2-day Puno to Arequipa tour: Colca Canyon and condor flight

The condor flies at dawn from a viewpoint two kilometers above the canyon floor.

A 2-day guided tour from Puno to Arequipa crossing the Peruvian highlands and the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest. The itinerary includes hotel accommodation in Chivay, all transport, meals, and entry to the canyon. You start before sunrise on day two to watch Andean condors from the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, relax in natural hot springs, and witness a folkloric show with regional dances. A live guide in English or Spanish shares Andean stories and geological detail at each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Puno to Chivay: Highlands and Hot Springs

• Depart early from hotel in Puno
• Enjoy views of highlands and lagoons
• Stop at 4910m for mountain views
• Arrive in Chivay and have buffet lunch
• Relax in natural hot springs
• Watch folkloric dance and music show
• Dine with typical local dishes

Day 2: Colca Canyon and Arequipa Arrival

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Cruz del Condor viewpoint
• Explore small towns and sample local products
• Buffet lunch in Chivay
• Travel to Arequipa, arrive near Plaza de Armas

The experience

You leave your Puno hotel between 6:00 and 6:20 on the morning of day one, traveling by equipped tourist transport across the altiplano. The route climbs through extensive highland plains dotted with vicuñas and bofedales, wetland grasslands that feed Andean birds, and stops at a viewpoint at 4,910 meters where you can see the volcanoes Misti, Chachani and Ubinas. Your guide explains the geological formation and local customs before the group continues to Chivay, the gateway to the Colca Valley, arriving in time for a buffet lunch of local and international dishes.

The afternoon in Chivay centers on the natural hot springs: you immerse yourself in pools heated to 38°C, known for their therapeutic effects on muscles and joints. In the evening, you attend a folkloric show featuring traditional dances and music from the region, performed in a colorful atmosphere while you eat typical dishes that reflect the cultural identity of the Colca Valley. You stay overnight in a hotel in Chivay.

Day two begins at 6:00 with breakfast at the hotel, then transport to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. A panoramic point where the Andean condor, one of the most emblematic birds of the Andes, rides thermal currents above the vastness of the Colca Canyon. On the return to Chivay, you stop in small towns with colonial architecture to photograph churches, sample local products like toasted corn and Andean cheese, and hear regional legends from your guide. A second buffet lunch in Chivay gives you time to rest and reflect on the tour before the final drive to Arequipa, arriving near the Plaza de Armas between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m.

What’s included

• Tourist transport equipped for the full 2-day route from Puno through Chivay and Cruz del Condor to Arequipa.
• entry to the Colca Canyon.
• one night in a hotel in Chivay.
• all meals (dinner day one, breakfast and lunch both days).
• a folkloric show with traditional dances and regional music on the evening of day one.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup in Puno.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 85 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Puno Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you have two days and want to see condors at dawn from Cruz del Condor, plus hot springs and a folkloric show: the itinerary loops Puno to Arequipa so you don't backtrack.

Traveler reviews

4.75★★★★★★★★★★

16 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What time does the tour leave Puno on the first day?

Departure is between 6:00 and 6:20 a.m. from your hotel in Puno, so you start early enough to reach Chivay by lunchtime and have the afternoon free for the hot springs.

What is the Cruz del Condor viewpoint?

The Cruz del Condor is a panoramic point at the edge of the Colca Canyon where you watch Andean condors soar on thermal currents. It is the highlight of the second morning, reached after an early breakfast at the hotel.

Is the hotel in Chivay included in the price?

Yes, one night's accommodation in a hotel in Chivay is included, along with breakfast and dinner on day one and breakfast on day two.

What meals are provided on the tour?

Dinner on day one, breakfast on day two, and lunch on both days are included. All meals are buffet-style with local and international options.

Do I need to pay extra for the hot springs?

Yes, entry to the natural thermal baths costs 5 to 15 soles per person and is not included in the tour price. You can choose to visit or skip them.