Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour: Arequipa to Puno with Condor View

Summary

Colca Valley Adventure: Condors, Hot Springs & Local Villages

You’ll travel from Arequipa to Puno in just two days—soaking in hot springs near Chivay, spotting condors over Colca Canyon at sunrise, and meeting locals in Andean villages along the way. This tour is perfect if you want real experiences—not just photo stops—and an easy transfer straight to Lake Titicaca.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Arequipa felt crisp as we waited for our ride—just enough chill to make you reach for your jacket. Our guide, Luis, greeted us with a grin and a quick rundown of the day ahead. Heading out of the city, the landscape changed fast: flat plains dotted with wild vicuñas in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve. We stopped at Pampa Cañahuas, where the wind carried that earthy scent you only get high up in the Andes. A few roadside vendors sold coca tea—honestly, it helped with the altitude.

By late morning, we rolled into Chivay. The town’s Plaza de Armas buzzed quietly—locals setting up fruit stalls, kids chasing each other around the fountain. Lunch was simple but hearty; I tried quinoa soup and alpaca steak at a spot Luis recommended (can’t remember the name, but it had blue chairs and a view of the hills). After checking into our hotel, there was time to soak in La Calera hot springs. The water’s about 30°C—steamy enough to loosen up after hours on the road. If you’re up for it later, there’s an optional dinner with folk dancing; we caught part of it from outside—a mix of laughter and pan flute music drifting through chilly air.

Next morning came early—breakfast at five isn’t my usual thing, but you need that head start if you want to see condors glide over Colca Canyon before crowds show up. At Cruz del Condor viewpoint, everyone fell quiet when those huge birds finally appeared—wings catching sunlight as they circled above us. It’s hard not to feel tiny standing there with canyon walls dropping away below.

The drive back wound through villages like Maca and Yanque—each one different: whitewashed churches, women selling cheese from woven baskets, sleepy dogs stretched out on doorsteps. We made a few stops for photos and snacks (try the cheese ice cream if you see it). After lunch in Chivay again—this time I went for rocoto relleno—we switched buses for Puno. The last stretch crossed Patapampa Pass at nearly 4,900 meters; snow still clung to distant peaks even though it was sunny down below.

We reached Puno just after sunset—the sky turning pink over Lake Titicaca as we pulled into town. It’s a long couple of days but honestly worth every minute if you want to see this side of Peru without rushing or missing those small moments along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arequipa to Chivay and Hot Springs

• Travel from Arequipa to Chivay with stops
• Visit hot spring
• Explore Chivay village and surroundings

Day 2 — Condor Viewpoint and Transfer to Puno

• Visit quiet village and church
• Visit nearby village
• Watch condors at Cruz del Condor viewpoint
• Lunch in Chivay
• Travel through Andean nature and villages
• Bus transfer from Chivay to Puno with stops

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes—it’s family-friendly and most ages can join. Just keep in mind there are early mornings and some high-altitude spots; check with your doctor if you have health concerns.

Do I need to bring cash?

It helps! Small towns like Chivay often prefer cash for snacks or souvenirs—even some cafés don’t take cards.

Are meals included?

Breakfast is included both days; lunches and dinners are on your own so you can try local dishes wherever you like.

Can I be picked up from my hotel?

If your hotel is downtown Arequipa, yes! Otherwise meet at the main square by 7:30 AM sharp.

What’s included

Your hotel night in Chivay (standard accommodation), entrance fees for Colca Canyon, all transport by shared bus or van between Arequipa–Chivay–Puno, English-speaking guide throughout both days, breakfast each morning, pick-up from central hotels in Arequipa—and drop-off at either Puno bus station or main square when you arrive.