Colca Canyon Plus

High altitude changes the pace. This two-day Colca Canyon trip gives you wild vicuñas, volcano views, and Andean villages without forcing the entire canyon into one exhausting day. I especially like the overnight stay near Coporaque and the second morning at Cruz del Cóndor, when you have time for both condor watching and a short canyon walk.

The tour also earns praise for its well-organized guides and small group size, capped at 14 people. Guides Antonio San Cristobal and the driver Derly have been singled out for being courteous, friendly, and professional. The main drawback is the altitude: the route reaches 4,910 meters, so even the simple walks can feel demanding.

At $103.85 per person, Colca Canyon Plus is a strong value if you want transport, a guide, breakfast, and one night’s hotel handled for you. You still need to budget for the $22 Cruz del Cóndor entrance fee, lunch on both days, and dinner.

What makes this two-day Colca trip worth considering

• Vicuñas at about 4,000 meters: Stop in Pampa Cañahuas to see these wild Andean camel relatives in their natural setting.
• A 4,910-meter high point: Abra Patapampa gives you views toward several volcanoes and the Cordillera de Chila, but altitude is a serious factor.
• A night in traditional Coporaque: The overnight stop places you away from the main road and gives you more time in a Colca Valley village.
• Condors plus a canyon walk: Cruz del Cóndor is not just a quick photo stop. The plan allows time at the viewpoint and roughly one hour on foot nearby.
• A group limited to 14 people: This is small enough to make questions and guide interaction easier than on a large coach tour.
• An optional village walk and thermal baths: You can choose a 1.5-hour walk in Coporaque or request transport to the town’s thermal baths.

Leaving Arequipa for the high Andes

The trip begins with views of Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, the volcanoes that frame Arequipa. From there, the road climbs toward Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and the scenery changes quickly from city outskirts to broad, open Andean country.

Your first main stop is Pampa Cañahuas, at roughly 4,000 meters. The draw here is the vicuña, a small wild camelid with a fine coat and a very different presence from the more familiar llamas and alpacas. The vehicle makes several stops, giving you time to watch the animals and take photographs.

This is also your first reminder that the day is not a casual lowland outing. At this height, walk slowly, drink water, and avoid treating every stop like a race to the next viewpoint. The tour allows about two hours for this reserve section, including the stops and the nearby activities.

A short detour leads to the stone forest of Puruña. You can look around the unusual rock formations and take in wide views across this side of the reserve. It is a useful stop because it breaks up the long drive and offers a different kind of Andean scenery from the wildlife viewing.

The group then visits a local restaurant for mate de coca and a demonstration of alpaca-fiber work. Local women explain how Andean plants are used alongside the fiber, adding a human element to what could otherwise be a series of mountain photo stops. Restrooms are available here, which matters on a long day with limited facilities.

Abra Patapampa and the 4,910-meter test

After leaving the reserve, the road passes through Tocra, a high plain above 4,400 meters. Look for lakes, wetlands, wild birds, llamas, and alpacas. The combination of open sky, animals, and distant peaks is one of the most memorable parts of the drive, even if you are mainly seeing it through the vehicle windows.

The highest point comes at Abra Patapampa, also called the Viewpoint of the Andes. At 4,910 meters, you may see Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca, Mismi, and the Cordillera de Chila. The stop lasts about an hour, enough for photographs and a careful look around.

Here, altitude is not an abstract warning. You may feel short of breath after only a few steps, and the cold or wind can make the stop less comfortable. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, but the bigger issue is how your body handles height. If you already know you react badly to altitude, this is the part of the trip to take seriously.

The reward is a sense of scale that you cannot get from Arequipa alone. The road has carried you above the usual tourist routes, and the view makes clear how high the Colca region sits before you even reach the canyon.

Coporaque gives the first day a human scale

As you descend toward Chivay, the terraces of the Colca Valley begin to appear. Their colors and patterns change with the light, and the view feels more inhabited than the empty high plains around Patapampa.

You make a short visit to Chivay’s plaza, then continue along the right side of the canyon toward Coporaque. The village stop is the reason this package feels more complete than a rushed one-day bus excursion. Instead of returning to Arequipa after a few viewpoints, you spend the night in the valley.

Accommodation is at La Casa de Mamayacchi, in a double or twin room. The setting is described as being out in the countryside a bit, which makes it a pleasant base after the long drive. You should not expect a luxury resort experience from the information provided, but the location is clearly chosen to place you close to the village and canyon scenery.

Lunch is free time at the lodge, and the guide can help you take part in activities offered there. You might learn to prepare a typical dish or try traditional clothing from the Colca Valley. These activities are simple, but they connect the stop to local daily life rather than making the hotel only a place to sleep.

The guide also offers a walk through Coporaque and the surrounding area. It takes about 1.5 hours and is optional, which is a sensible arrangement. If you feel well, it gives you a closer look at the village and its setting. If the altitude has caught up with you, resting is the better choice.

Thermal baths in the town are available on request, with transport provided. That option could be appealing after the first day on the road, but it is not presented as an automatic part of the schedule. Ask your guide early if you want to use it.

An early start for Cruz del Cóndor

Day two begins with an early breakfast and a drive to Cruz del Cóndor, the best-known viewpoint in the Colca Canyon area. Early timing is important because the condors are the central reason for this stop, and the morning viewing period is built into the tour schedule.

At the viewpoint, you have time to watch the Andean condors glide above the canyon and take photographs. The experience depends on nature, not a guaranteed performance, so patience helps. The wide canyon views are worthwhile even during a quiet period for bird activity.

