Colca Canyon full day

Description

Check out the condor gliding, chill in stone pools by the river, and cross the land of volcanoes. An unforgettable day of pure nature and living traditions in the Colca Canyon.

Your adventure kicks off at dawn, leaving the White City of Arequipa behind to ascend to the heart of the Andes. After a winding journey through the mountains, you’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Chivay, where a traditional breakfast will give you the energy you need to explore one of the deepest canyons on the planet.

Your first stellar stop will be the Cross of the Condor. Here, time seems to stand still as you watch Andean condors soar from the depths of the canyon, taking advantage of the thermal currents. You’ll have a full hour to connect with nature and snap amazing photos of this giant of the skies.

On the way back, we’ll stop at strategic viewpoints so you can admire the ingenious architecture of the ancient platforms (agricultural terraces) that still line the valley today. In the village of Maca, we invite you to a sensory experience: try the ‘Colca Sour.’ This local drink, made with the exotic fruit of the ‘Sancayo’ cactus, is a secret that few travelers know.

Looking for absolute relaxation? In the village of Yanque, the Chacapi Thermal Baths await you. Imagine soaking in 38°C hot springs in natural stone pools, right on the edge of the Colca River, surrounded by an imposing volcanic landscape. After a well-deserved buffet lunch in Chivay, you’ll start the final ascent.

Before arriving in Arequipa, you’ll touch the sky in Patapampa, the Viewpoint of the Volcanoes, located at 4,910 meters above sea level. From here, you’ll be able to see the smoke from the active Sabancaya volcano. Finally, you’ll cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve, where elegant vicuñas and wild llamas graze in the Tocrapampa wetlands, wrapping up a day full of Andean magic.