3-Day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa: Andean Ceremony

The trek teaches you how Andean cultures walked and connected with the mountains themselves.

A private 3-day tour from Arequipa into Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, with accommodation, private transport and a guide in English or Spanish. You trek to Huaruro Falls on day two, learning about traditional Andean medicines, and return via Cruz del Condor viewpoint and Chivay's main square. The tour includes an Andean ceremony that reconnects you with the mountain's presence and healing traditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and exploration near Arequipa

• Arrive at Llahuar Lodge hotel
• Spend day at river and hot springs
• Visit Chivay Square and traditional market
• Visit Pinchollo geyser and enjoy views

Day 2: Trekking to Huaruro Falls

• Walk to Huaruro Falls
• Learn about traditional medicines
• Enjoy time at Huaruro waterfall
• Return to Llahuar Lodge and enjoy hot springs

Day 3: Return to Arequipa via canyon towns

• Visit Cruz del Condor viewpoint
• Explore Chivay town and plaza
• Eat traditional Andean food
• Relax at Anvil hot springs

The experience

The tour starts with a drive from Arequipa to Llahuar Lodge in Cabanaconde, where you spend your first afternoon at the river and hot springs. On the way, you stop at Chivay Main Square to see the traditional market, then visit Pinchollo Geyser for views across the canyon. This arrival day sets the pace: you're already in the landscape, not rushing through it.

Day two is the trekking day to Huaruro Falls, a medium-difficulty walk where the guide teaches you about traditional Andean medicines (mama coca and tobacco), and how they connect to the mountain itself. You reach the waterfall and have time to sit with it, or swim in the snowmelt if you choose. The Andean ceremony happens during this trek, a moment of reconnection with the mountain's presence and your own strength. After the walk, you return to Llahuar Lodge and soak in the hot springs again.

On day three, you leave the canyon via Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where Andean condors drift on the thermals. You stop in Chivay to walk the plaza and eat traditional Andean food, then return to Arequipa. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and children aged 14 and up can join. Private transport and accommodation are included. You need at least moderate fitness for the trekking day.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Arequipa to the canyon and back.
• accommodation at Llahuar Lodge for two nights.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• the Andean ceremony during the trek.

Options for this experience

2 options

Three-day, two-night private tour of the Colca CanyonUp to 9 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 00:00, 03:00, 06:00 and 09:00Pickup is included

With offering ceremonyUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 00:00, 03:00, 06:00 and 09:00Andean ceremony, with pickup included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 03:00, 06:00 and 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Runachay tours

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to trek into the canyon and learn how Andean cultures connected with the mountains, rather than just view it from the rim. The private format and small group size mean the guide can pace the experience around your rhythm and teach the traditions as you walk.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Huaruro Falls and how long does the trek to it take?

Huaruro Falls is a waterfall inside Colca Canyon that you reach on day two of the tour. The trek is medium difficulty and takes most of the day. After you arrive, you have time to rest by the water and swim if you want before returning to the lodge.

Can I see condors on this tour?

Yes. On day three, you visit Cruz del Condor viewpoint on the return to Arequipa, where Andean condors can be seen riding the canyon thermals.

What are the hot springs like at Llahuar Lodge?

The lodge sits on the river with natural hot springs. You have access to them on your arrival afternoon and again after the trekking day, so you can soak after the walk.

What does the Andean ceremony involve?

The ceremony happens during the trek to Huaruro Falls and is designed to reconnect you with the mountain's presence and your own strength through Andean traditions. The guide will lead it as part of the day's experience.

Do I need to be very fit to do this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness because day two involves trekking to Huaruro Falls. The operator does not recommend it for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or for pregnant travelers.