The tour then adds a short walk near the canyon, lasting about one hour. That is a useful detail. You are not confined to one crowded overlook, and a little movement gives you more chances to see the canyon from a different angle.

The route back to Chivay includes Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint. From there, you can see terraces said to be about 1,500 years old. Their presence helps explain that the Colca Valley is not just a dramatic gorge. It is also a place shaped by long-term farming and careful use of steep ground.

At Choquetico, you stop to see a litomaqueta, a model of the canyon terraces carved into rock. It is a small feature, but it can help you understand the arrangement of the valley better than a distant view alone. These extra village and viewpoint stops give the morning more variety than a simple out-and-back drive to the condor lookout.

Maca, Yanque, and the return to Arequipa

The route continues through the traditional towns of Maca and Yanque before reaching Chivay around midday. You have free time for lunch in Chivay, but lunch is not included, so keep money available and allow enough time to eat before departure.

After lunch, the vehicle begins the return journey to Arequipa. Arrival is planned for about 4 p.m., followed by transfer to your hotel. That timing makes the tour practical for many onward plans, though I would avoid booking a tight evening connection or fixed appointment in case mountain roads slow the return.

The operator also offers a transfer from Chivay to Puno on Lake Titicaca. This can be useful if your route continues east rather than back to Arequipa, but you need to consult the provider about that separate arrangement.

What the $103.85 price really covers

The $103.85 price includes tourist transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, and one hotel night. For a two-day trip through a remote mountain region, that is good value, particularly if you prefer not to arrange separate transport and accommodation.

The price does not include the $22 entrance fee for Mirador Cruz del Cóndor. It also excludes lunch and dinner, so the real cost will be higher than the advertised amount. Still, the included hotel and transport keep the package practical for a first visit to the canyon.

A group maximum of 14 is another point in its favor. You are not guaranteed a tiny private group, but this size should allow the guide to explain the stops and answer questions without the feel of a huge coach operation.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 198 posted ratings, with 99 percent of people recommending it. The most consistent praise focuses on organization, the pleasant countryside hotel, and guides who explain the region well. One particularly positive account highlights a guide from the Colca Canyon who explained the area with local insight. Antonio San Cristobal and Derly are also praised for their professionalism and friendly manner.

Altitude, walking, and what to pack

You should treat this as an active sightseeing trip, even though there is no long hike. The optional Coporaque walk takes 1.5 hours, and the canyon walk near Cruz del Cóndor lasts about an hour. The highest stops are the bigger physical challenge.

Bring warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water. Temperatures and conditions can change quickly at the high viewpoints. A small day bag is useful for camera gear and extra clothing, while keeping the rest of your luggage organized for the overnight stay.

If you feel unwell at Abra Patapampa, do not force yourself to walk around for photographs. Tell the guide, stay close to the vehicle, and use the optional nature of the Coporaque walk to your advantage. The tour gives you choices, so use them.

The schedule includes a restaurant restroom on the first day. That is a practical stop during a long stretch of driving, but do not assume every viewpoint will offer the same service.

Who will enjoy Colca Canyon Plus most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want the main Colca Canyon sights but also care about village life, mountain scenery, and a less rushed schedule. The overnight stay near Coporaque makes a big difference because you see more than a condor viewpoint before returning to Arequipa.

It is also a good match if you like having a guide explain the region as you go. The fiber demonstration, local food activity, traditional clothing, village walk, and terrace viewpoints give the route more substance than a photo-only excursion.

You may want a different option if you dislike long drives, struggle with high altitude, or want a relaxed hotel-based holiday. The road reaches nearly 5,000 meters, and the first day packs several stops into a demanding mountain journey.

The trip requires moderate physical fitness, and the good-weather requirement matters. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For a full refund after booking, cancel at least three full days before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book this Colca Canyon tour?

Book it if you want two useful days instead of one rushed day, especially if the countryside overnight stay appeals to you. The combination of vicuñas, high volcano views, Coporaque, ancient terraces, and Cruz del Cóndor gives you a broad look at the region.

The price is fair once you account for transport, guide service, breakfast, and accommodation. Add the $22 canyon viewpoint fee plus meals, and remember that altitude may shape how much of the optional walking you enjoy.

I would choose Colca Canyon Plus for a first visit from Arequipa, particularly if you value a smaller group and a guide who can explain local life. I would skip it only if your schedule cannot handle the early morning, long road hours, or the 4,910-meter high point.

FAQ

How long does Colca Canyon Plus last?

The experience lasts approximately two days. It begins in Arequipa, includes one night near Coporaque, and returns to Arequipa at about 4 p.m. on the second day.

What is included in the price?

The price includes breakfast, tourist transportation, a professional guide, and hotel accommodation in a double or twin room.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included on either day, and dinner is also excluded.

How much is the Cruz del Cóndor entrance fee?

The entrance fee for Mirador Cruz del Cóndor is $22 per person and is not included in the tour price.

How high does the tour go?

The highest point is Abra Patapampa, at 4,910 meters. The route also passes Tocra at more than 4,400 meters and reaches the vicuña viewing area at about 4,000 meters.

Is walking required?

The tour includes a short walk near Cruz del Cóndor of about one hour. The 1.5-hour walk around Coporaque is optional and depends on how you feel at the altitude.

Does the tour include a hotel night?

Yes. The package includes one night of accommodation in a double or twin room at La Casa de Mamayacchi in Coporaque.

How many people can join the tour?

The group can have a maximum of 14 people.

Can I continue from Chivay to Puno?

A transfer from Chivay to Puno on Lake Titicaca is offered, but you need to consult the tour provider about that service.