Colca is one of the main tourist destinations in Peru, located in the extreme northeast of the province of Caylloma, in the region of Arequipa. The name “Colca” comes from the words ” Collaguas ” and ” Cabanas “, which were two ethnic groups that lived along the Colca River. In addition, it should be noted that the Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world, with a depth of 4,150 meters, only surpassed by the Cotahuasi canyon.
The province of Caylloma, commonly known as “Colca”, is part of the department of Arequipa, in Peru. It is located in the extreme northeast of this region and has the Colca Canyon as its main setting. In this area, there are the towns that characterize this province and that are related to the natural beauty of the canyon.
This tour is specially designed to explore:
Chivay: A charming Peruvian town that serves as the capital of the Caylloma Province. It is located at an altitude of 3,635 meters above sea level on the western slope of the Andes Mountains, in the upper part of the Colca Canyon. Just 3 km from Chivay, you will find the relaxing hot springs known as “La Calera”.
Cruz del Cóndor: This impressive viewpoint is located on the edge of the canyon. From this point, you can admire the majestic flight of the condors while observing the Colca River that flows at a depth of 1,200 meters. In addition, the canyon wall rises to an imposing height of 3,100 meters at its summits, where you can see the perpetual ice. The experiences of previous visitors highlight that the panoramic view from this place is simply spectacular.
Make the most of your visit to the Colca Canyon with this exciting tour.
03:00 to 03:30 am – Pick up at hotels in the center of Arequipa.
03:30 am – Departure from Arequipa to Chivay.
After a 3-hour trip, we will arrive at the town of Chivay, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, we will go to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, which is 30 minutes away and is the observation point of the Colca Canyon and the impressive flight of the condor. We will spend approximately 45 minutes in this place to admire the beauty of the Colca Canyon.
On the way back, we will make stops at the viewpoints in the area to observe the impressive platforms of the Valley and in the town of Maca, where we will visit its church and optionally we can taste local drinks such as the Colca Sour, made with products from the region.
Before lunch, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing bath in the Yanque Hot Springs (optional entrance), whose thermal waters have a temperature ranging between 35°C and 38°C in the pools.
12:30 pm – Lunch in Chivay.
We will begin our trip back to Arequipa, making a stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes, which is the highest area of the road (4800 meters above sea level) from where we will have a panoramic view of a large part of the western mountain range. Then, we will make a brief stop at the Toccra Bofedales , where we can observe numerous alpacas grazing freely in the area.
Continuing our journey bordering the snowy Chachani towards Pampa Cañahuas, we will pass through the habitat of the vicuñas, which live freely in this area.
05:00 pm – We will arrive at the city of Arequipa and we will leave you very close to the main square.
For the FULL DAY tour, you only need to bring a small bag or backpack. Large luggage can be stored in your accommodation in Arequipa.
We cannot guarantee observation of condor flight during the visit, but it is very likely that we will see them almost any time of the year, except during the rainy season, when some condors migrate to other areas in search of more favorable weather.
The Colca Valley is 151 km from the city of Arequipa, and the trip takes approximately 3 hours. You will arrive at the main town, Chivay, where you will find all the essential services, such as accommodation, restaurants and night entertainment venues.
You can visit Colca at any time of the year, but the best time is between April and May, when the rainy season is coming to an end and the vegetation on the platforms of the Colca Valley is at its maximum splendor.
You have two options to get to the Colca Valley. You can travel on your own by purchasing bus tickets at the Arequipa land terminal, where you will find different departure times. The price is usually 15 soles. Keep in mind that at the terminal you must pay a fee to use the facilities, which is 1.50 soles.
The other option is to take one of our various excursions, which include tourist transportation, guide, food and accommodation services.
A canyon is a deep, narrow river valley. The main characteristic for the formation of a canyon is the presence of a fast-flowing river, since the faster it flows, the more load of rocks and other debris it can transport.
On the other hand, a valley is a flat area between mountain slopes formed by the erosion of water descending from the mountain tops. The valleys are attractive for their natural environment and their scenic value. The surrounding mountains and rivers make these places ideal for nature lovers.
The climate in the Colca Valley is varied, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing for the morning and evening, as temperatures can drop considerably. During the day, it is appropriate to wear light clothing. Additionally, you should bring sneakers for short walks, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If you plan to visit between December and March, the rainy season, it is advisable to bring waterproof clothing.
The main town of the Colca Valley is located at an altitude of 3,635 meters above sea level (masl). However, on the way from Arequipa to Chivay, you will pass through the highest point, Patapampa , also known as the Mirador de los Volcanes, which is located at 4900 meters above sea level, being the highest point of the entire road.
The cost of the Tourist Ticket is as follows:
This ticket allows you to visit several tourist attractions in the Colca Valley, such as archaeological zones, viewpoints and trekking circuits. It is important to note that this ticket does not include entry to museums or entry to the Hot Springs of different towns such as Chivay, Yanque and Coporaque .
There are two points of sale to purchase the tourist ticket:
Before entering Chivay, you will find a tourist entry checkpoint where you can buy the tourist ticket.
Halfway to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, there is also a tourist checkpoint where you can purchase the tourist ticket.
It is important to mention that only cash is accepted to pay for the tourist ticket.
Most tourist establishments, such as accommodation and restaurants, accept credit card payments, especially American Express, VISA, Diners and Mastercard cards . However, it is recommended to bring cash if you want to buy souvenirs or crafts, since in those cases payment can only be made in cash.
To visit the Colca Valley, you can opt for different types of tours:
Generally, it is recommended to spend one or two days in the city of Arequipa to acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness before visiting the Colca Valley. It is also suggested to drink coca tea, a traditional drink that is very useful to avoid altitude sickness. Also, if you want to take any medication, the most recommended is ” Sorojchi Pills .”
You must take it 30 minutes before starting the trip and you can purchase it at any pharmacy. However, if you are allergic to any medication, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking these pills.
In our packages you can customize your experience as you like it.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
Terra Quechua Peru is dedicated to providing the ultimate in value and personal attention to its customers, striving to make travel simple, worry-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers.
Terra Quechua Peru, initially started by Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, is a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator headquartered in Cusco. Their extensive personal experience in trekking, along with the fact that it's a 100% Cusquenian Company without any shareholders, sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru distinguishes itself by its dedication to providing exceptional value and personalized attention to its clients. Since its establishment in 2012, it has been committed to making travel straightforward, stress-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers. Additionally, being a family-owned business with a strong local presence and a wealth of experience in trekking further sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru's uniqueness lies in its origins as a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator. Its founders, Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, have personal experience spanning many years in trekking, offering travelers an authentic and knowledgeable perspective of Peru.
Travelers with Terra Quechua Peru can anticipate a personalized and friendly experience during their trekking adventures. The guides are dedicated to making travelers feel like they are hiking with their own family or friends. Their in-depth knowledge of the region and culture adds an extra layer of authenticity to every journey.
Yes, Terra Quechua Peru specializes in fully customizable trips. They can work with travelers to create personalized itineraries that cater to their specific interests and preferences, ensuring a tailored and unforgettable experience in Peru.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
