Panoramic view of pre-Inca agricultural terraces in the Colca Canyon near Arequipa Peru

Volcanoes & Condors

Luxury Arequipa & Colca Canyon Tours

Discover the volcanic gleam of Peru's "White City" and journey privately into one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons on Earth.

A Landscape of Fire and Stone

The Elegance of the Peruvian South

Guarded by three dramatic volcanic peaks—Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu—Arequipa is a masterpiece of Spanish colonial architecture carved from sillar, a luminous white volcanic tuff stone. Sitting at a comfortable elevation of 2,335 meters (7,660 ft), strolling through its UNESCO-listed historic center and the vividly colored cloisters of the Santa Catalina Monastery makes it the ideal acclimatization gateway to the Southern Andes.

Beyond the city lies the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon. Plunging twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, it is the ancestral realm of the majestic Andean condor. Our private expeditions seamlessly blend UNESCO-recognized regional gastronomy, soothing volcanic hot springs, and stays at handpicked valley lodges—available as standalone experiences or integrated into our 12-Day Colca Canyon to Machu Picchu Package and 15-Day Ultimate Peru Grand Tour.

Elevation

2,335 m / 7,660 ft (City)

Best Time

May to November

Status

UNESCO World Heritage

Curated Itineraries

Arequipa & Colca Experiences

Private guided walking tour inside the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa

Classic

The White City: Private Colonial Walking Tour

Plaza de Armas – Santa Catalina Monastery – Ice Maiden Juanita

Stroll through the elegant streets of Arequipa, built from gleaming white volcanic sillar stone. Explore the sprawling 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery—a vibrant citadel within a city—and come face-to-face with the Ice Maiden Juanita at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum.

4 Hours Private Historian Guide

Starting from

$85 USD

per person

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Culinary

Arequipeñan Gastronomy: Master Cooking Class

Cayma District – Private Culinary Kitchen Studio

Discover the vibrant flavors of Peru's southern culinary capital in our private Cayma studio. Under the step-by-step guidance of an expert Peruvian chef, shake a classic Pisco Sour and craft a 3-course gourmet meal featuring Causa Rellena, Ceviche, and Mango Mousse.

3 Hours Interactive 3-Course Class

Starting from

$59 USD

per person

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Arequipa Street Food Safari at San Camilo Market and Yanahuara

Authentic Bites: Arequipa Street Food Safari

San Camilo Market – Historic Center – Yanahuara Viewpoint

Embark on a tantalizing 4-hour tasting walk through the historic San Camilo Market, the UNESCO Historic Center, and the arches of Yanahuara. Sample exotic native juices, artisanal Queso Helado, Pan con Chicharrón, warm Picarones, and a surprise Grand Finale dish.

4 Hours All Tastings Included

Starting from

$55 USD

per person

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Andean Condor soaring over the Colca Canyon on a 2-day private expedition

Must Do

The Condor's Realm: Colca Canyon Expedition

Arequipa – Pampa Cañahuas – Yanque Hot Springs – Cruz del Condor

Journey privately into one of the deepest canyons on Earth. Observe wild vicuñas in the high reserve, soak in natural volcanic thermal waters, spend the night in a 3, 4, or 5-star valley lodge, and witness the majestic flight of the Andean Condor at Cruz del Condor.

2 Days / 1 Night Handpicked Valley Lodge

Starting from

$415 USD

per person

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Carved white volcanic stone cliffs on The Sillar Route in Arequipa

The Sillar Route: Volcanic Stone Quarries

Añashuayco Quarries – Master Stonemasons – Culebrillas Canyon

Venture into the monumental Añashuayco quarries where Arequipa's famous white volcanic stone is extracted by hand. Watch master stonemasons at work, try carving sillar yourself, and hike through the narrow Culebrillas slot canyon to discover pre-Inca petroglyphs.

Half Day (4 Hrs) Private Geological Tour

Starting from

$143 USD

per person

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Arequipa & Colca Canyon Travel FAQ

Why is Arequipa the ideal starting point before visiting Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, or Cusco?

Arequipa sits at a comfortable intermediate elevation of 2,335 meters (7,660 ft), making it the perfect gentle acclimatization stop before ascending to the Colca Canyon (3,400m - 4,800m), Lake Titicaca (3,812m), or Cusco (3,399m).

Can your 2-day Colca Canyon private tour connect directly to Lake Titicaca (Puno) instead of returning to Arequipa?

Yes! Because our Colca Canyon expeditions are 100% private, on Day 2 after visiting Cruz del Condor and having lunch in Chivay, your private chauffeur can drive you directly across the scenic Andean highlands to your luxury hotel in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

What is the best time of year to visit Arequipa and the Colca Canyon?

Arequipa enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year and can be visited year-round. The dry season from May to November offers the clearest blue skies for trekking and viewing the Andean Condor at Cruz del Condor, while the green season from December to April showcases lush emerald agricultural terraces across the valley.