Highlight of the day: Observe the Colca Canyon from its viewpoints, look for the flight of the Andean condor and cross landscapes that change from the valley of Arequipa to the puna.

I pick up from Arequipa

The day begins during the early morning with pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa.

During the first few minutes you can rest inside the vehicle. The temperature is usually low and most of the initial path is done in darkness.

He wears an accessible coat.

Breakfast in Chivay

We will arrive in Chivay during the morning for breakfast.

After several hours of travel, a hot drink and light food help to regain energy. Breakfast may include bread, eggs, butter, jam, fruit, cereals, infusions, or products available at the assigned restaurant.

Avoid eating too fast. At this altitude, a heavy meal can cause nausea, drowsiness, or digestive discomfort.

Before proceeding, you can use the hygienic services, buy water and check that you have your identity document on hand.

Chivay functions as a shopping and operational center of the valley. Here are restaurants, markets, accommodation, transport and offices linked to tourist control.

Chivay – Yanque – Colca Valley

After breakfast we will continue on the left bank of the valley.

The road passes between agricultural terraces, slopes, small populated centers and fields where products adapted to the height are cultivated.

In Yanque a short stop can be made in the square, depending on the schedule and the traffic conditions. On some dates dances are presented for travelers. These presentations depend on the local organization and are not part of an agency-guaranteed show.

Wititi is an expression linked to the identity of the Colca Valley. When there is a presentation, the guide will explain its context and ask for respect for the dancers.

We do not recommend getting too close to take photographs or interrupt the passage of people who work in the square.

Viewpoints of Antahuilque and Choquetico

During the route stops are made in viewpoints selected by the guide.

From Antahuilque it is possible to observe a large area of agricultural terraces and valley sectors worked by local families. The staggered shape of the slopes allows to understand how agriculture adapted to a terrain with strong unevenness.

In Choquetico you can see structures excavated in the mountain known as tombs or colcas, depending on the interpretation of the site and the point from which the observation is made.

The stops are short because the tour must reach the Cruz del Condor during the morning, when the conditions are usually more favorable to observe the birds.

Town of Maca

We will continue to Maca, one of the most well-known villages on the route.

The stop is usually done near the square and the church. The time available allows you to walk a few minutes, observe the local architecture and buy products offered by inhabitants of the area.

You will find textiles, embroidery, drinks, food and elaborate items for tourist activity.

Some people pose with alpacas, llamas or birds to receive a payment. Before taking a picture, ask the price and agree on the quantity. In this way discussions are avoided and the work of the person who participates is recognized.

Don’t touch animals without authorization. Some may react when they feel surrounded or manipulated.

Cross of the Condor

We will arrive at the Cross of the Condor during the morning.

The viewpoint is located in the Pinchollo annex, Cabanaconde district, approximately 3,780 meters / 12,402 feet. The complex is formed by a main viewpoint and several secondary points connected by trails.

From this area you will observe the walls of the canyon, the vegetation adapted to the terrain and the course of the river in the lower part.

The Andean condor uses thermal currents to gain height. It can appear near the viewpoint, move around the opposite side of the barrel or not show during the time of stay.

We cannot guarantee the sighting. It is about wildlife and its behavior changes due to wind, temperature, rain and other factors.

When it appears, the size of the bird is best perceived as it is seen passing in front of the walls of the canyon. At some points you can fly near the viewpoints; in others, you will only be visible at a great distance.

The guide will help identify the direction of the flight and explain the basic characteristics of the species.

the primary viewpoint can receive many groups. When the operation and the authorities allow it, the private service may use secondary points or start earlier to reduce the influx. It is not possible to promise an empty viewpoint.

Return to the Colca Valley

After the Condor Cross we will begin the return to Chivay.

The vehicle will travel again the left bank, with stops selected according to the time available.

In this section you can see the valley from another direction. The mid-morning light allows you to see more clearly the terraces, the villages and the contrasts between the cultivation areas and the drier slopes.

The guide can modify the order of the stops to avoid vehicle congestion or adapt to the behavior of the condors.

Hot springs

The entrance to the hot springs is optional.

Depending on the operation of the day, a complex near Chivay or Yanque, such as La Calera or Chacapi, can be used. The final establishment will be indicated by the guide.

The pools receive hot water from sources in the area. After several hours in the vehicle, many people value the possibility of entering the water; others prefer to walk, rest or stay in the restaurant.

Bring swimwear under your clothes to change faster. You will also need a towel, sandals and a bag to store wet clothes.

Do not enter immediately if you have dizziness, severe headache, uncontrolled pressure, or discomfort associated with height. Hot water can increase the feeling of weakness.

People with heart problems, pregnancy, high blood pressure, or a history of fainting should consult their doctor.

The Colca Tourist Ticket does not include entry to the thermal complexes.

Thermal water technical data

• Activity: Optional bathroom
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Entry: Not included
• Reference price: Between S/10 and S/20
• Payment: Directly on site
• Services: Dressing rooms and bathrooms, subject to available facilities

Lunch in Chivay

After the hot springs we will head to Chivay for lunch.

In group service, lunch is optional and paid directly at the restaurant. A buffet mode is usually offered with Peruvian dishes, salads, soups, rice, potatoes, pasta, vegetables and meats.

In the private service, buffet lunch is included within the rate proposal.

Vegetarian options can be coordinated in advance. People with allergies, celiac disease, or other restrictions should report to the reserve area before departure.

Due to the buffet format, it is not always possible to guarantee a cross-contamination-free kitchen.

We do not recommend drinking too much alcohol. After lunch you should still cross the highest altitude point of the tour.

Chivay – Patapampa – Viewpoint of the Volcanoes

After lunch we will begin the return to Arequipa.

The road ascends from Chivay to Patapampa. As the vehicle gains height, vegetation decreases and puna formations appear.

We will reach the Mirador de los Volcanoes, located approximately 4,900 meters / 16,076 feet.

This is the highest point of the tour. The air is cold and contains less oxygen. Some people feel dizziness, pressure on their head, or shortness of breath when walking a few meters.

Get out of the vehicle slowly. Do not run and avoid climbing unnecessary earrings.

When the sky is clear you can see mountains and volcanoes like Ampato, Hualca Hualca and Sabancaya. Visibility depends on the clouds, rain, wind and the presence of ash.

The stop will be short to reduce exposure to cold and altitude.

Pampa Cañahuas and National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca

We will continue to Arequipa through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca.

In Pampa Cañahuas it is possible to observe vicuñas feeding near the road. These animals live in freedom and should not be persecuted or fed.

Alpacas, llamas and different birds of puna may also appear.

The vehicle will make a stop when the conditions of the traffic and the location of the animals allow it. It is not always safe to stop at the same point.

Keep a distance and avoid producing loud noises. Wildlife can quickly move away when a group tries to get close.

Return to Arequipa

The journey continues to Arequipa during the afternoon.

After a long day, most passengers take advantage of this stretch to rest. Arrival time may change due to traffic, roadside work, weather or accumulated delays during the stops.

The shared service can be completed near the center of Arequipa or in hotels located within the pick-up area.

Private service returns to the hotel whenever there is vehicle access.

We do not recommend scheduling a flight, inter-provincial bus or non-refundable activity for the same night.

Technical Details

• Transportation: Van, minibus or private vehicle
• Departure: Early Morning
• Estimated duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
• Road type: Mainly paved
• Initial Altitude: 2,335 meters / 7,661 feet
• Weather: Cold in the early morning
• Difficulty: Easy