Tour to the Colca Canyon with connection to Puno — full day

Meeting Place — at about 3 am

We will pick you up from your hotel—applies only for hotels located in the historic center; otherwise, we will coordinate another meeting place according to your convenience.

Transfer from Arequipa to Chivay city

You will leave Arequipa city early in the morning, you’ll make your way to a small town known as Chivay located at 3635 m.a.s.l. — this bus ride lasts about 3 hours.

Breakfast in Chivay

You will have a local breakfast in this picturesque village.

Transfer from Chivay to the Cruz del Cóndor lookout point

This bus ride lasts about 1 hour.

Visualization of the Colca Canyon from the lookout point + The Condor’s Sanctuary

• From the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint (3800 m.a.s.l), you will observe the majestic Colca Canyon. In 2019 UNESCO declared the Colca Canyon as the third deepest canyon in South America with a depth of 4160 meters and the fourth deepest canyon on the planet.
• This canyon is the perfect place to enjoy the nature and learn about the Colca Valley history. At this place, you will be able to see the famous Colcas—which were food warehouses in pre-Hispanic times located on the mountains of the valley where the ancient Peruvians would keep quinoa, corn, cereals, potatoes, etc.
• In conclusion, the term Colca means “food store” and its origin is attributed to the Collaguas and Cabanas civilizations who inhabited this valley before the arrival of the Spaniards.
• The Cruz Viewpoint is also ideal for observing Condors in flight and other Andean animals such as parihuanas, llamas, huanacos, alpacas, vicuñas, tarucas, foxes and vizcachas.

Transfer from the Cruz lookout point to the Chacapi’s Hot Springs

During this tour, you’ll pass through different Spanish colonial towns such as Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque.

Enjoy the Chacapi Hot Springs

These medicinal Hot Springs are located near the town of Yanque where you can enjoy them; the average temperature is 38° Celsius, which is optimal for bathing.

Transfer from the Chacapi Hot Springs to Chivay

Lunch at your own expense in Chivay — at about 12 pm.

There are several restaurants in the beautiful town of Chivay, your Guide will help you choosing the best option according to your preferences.

Board your bus to Puno — 1:15 pm approx.

You will board another bus at Chivay city which will take you to Puno city. The bus ride lasts about 6 hours.

Bus stop at the Mirador de los Andes

This viewpoint is located at 4,900 meters above sea level — at this spot, you will see the volcanoes of Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca Hualca, Mismi (the exact place where the Amazon River is born) and the Chila mountain range.

Bus stop in Patahuasi or Pampa Cañahuas

This viewpoint is located at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, behind the Chachani volcano. You will spot some vicuñas, llamas and alpacas.

If you wish, you can also taste some hot drinks made from natural herbs such as coca, chachacomo and muña. Any type of purchase you wish to make, it will always be your choice.

Bus stop in Lagunillas

This viewpoint has a nice overview to the small lakes that seem to be mirrors reflecting the
sky, it is also the habitat of Andean flamingos and other birds.

Arrival to Puno city — at about 7:30 pm

This excursion ends in the historic center of Puno city. This tour doesn’t end at your hotel unless you book a private tour.