Colca Canyon Day Trip: Condor Cross, Hot Springs & Buffet Lunch

Summary

Condors soaring above Colca’s depths, hot pools and village stops

You’ll wake before sunrise for this Colca Canyon day trip from Arequipa—with condors overhead at Condor Cross, steam rising off Andean hot springs in Yanque, and a buffet lunch in Chivay. Along the way you’ll meet locals, taste cactus fruit, and watch vicuñas graze under wide skies. It’s long but leaves you feeling strangely peaceful.

What’s the experience like?

The headlights cut through the empty streets of Arequipa as we climbed into the van—honestly, I was still half asleep and clutching my thermos like a lifeline. By the time we reached Chivay, dawn had smeared pink across the mountains. Our guide, Julio, handed out bread and eggs while joking about “Andean coffee” (which is just coffee but somehow tastes stronger at 3,600 meters). The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus and dust. I kept looking out the window for alpacas—Julio pointed out vicuñas grazing in the distance, their coats almost golden in the early light.

The drive to Condor Cross felt longer than I expected, but when we finally got there—wow. The Colca Canyon just drops away beneath you; it’s hard to explain how deep it feels until you’re standing on that rim. People gathered quietly along the railings, scanning the sky. Suddenly someone whispered “allí”—and there they were: huge condors gliding right over our heads. I tried to take a photo but mostly just stared, mouth open. There’s something weirdly silent about it all except for wind and camera shutters clicking.

Afterwards we wound back toward Chivay with stops at Antawilke (those pre-Incan terraces are wild—so many shades of green) and Maca, where an old woman sold us cactus fruit that left my fingers sticky. The Yanque hot springs were steaming by then; slipping into that warm water after hours in the van was honestly a relief. I chatted with a couple from Lima who swore by these baths for sore legs—maybe they’re right because I felt lighter afterwards.

Lunch was a buffet in Chivay—lots of quinoa soup and roasted potatoes (I probably ate too much). On the way back to Arequipa we stopped at Patapama for one last look at those endless peaks and watched llamas wander near Salinas & Aguada Blanca Reserve. By then everyone was quiet again, tired but kind of content. I still think about that first glimpse into Colca Canyon—like you’re seeing something ancient that doesn’t care if you’re there or not.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Colca Canyon

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Drive north to Chivay
• Eat simple breakfast in Chivay
• Travel west to Condor Cross viewpoint
• Enjoy views and watch condors for one hour
• Stop at Antawilke terraces
• Visit colonial town of Maca
• Bathe in Yanque hot springs for one hour
• Eat buffet lunch in Chivay
• Stop at Patapampa viewpoint
• Visit Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
• Return to Arequipa and drop off at hotel

Top questions

How early does the Colca Canyon day trip start from Arequipa?

You’ll be picked up between 3:00am and 3:30am from your hotel or hostel in Arequipa.

Is breakfast included on this Colca Canyon tour?

Yes—a simple breakfast with bread, scrambled eggs, jam, butter, tea, coffee and juice is provided in Chivay.

How long do you spend at Condor Cross?

You have about one hour at Condor Cross to enjoy views of Colca Canyon and watch for condors.

Are hot springs included during this day trip?

Yes—the tour stops at Yanque hot springs where you can bathe in the pools for about an hour.

What animals might you see on this tour?

You may see alpacas and vicuñas grazing naturally; sometimes Andean foxes as well.

Is lunch included on this Colca Canyon tour?

A buffet lunch is included in Chivay with traditional Andean dishes made from local products.

Are entry fees or transportation included?

Your day includes air-conditioned vehicle transport and entry to all listed sites; pickup/drop-off is also included.

How late do you return to Arequipa after the tour?

You’ll be dropped off back at your hotel around 5:30pm.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Arequipa, simple breakfast in Chivay with tea or coffee, guided transport through Colca Canyon highlights including Condor Cross viewpoint and Yanque hot springs (with time to bathe), all entry fees covered along the route, plus a hearty buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean dishes before returning by evening drop-off.