning nature, we return to the White City.

✅ Includes:

• Round-trip tourist transportation from Arequipa
• Official bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
• Breakfast in Chivay
• Stops at viewpoints and villages
• Permanent assistance during the tour

❌ Not included:

• Colca tourist ticket (70 soles for foreigners / 20 soles for locals)
• Lunch in Chivay (optional)
• Drinks, snacks, and tips

📝 Recommendations:

• Bring warm clothing for the early morning cold and light layers for the day
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Camera or cell phone with good battery life
• Water and personal snacks
• Adapting to the change in altitude (bring leaves or candy) coca)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Full-Day Colca Canyon Route from Arequipa

📌 What time does the Colca Canyon tour start and end?

The tour starts between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m. with pickup from hotels in downtown Arequipa. The return trip is scheduled for around 4:00 p.m., depending on traffic and weather conditions.

📌 Is it necessary to purchase the Colca Canyon Tourist Ticket?

Yes. Entrance to the Colca Canyon requires the purchase of a Tourist Ticket:

• 70 soles for foreigners
• 40 soles for citizens of the Andean Community (CAN)
• 20 soles for Peruvians
  This ticket can be purchased directly on the route, in cash.

📌 Can you see the condor in flight year-round?

Yes, Andean condors can be seen year-round. However, the best times are between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m., when thermal currents allow them to fly at higher altitudes.

📌 How difficult is the tour? Is it suitable for everyone?

The Colca Full-Day Tour is suitable for all ages and does not require strenuous hikes. However, it is recommended to be cautious about the altitude, as the volcanoes reach up to 4,910 m above sea level at the Mirador de los Volcanes.

📌 Is it very cold in the morning?

Yes. In the early morning, especially in Patapampa, temperatures can drop to 0°C or below. It is recommended to bring warm clothing: hat, gloves, thermal jacket, and scarf.

📌 Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in most full-day tours, but there is a stop in Chivay where you can enjoy a typical Andean buffet (optional and at the traveler’s expense).

📌 What to bring for the Colca Full-Day Tour?

• Layered clothing (for cold and hot weather)
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water and snacks
• Camera
• Cash for tickets and purchases

📌 Can the Colca Canyon tour be done in a single day from Arequipa?

Yes, the full-day Colca Canyon tour is ideal for those who have little time in Arequipa and want to experience the full range of attractions in a single day. Although the trip is long, the stops and scenery make it enjoyable.