Are you looking to embark on a day tour from Arequipa to Puno in Chivay, including a visit to the incredible Colca Canyon? If so, read on to find out what an unforgettable experience awaits you and where you can plan this stunning trip!

The Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world, stretching through the two Andean regions – Arequipa and Caylloma. Measuring a depth of approximately 4,160 meters or 3.2 miles, the Canyon was once used as a sacred location for important Incan festivities and shows evidence of pre-Incan settlements that date back to 700 BC.

Today, the area around Colca Canyon is home to traditional villages and Incan ruins, so visitors can get a real understanding of what life was like hundreds of years ago. Not only is the landscape breathtakingly beautiful, but the many colorful birds and wild vicuñas – Peru’s national animal – also make for some superb picture opportunities.

There are plenty of companies offering memorable day tours from Arequipa to Chivay and back, visiting the Colca Canyon along the way. Here’s what you need to know about taking a day tour from Arequipa to Puno in Chivay:

Organizing Your Day Trip

Booking a tour is simple. Just use GetYourGuide to compare tours by different companies and find one that suits your needs. Most tours start in the early hours of the morning, so be sure to check the exact pick-up location and time beforehand – this should be sent to you once you book your tour. What’s more, bear in mind that full-day trips usually involve a 6—7 hour drive, while some companies also offer overnight trips to Puno that include accommodation.

Most full-day tours include pick-up from your hotel and a stop at La Carmen lookout point on the way there, where you can take sharp panoramic photos of the gorgeous landscape. A bilingual guide – Spanish and English – is also available, who will expertly explain the history and culture of the area during a short walking tour at La Carmen. He or she will then escort you along the winding roads, taking in spectacular views of the towering canyon walls as you arrive at Chivay Viewpoint for an unforgettable lunch break.

The Colca Canyon

A guided tour of the Colca Canyon allows visitors to experience awe-inducing views of one of Earth’s most beautiful natural attractions. The area surrounding Colca Canyon is incredibly mountainous, with peaks finishing at more than 5,000 meters high, covered with glaciers and snowfields that draw more tourists each year. Making sure you have enough water really pays off here: there’s no limit to what you can examine!

From its abundance of wildlife to its serene corners, Colca Canyon is full of nature’s surprises. But what really stands out is its traditional atmosphere: you’ll be able to admire typical costumed women partaking in rituals such as Andean music and dance performances, weaving techniques and local food tastings. At every corner, it’s easy to forget that you’re in a region so famously sun-kissed; it’s like entering a completely different world!

The Town of Chivay

Chivay is a small town nestled into the depths of Colca Canyon where approximately 80% of inhabitants still practice Quechuan customs that have been handed down for centuries, followed by Catholicism and Andean traditions. Here, visitors can explore vibrant markets full of colorful stalls selling local products such as alpaca clothing as well as delicious souvenirs like Peru’s famous chocolate bars and handmade jewelry. In addition, more touristy shops offer plenty of funny items featuring llamas and traditional food (chuño, an Andean recipe made from potatoes) that make wonderful presents and memories of your visit.

The Journey Back

At the end of the day trip, you’ll have plenty of time to rest before resuming your adventure back on the road towards Arequipa. On your way home, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Valley of Volcanoes where the snow-capped mountains never miss an opportunity to appear in front of you with their incredible shades of white spreading across its skyline.

In conclusion, embarking on a day tour from Arequipa to Puno in Chivay offers a unique window into Peru’s culture and history, with plenty of unforgettable photo opportunities that will ensure you keep lasting memories for years to come. If you’re looking for an extraordinary day trip in Peru don’t think twice: plan your journey today with GetYourGuide and immerse yourself in one of South America’s most stunning sights!