Tours in Arequipa: Prices and Recommendations

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Tours in Arequipa: Prices and Recommendations

We know that choosing between so many tours in Arequipa can be confusing. That’s why here you’ll find real prices, clear comparisons, and expert recommendations. In this guide, you’ll discover which tour suits your travel style, how much it costs, and how to make the most of your experience without wasting time or money.

📍 What are tours in Arequipa and why are they unmissable?

Tours in Arequipa combine culture, nature, and adventure in one of the most complete destinations in Peru. From active volcanoes to deep canyons like the Colca Canyon, this region offers unique experiences for all types of travelers.

Here you can find:

Cultural city tours in the historic center
Adventure excursions (trekking, volcanoes)
Gastronomic tours and sillar routes
Nature trips (Colca, lagoons, viewpoints)

🗺️ How do tours in Arequipa work?

🚐 Types of tours available

Shared tours: budget-friendly, ideal for backpackers
Private tours: personalized, more comfort
Full-day tours: intensive visits in one day
2–3 day tours: complete experiences (e.g., Colca)

📅 Booking and logistics

Can be booked online or through local agencies
Usually include hotel pick-up (city center)
Early departures (as early as 3:00 a.m. for Colca tours)

📊 Comparison of the best tours in Arequipa

Tour	Approx. Price	Duration	Difficulty	Best Season
Arequipa City Tour	$10 – $25	3 – 4 hrs	Easy	All year round
Sillar Route	$15 – $35	4 – 5 hrs	Easy	April – November
Colca Canyon Full Day	$30 – $60	12 – 14 hrs	Moderate	April – October
Colca 2D/1N	$80 – $150	2 days	Moderate	April – October
Misti Volcano Trek	$120 – $250	2 days	High	May – October
Pillones Waterfalls	$25 – $50	Full day	Easy	April – November

💰 What’s included and not included

✅ Included (in most tours)

Round-trip tourist transportation
Professional guide (Spanish / English)
Hotel pick-up (central areas)
Photo stops and viewpoints
Basic meals (on longer tours)

❌ Not included

Entrance fees (e.g., Colca ticket ~S/70)
Meals not specified
Tips (optional)
Travel insurance
Personal equipment

🎯 Expert tips for travelers

Weather and best time

Dry season (April – October): best for tours
Rainy season (November – March): fewer tourists but higher risk

Altitude and health

Arequipa is at 2,335 m (moderate altitude)
Colca exceeds 4,000 m → acclimatize at least 1 day
Drink coca tea or take altitude sickness pills

What to bring

Layered clothing (weather changes quickly)
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Sunglasses and hat
Water (at least 1.5L)
Cash (many places don’t accept cards)

🧠 Key recommendations before booking

Compare price vs quality (cheapest is not always best)
Check reviews on platforms (TripAdvisor, Google)
Ask if entrance fees are included
Confirm pick-up and return times
Avoid tours without certified guides

Recomendaciones de nuestros pasajeros

Gimena Rojas

Doing the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, and a big part of that was thanks to the outstanding service and care provided by Marvelous Peru. From the very first contact, their team was professional, friendly, and informative. They answered all of our questions quickly and gave us clear, detailed information about the itinerary, what to pack, and what to expect on the trail. The logistics were flawless — every transfer was on time, the campsites were well set up, and the support team was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the journey. A special mention goes to our guide, who was not only knowledgeable about Inca history, the local flora and fauna, and the geography of the Andes, but also passionate and deeply connected to the region's culture. His insights truly enriched our experience. The trek itself was absolutely breathtaking. Each day brought new landscapes: from the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Salkantay Mountain to lush cloud forests, turquoise glacial lakes, and ancient Inca trails. The route was well-paced, with plenty of breaks, and we always felt safe and supported. It’s a physically challenging trek, but Marvelous Peru made sure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of. One of the highlights was definitely the food. Considering we were in remote mountain areas, the meals exceeded all expectations. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. There were generous portions, local flavors, and even vegetarian options — a huge plus for some of us in the group. Our camp chef deserves a medal! Reaching Machu Picchu on the final day felt incredibly rewarding. After five days of hiking through such diverse and awe-inspiring terrain, standing before one of the world's wonders felt even more magical. It was the perfect end to a journey that tested us physically and rewarded us spiritually. I wholeheartedly recommend Marvelous Peru to anyone considering the Salkantay Trek. Their passion, organization, and genuine care for their travelers truly set them apart. If you want to discover the beauty of the Andes and Machu Picchu in a way that’s immersive, authentic, and unforgettable, go with Marvelous Peru. You won’t regret it.

Sergio Prado

The guide had so much knowledge and heart-he brought the trail to life

Marilyn Astudillo

I didn’t expect to enjoy the food on a mountain trek so much. Every meal was amazing.

yosgali rebeca boza carpio

Exelente

Noce Tampoco ce

Everything was so well organized, and the views were absolutely unforgettable.

Alexander Quispe R.

Reserve el tour de Salkantay de 5D/4N fui con el el mejor Guía Pablo tube una experiencia Maravillosa y en nuestra visita a Machupicchu tuvimos un clima espectacular recomiendo la compañía 🥳😃😃😃buena organización 🤗

nilton abelardo ccopa lopez

Una excelente experiencia recomendamos hacer los viajes con la compañía, servicio de calidad

Ivn_ Nghtmr

The Salkantay Trek with Marvelous couldn't have been better thanks to our incredible guide, Daniel. Honestly, I've never had such a great guide. Daniel is so warm, cheerful, and energetic. He wasn't just a guide, but part of our trekking family—many guides could learn something from him! Aside from that, our group was very personable, young, and motivated. The private cooks traveling with us prepared amazing food, and there was always enough of it. I've never eaten so well on a trek. Only in the last few days, when the cooks left and provided us with food at the restaurant, did the quality of the food really suffer compared to before. The accommodations were good, the sleeping bags provided were sufficient, and Daniel, our guide, tailored the route to our group's needs so everyone was satisfied.