4.7 3 Days / 2 Nights 
Arequipa Tours
Arequipa Tours: Colca Canyon, Volcanoes and the White City
Canyons, volcanoes and the White City
From the sillar-stone streets of the White City to the condors of Colca Canyon and the summits of Misti and Chachani: tours and treks in Arequipa, organized by our local team.
4.7 3 Days / 2 Nights 
4.7 2 Days / 1 Night 4.7 1 day Colca Canyon Tour Traditional
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per person
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4.7 1 Day Plan Arequipa by altitude
Arequipa city sits at about 2,335 m, much lower than Cusco, which makes it a good place to start a trip through southern Peru. The key is to go up step by step: city first, then Colca, and only then the volcanoes.
| Tour | Highest point | Effort | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arequipa city tour | ≈2,335 m | Easy | Good first day |
| Colca Canyon 1 day / 2 days | 4,910 m (Patapampa viewpoint, by road) | Easy | Condors at Cruz del Cóndor, best 8–10 am |
| Colca trek 2D / 3D | ≈3,300 m (Cabanaconde) | Moderate–hard | ≈1,100 m descent, then the same climb out |
| Salinas y Aguada Blanca | ≈4,300 m | Easy | Flamingos when the lagoon has water |
| Pillones waterfall | ≈4,600 m | Easy–moderate | Rocky 30–60 min descent |
| Misti volcano | 5,822 m | Challenging | Non-technical, loose ash |
| Chachani volcano | ≈6,057 m | Challenging | Camp at ≈5,200 m |
Misti or Chachani?
Misti starts lower and has about 2,500 m of total climbing on loose ash, so it often feels harder on the legs. Chachani starts from a 4x4 road at about 5,000 m with less climbing, but it goes higher and you sleep at about 5,200 m, so it is harder on altitude. Most climbers do Misti first. Chachani’s height appears as 6,057 m in references and 6,075 m on many local pages; both are over 6,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Colca Canyon?
About 3,270 m, roughly twice the Grand Canyon. The 4,160 m figure you may see measures from the surrounding peaks.
When is the best time to see condors?
Early morning, around 8–10 am, when the thermals rise, and especially in the dry months from May to October.
Is the Colca tourist ticket included?
The Colca ticket (Boleto Turístico / AUTOCOLCA) is paid in cash at the checkpoint; in 2026 it is S/70 for foreign adults. Check each tour’s includes list.
Do I need technical experience for Misti or Chachani?
No technical climbing is needed, but both are demanding high-altitude ascents. Acclimatize for at least two or three days in Arequipa or higher, ideally after Colca.
When can I see flamingos at Laguna de Salinas?
Mainly from about December to May, when the lagoon holds water. In the dry season it turns into a white salt flat.