Colca Canyon 2-day tour from Arequipa to Puno

Watch condors soar above the canyon at dawn, then ride south to Puno

This 2-day tour leaves Arequipa, crosses into Colca Canyon, and ends in Puno, eliminating the return journey. Day one includes transport to Chivay with stops at the Patapampa Viewpoint and optional thermal baths. Day two starts before sunrise at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor to watch condors in flight, then visits the town of Maca and high-altitude stops at Lagunillas before arriving in Puno at dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Chivay and thermal baths

• Depart Arequipa at 8:00 am
• Stop at Patahuasi to see camelids
• Visit Patapampa Volcanoes viewpoint
• Arrive in Chivay for lunch
• Check in hotel in Chivay
• Optional visit to thermal baths for 2 hours
• Optional dinner with folk dances

Day 2: Colca Canyon and transfer to Puno

• Early breakfast at hotel
• Visit Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor
• Visit Wayrapunko and Antahuilque viewpoints
• Visit Maca town fair and taste traditional drinks
• Return to Chivay for lunch
• Travel towards Puno with stops
• Stop at Patapampa to see volcanoes
• Stop at Patahuasi to see camelids
• Stop at Lagunillas to see migratory birds
• Arrive in Puno around 7:30 pm

The experience

The tour departs Arequipa at 8:00 am and climbs toward Chivay through the Colca Valley, stopping at Patahuasi to see camelids and the Patapampa Viewpoint where the volcanoes come into view. You arrive in Chivay by lunchtime and stay overnight in a hotel on the main square. The afternoon is yours to rest or visit the thermal baths for two hours if you choose. A folk dance dinner is also optional that evening.

Day two starts before dawn. You head to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor and arrive around 8:00 am to watch condors glide above the canyon's depth. The guide walks you through the canyon's geology and terraces at viewpoints like Wayrapunko and Antahuilque. In the town of Maca you stop at a market of local products, taste traditional drinks, and photograph trained falcons and camelids. After lunch in Chivay, the vehicle changes course south toward Puno, making stops at Patapampa to see the volcanoes again, Patahuasi for the camelids, and finally Lagunillas where you may spot migratory birds depending on the season. You arrive near Puno's city center around 7:30 pm.

An air-conditioned vehicle and professional guide in English or Spanish are included throughout. The route avoids the long drive back to Arequipa, leaving you in Puno ready for the next leg of your trip.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport from Arequipa through Colca Canyon to Puno.
• a professional guide in English or Spanish.
• one night's hotel accommodation in Chivay on the main square.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 27

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AREQUIPA EXPLORER

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you are based in Arequipa or staying there without a car and want to reach Puno overland. The two-day route gives you time to see the canyon and the condors without rushing, and ending in Puno means you skip the return drive and move straight to your next destination.

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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 (11 to 17 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5).

What time does the tour leave Arequipa and when do we arrive in Puno?

The tour departs Arequipa at approximately 8:00 am on day one. On day two, after visiting the Condor viewpoint and the town of Maca, you arrive near Puno's city center at approximately 7:30 pm.

What is the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor and why is it the main stop on day two?

The Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor is a viewpoint where you can see the depth of Colca Canyon and watch condors in flight. The tour arrives around 8:00 am, early enough to see the birds active in the morning, and the guide explains the canyon's geology and natural features from this vantage point.

Are the thermal baths and the folk dance dinner included?

Both are optional. The thermal baths cost 15 soles extra and last two hours in the afternoon of day one. The folk dance dinner is also optional and arranged in Chivay that evening. Lunches and dinners are not included in the tour price.

What stops do we make between Chivay and Puno on the return journey?

On the drive south to Puno, you stop at Patapampa to see the volcanoes and snow caps, Patahuasi to see camelids, and Lagunillas in the high Andes where you may see migratory birds depending on the season.

Do I need to return to Arequipa after the tour ends?

No. The tour ends in Puno, so you avoid the long drive back to Arequipa. This is useful if you are staying in Puno or continuing south from there.