Colca Canyon: Condor Flight, Volcano Views & Local Lunch

Summary

Colca Canyon condors volcanoes villages and highland walks

You’ll wake up to volcano views outside Arequipa, sip coca tea at altitude, watch Andean condors glide over Colca Canyon, walk through Coporaque village with your guide, and share a local lunch. This small group tour includes hotel pickup, breakfast, transport, certified guides — plus plenty of moments you’ll remember when you least expect it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color of the sky — that kind of blue you only get above Arequipa, with Misti and Chachani volcanoes just sitting there like they’ve always been. We’d barely left the city when our guide, Juan, pointed out wild vicuñas grazing by the road in Pampa Cañahuas. They’re skittish but beautiful, and I never realized how soft their fur looks until you see them up close. The air was thin (we were already at 4,000 meters) and it made every breath feel a bit precious. We stopped for mate de coca at this tiny roadside place where local women showed us how they spin alpaca fiber — my hands are still clumsy with that stuff. I tried to say “gracias” in Quechua and got a laugh.

The drive kept climbing — Tocra’s wetlands were all mirror pools and llamas, then we hit Pata Pampa at nearly 5,000 meters. My head felt floaty but the view was just endless volcanoes lined up across the horizon. Later, as we dropped into Colca Valley, everything turned green and gold with those ancient terraces stacked down the slopes. Lunch was at La Casa de Mamayacchi in Coporaque; honestly, I can still taste that soup — earthy and simple but somehow exactly right after the altitude. Juan coaxed us into trying on traditional hats (my photo’s terrible) before leading a slow walk through the village. Kids waved from doorways; someone was burning eucalyptus nearby so it smelled sharp and clean.

The next morning started early — too early maybe — but Cruz del Cóndor is worth it. There’s this hush while everyone waits for the condors to appear over Colca Canyon; then suddenly they’re there, gliding right above your head like they own the place (which I guess they do). It’s hard to describe how quiet it gets except for camera shutters and a few “wow”s in different languages. Afterward we walked along the canyon edge; Juan pointed out terraces carved over a thousand years ago and told stories about his grandmother farming here before tourists ever came.

On the way back to Arequipa we stopped in little towns like Maca and Yanque — white churches, women in bright skirts selling fruit or just chatting under doorways. It felt less like sightseeing and more like being let into someone else’s normal day for a minute or two. By late afternoon my brain was full of light and dust and all those layers of history stacked up along Colca Canyon. I still think about those condors sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Volcano views and Coporaque visit

• View Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu volcanoes
• Stop at Pampa Cañahuas Reserve to see vicuñas
• Visit Puruña stone forest and panoramic views
• Enjoy mate de coca and alpaca fiber demo
• Pass Tocra plain, observe lakes and wild birds
• Reach Pata Pampa viewpoint at 4,910 meters
• See Colca valley terraces near Chivay
• Visit Chivay plaza briefly
• Arrive at Coporaque village and lodge
• Lunch and traditional costume or cooking activity
• Optional walk around Coporaque town and surroundings
• Optional visit to thermal baths
• Return to lodge for accommodation

Day 2 — Condor view and return to Arequipa

• Breakfast early morning
• Drive to Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint
• Watch Andean Condor flight and canyon views
• Take short walk near the canyon
• Visit Pinchollo village and Antahuilque viewpoint
• Pass Choquetico lookout and see litomaqueta model
• Visit Maca and Yanque towns
• Arrive Chivay for free lunch
• Drive back to Arequipa city
• Arrive Arequipa and transfer to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Colca Canyon Plus tour take?

The tour lasts two days with an overnight stay in Coporaque village before returning to Arequipa on the second afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included from Arequipa?

Yes, hotel pickup from Arequipa is included at the start of your Colca Canyon day trip.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

You should have moderate fitness due to altitude (up to 4,910 meters) and optional walks around villages or viewpoints.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfast is included both days; lunch is provided on day one at La Casa de Mamayacchi lodge in Coporaque.

Will I see Andean condors on this tour?

You’ll visit Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint early morning for high chances to see Andean condors gliding above Colca Canyon.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, certified professional guides lead the tour in English (and often Spanish), sharing local stories along the way.

Can I visit thermal baths during this trip?

Yes, there’s an optional visit to local thermal baths near Coporaque; transport can be arranged by your guide if you want to go.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay overnight in a comfortable 3-star lodge or hotel in Coporaque village (double/twin room).

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Arequipa, professional English-speaking guide throughout both days, breakfast each morning plus lunch on day one at a local lodge in Coporaque village, comfortable tourist transportation with safety checks (oxygen bottle on board), certified drivers, entry fees for all scheduled stops including Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint and short guided walks around villages or canyon edges before returning you safely back to your hotel in Arequipa late afternoon.