How to Plan Your 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer to Puno from Arequipa

Are you feeling adventurous and looking for a breathtaking tour in the Andes Mountains? Then the 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer to Puno from Arequipa is perfect for you! This tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley and the Colca Canyon. You’ll see the flight of the majestic condor, marvel at the dramatic landscapes, and get a nice view of the Andean volcanoes while encountering llamas and alpacas along the way. Here’s everything you need to know before embarking on this incredible journey.

Experience

This two-day tour is packed with adventure as you explore the Andes Mountains and its treasures. In the first leg of the journey, you will pass through the Sacred Valley and the Andes Viewpoint, where you can see the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The next stop is at Chivay for lunch before taking an optional extra fee hike to the Colca Canyon. Afterward, you will spend the night in Chivay where you will have some free time to explore the town.

The second day will begin with a visit to Coporaque and an optional hike to Maca before heading to Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, famous for its wildlife viewing and breathtaking view of the canyon. Following this stop, you will have lunch in Chivay again. After lunch, the tour will take you on a scenic drive through the Andes to Puno where you will be dropped off at your hotel located in downtown Puno.

Itinerary

Below is the detailed itinerary for the two-day tour:

Day 1:

• 6:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Arequipa
• 8:30 AM: Sacred Valley and Andes Viewpoint (view)
• 12:00 PM: Lunch in Chivay
• 2:00 PM: Optional extra fee hike to Colca Canyon (can be skipped)
• 6:00 PM: Free time in Chivay overnight stay

Day 2:

• 6:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Chivay
• 8:00 AM: Visit Coporaque and optional hike to Maca
• 10:00 AM: Arrive at Mirador Cruz del Cóndor (hiking view, wildlife viewing)
• 12:00 PM: Lunch in Chivay
• 2:00 PM: Scenic drive to Puno
• 6:00 PM: Drop off at your Puno hotel (downtown location only)

Highlights

This tour offers you an opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andes Mountains. Here are some of the tour’s highlights:

• See the majestic condors in their natural habitat
• Marvel at the dramatic landscape of the Colca Canyon
• Get a nice view of the Andean Volcanoes
• See Llamas and Alpacas on the way to Colca Canyon

Full Description

The tour starts early in the morning at 6:30 AM with pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa. The first stop is at the Sacred Valley, where you can see the snow-capped mountains in the distance, followed by the Andes Viewpoint. You will then continue to the town of Chivay, where you can enjoy lunch before embarking on an optional extra fee hike to the Colca Canyon.

If you prefer not to hike, you can take it easy and explore the town of Chivay during your free time. Later, you will settle down for the night in Chivay. On the second day, after pick-up at your hotel in Chivay or the designated pick-up point, you will head straight to Coporaque for a quick visit before an optional hike to Maca.

The second day’s highlight is a visit to Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, which will provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and a view of the Colca Canyon from above. You will then proceed to Chivay for lunch before driving through the Andes to Puno where you will be dropped off at your hotel located only in downtown Puno.

Includes

The tour package includes the following:

• Entrance fee to the Colca Canyon (if option selected)
• Lunch on the 1st and 2nd day (if option selected)
• Professional tour guide (English/Spanish)
• Hotel Pick up in Arequipa and Drop off in Puno city (only hotels located in downtown in Puno)
• Accommodation in Chivay overnight stay

Booking the Tour

Ready to book your 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer to Puno from Arequipa? Book the tour here on GetYourGuide.

Insider’s Guide to Arequipa: Local Gems, Cuisine, Culture, History & Off-the-Beaten-Path Tips

Arequipa is a city that’s full of surprises, and it’s not just about the Colca Canyon tour. Here’s your Insider’s Guide to Arequipa’s hidden gems, local cuisine, culture, history, and off-the-beaten-path tips.

Local Attractions: Discovering Arequipa’s Hidden Gems

While there are plenty of popular sights to see in Arequipa, there are also some hidden spots that only locals know about. For example, the Yanahuara district, with its charming plaza and beautiful arches, is a hub of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Another gem is the Alpaca World boutique, which showcases unique and fashionable pieces made from the softest fibers from Arequipa’s alpacas. If you’re looking to explore the city’s history and architectural heritage, don’t miss the Casa del Moral or the Monastery of Santa Catalina, both of which offer a glimpse into Arequipa’s past.

Dining Spots: Savoring the Flavors of Arequipan Cuisine

Arequipa’s cuisine is unique and flavorful, shaped by the city’s diverse cultural heritage of indigenous, Spanish, and other immigrant populations. The local dish to try is the “rocoto relleno,” which is a bell pepper stuffed with meat, vegetables, and spices, typically served with potatoes or corn. Another favorite is the “chupe de camarones,” a thick soup made with shrimp, milk, queso fresco, eggs, and local herbs. For a sweet treat, indulge in an “alpaca milk” ice cream from La Caprichosa, made with milk from local alpacas known for producing high-quality milk.

Cultural Experiences: Discovering Arequipa’s Traditions, Art, and Music

Arequipa is home to a vibrant and expressive culture, with rich traditions, music, and art. The Festival of Arequipa, held in August, is a time when locals flock to the streets to celebrate their history, religion, and traditions through parades, dance, and music. The city is also known for its famous “mistura,” a food festival that showcases the country’s best culinary talents and products. Also, don’t miss the Museo Santuarios Andinos, where you can learn about the city’s Inca heritage through the famous Ice Maiden, a mummy of a young girl frozen in ice for centuries.

Local History: Unearthing Arequipa’s Fascinating Past

Arequipa’s history is fascinating and varied, shaped by its rocky terrain, Spanish colonial rule, and indigenous roots. In the city’s Plaza de Armas, you can visit the iconic La Catedral de Arequipa, a baroque-style cathedral that took over a century to build, and has been impacted by earthquakes over the years. You can also explore the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, which showcases a collection of modern and contemporary art from local artists.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Tips: Going Beyond the Conventional

For a unique and unforgettable experience outside of Arequipa, head to the Colca Canyon, a natural wonder that’s often overshadowed by Machu Picchu but is just as impressive. The canyon is one of the world’s deepest, with incredible landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife. You can also try hiking and trekking around Misti Volcano, an active volcano located near the city. For another unique experience, visit the Andean highlands to your south, where you can find salt mines, lagoons, and wildlife reserves.