Colca Canyon full-day tour from Arequipa with transfer to Puno

See the Andean condor in free flight, then soak in thermal pools before heading to Puno

A full-day tour from Arequipa that crosses Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest, with stops at traditional villages, the thermal baths of Chacapi, and Cruz del Condor for condor watching, ending with a direct transfer to Puno. Hotel pickup is included. The tour suits travelers 14 and up with moderate fitness. Colca Valley entry and thermal bath tickets are optional add-ons at checkout.

The experience

The day starts early from your Arequipa hotel and climbs into the Andes, crossing high-altitude landscapes and passing through villages where daily life has stayed largely unchanged for generations. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French and knows the canyon's geography and culture in detail. The route takes you to viewpoints where Andean condors soar on thermal currents: Cruz del Condor is the main vantage point for watching them in free flight.

Midway through, you'll stop at the thermal pools of Chacapi, where you can bathe in warm mineral water fed by underground springs. The tour also passes salt lagoons in the reserve and makes stops in traditional villages where you can see how people live in the valley. After these stops, instead of returning to Arequipa, the tour continues south with a direct transfer to Puno, arriving in the afternoon or early evening on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This routing saves a full day of travel if Puno is your next destination.

Transport is included throughout: hotel pickup in the historic center, all movement through the canyon, and the transfer to Puno. Lunch is not included, so bring snacks or plan to eat in one of the villages. The itinerary suits travelers with moderate fitness. The altitude and long day in a vehicle are the main physical demands. Children from age 14 are welcome.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from the historic center of Arequipa.
• visit to Cruz del Condor for condor watching.
• access to the thermal pools of Chacapi.
• stops in traditional villages throughout Colca Valley.
• passage through the salt lagoons in the reserve.
• expert guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French.
• tourist transport from Arequipa through Colca Canyon to Puno.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 02:30

AgesAdult (21 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 55 years) · Youth (14 to 20 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Turismo Liberty Perú

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a fixed itinerary and schedule, so you travel with other guests and follow the guide's route through the canyon. Choose it if you want expert local knowledge and the convenience of one booking that covers the full day plus your transfer to Puno, rather than arranging transport separately.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 20 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 the Andean condor like when you see it at Cruz del Condor?

The Andean condor is one of the world's largest flying birds, with a wingspan over nine feet. At Cruz del Condor, you watch them soar on thermal currents rising from the canyon walls. They ride the air currents rather than flap constantly, so their flight is slow and deliberate. Sightings are common in the morning and early afternoon when the thermals are strongest.

Can I add the Colca Valley ticket or thermal bath entry at checkout?

Yes. The Colca Valley entry ticket and thermal bath access at Chacapi are optional add-ons you choose when you book. The tour visits both sites, but entry to each can be purchased separately if you want to include them.

How long is the drive from Arequipa to Colca Canyon?

The drive from Arequipa to the canyon takes several hours as the route climbs into high-altitude terrain. The full day covers the ascent, time at multiple viewpoints and villages, the thermal pools, and then the long transfer south to Puno, arriving in the afternoon or evening.

What are the thermal pools at Chacapi like?

Chacapi's thermal pools are fed by natural hot springs in the canyon. The water is warm year-round and mineral-rich. You'll have time to bathe and relax in the pools during the tour stop, though you'll want to bring a swimsuit and towel.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Puno after the tour ends?

No. The tour includes direct transfer all the way to Puno, so you arrive at your hotel or accommodation there without needing separate transport. This is the main advantage if Puno is your next stop. You skip the separate journey back to Arequipa.