Colca Canyon: Local Guide, Rituals & Hot Springs Day Tour

Summary

Explore Colca Canyon rituals, local flavors & thermal baths

You’ll travel from Arequipa to Colca Canyon with a local guide, sharing an Andean breakfast in Chivay before gazing into the canyon at Antahuilque. Join a Pachamama ritual at Cruz del Cóndor, soak in volcanic hot springs near Maca, and sample local dishes for lunch — all with stories and laughter along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first thing that hit me — not the cold, but the way the morning light slid over the brown hills as we left Arequipa. Our guide, José, had this easy laugh and pointed out every herd of alpacas like it was his first time too. The drive to Chivay took a while (three hours? I lost track), but it didn’t feel long. There was this smell of eucalyptus when we stopped for breakfast — American coffee with these soft Andean breads and something herbal in my cup that José called “mate.” I tried to pronounce it right and he just grinned.

We wound along the Colca Valley’s left bank after that, windows down because the air felt so clean. At Antahuilque viewpoint, I honestly didn’t expect to feel so small looking into the start of Colca Canyon — it’s not just deep, it’s layered and rough and you can see where the valley just drops away. We tasted sancayo (it’s sort of tart and sticky?) while watching clouds drift over these blue-green lagoons below Lari. A few other travelers were there too but mostly locals selling crafts — one woman let me try on a hat and laughed when it nearly swallowed my head.

The Cruz del Cóndor walk is what stuck with me most. There’s this hush as everyone waits for the condors — someone whispered about Pachamama and José led us in a little gratitude ritual with coca leaves. It felt honest, not staged; even if you’re not spiritual, you get why people do it here. Afterward, we wandered through Maca town where kids waved at our group and I bought a woven bracelet I’ll probably never take off.

I almost skipped the Chacapi hot springs because I thought I’d be too tired, but sliding into those volcanic waters was like hitting reset on my legs. Lunch back in Chivay was buffet-style — lots of quinoa dishes and something spicy I couldn’t name (José said “rocoto,” which apparently means “careful!”). On the way back toward Arequipa we stopped at Mirador de los Andes; it’s windy up there and you can see volcanoes lined up like old giants watching over everything. The whole day felt both long and weirdly short — maybe because there were so many small moments that caught me off guard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour to Colca Canyon

• Depart Arequipa to Chivay
• Breakfast in Chivay town
• Drive along Colca Valley left bank
• Visit Mirador Antahuilque viewpoint
• Stop at Wayrapunko panoramic view
• Walk to Cruz del Cura viewpoint
• Perform Pachamama gratitude ritual
• Visit Maca town and church
• Relax at Chacapi Thermal Baths
• Lunch buffet in Chivay
• Stop at Mirador de los Andes viewpoint
• Observe camelid herds
• Return to Arequipa via Salinas reserve

Top questions

How long is the drive from Arequipa to Colca Canyon?

The drive from Arequipa to Chivay takes about 3 hours each way.

Is breakfast included on this Colca Canyon day trip?

Yes, an American-Andean breakfast is included during your stop in Chivay.

Do you visit hot springs during this tour?

Yes, there is time to relax at Chacapi Thermal Baths with volcanic mineral waters.

What is the main highlight at Cruz del Cóndor?

You’ll join a gratitude ritual to Pachamama and watch for condors soaring above the canyon.

Are local guides part of this experience?

Yes, an official local guide leads your day trip through Colca Canyon from Arequipa.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

A buffet lunch featuring typical regional dishes is included in Chivay.

What altitude will we reach during the tour?

The highest point is Mirador de los Andes at 4910 meters above sea level.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Arequipa, an official local guide throughout, American-Andean breakfast in Chivay, water for the journey, entry to Chacapi Thermal Baths for a soak in volcanic mineral waters, digital photos taken by your guide along the way, plus a buffet lunch featuring regional specialties before returning by air-conditioned vehicle in the evening.