Colca Canyon
A Journey into the Earth's Depths
Prepare for an awe-inspiring, two-day private Colca Canyon tour to one of the deepest ravines on the planet. Plunging over 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) into the Earth—more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon—the Colca Valley is a dramatic tapestry of pre-Inca agricultural terraces, smoking volcanoes, and soaring Andean wildlife. This bespoke 2-day expedition blends high-altitude discovery with serene luxury.
Your private chauffeured journey from Arequipa takes you across the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve (Pampa Cañahuas), a high-altitude sanctuary for wild vicuñas and Andean flamingos, before crossing the 4,800m Patapampa Pass. You will descend into the tranquil village of Yanque, where you can unwind in natural volcanic thermal springs and spend the night in your chosen 3, 4, or 5-star lodge. The following morning, stand at the legendary Cruz del Condor viewpoint to witness the majestic Andean Condor gliding on morning thermals. Want to continue onward to Lake Titicaca and Cusco? Explore our 12-Day Colca Canyon to Machu Picchu Package.
Expedition Highlights
Cruz del Condor Viewpoint
Stand at the edge of a 1,200m sheer drop to witness the awe-inspiring flight of the Andean Condor, the largest flying land bird in the Western Hemisphere.
Andean Wildlife Reserve
Journey through the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, home to herds of wild vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and high-altitude Andean flamingos.
Yanque Hot Springs
Rejuvenate your body after the high-altitude crossing by soaking in natural, mineral-rich volcanic thermal springs surrounded by terraced canyon walls.
Handpicked Valley Lodging
Retreat for the evening in the heart of the Colca Valley. Choose between vetted 3-star boutique lodges, 4-star thermal resorts, or 5-star luxury properties.
Detailed 2-Day Colca Canyon Itinerary
The High Andes & The Flight of the Condor
Overnight Altitude: 3,417 m / 11,210 ft (Yanque / Colca Valley)
DAY 1: Arequipa to Yanque (The Ascent Across the Reserve)
The Scenic Journey & Pampa Cañahuas Wildlife
Your private guide and chauffeur will meet you at your Arequipa hotel for a spectacular four-hour overland journey. Have your camera ready as we traverse the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve behind Mount Chachani, a vast altiplano sanctuary where you will observe wild vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, Andean geese, and flamingos against the backdrop of the Misti, Chachani, and Sabancaya volcanoes.
The Patapampa Pass & Descent into the Valley
We reach the journey's highest elevation at the Patapampa "Mirador de los Volcanes" Pass (4,800m / 15,748ft), offering a sweeping panoramic view of eight volcanic peaks, including Mount Ampato. From here, we descend into the fertile Colca Valley toward Chivay and the tranquil village of Yanque.
Valley Lunch & Thermal Springs Relaxation
Upon arrival in the valley, enjoy a freshly prepared Andean lunch before checking into your selected lodge. In the afternoon, the time is yours: embark on a gentle walk along pre-Inca agricultural terraces, unwind at your resort's spa, or soak in the natural volcanic thermal waters of Yanque.
Included Meals: Lunch
DAY 2: Cruz del Condor & Return to Arequipa
Colonial Villages of Maca & Pinchollo
Early in the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, we set out along the edge of the Colca Canyon. Along the route, we stop at traditional Collagua and Cabana villages such as Yanque, Maca, and Pinchollo, where whitewashed colonial churches and pre-Inca stepped terraces remain beautifully preserved.
Mirador Cruz del Condor
We continue to the legendary Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where the canyon walls plummet 1,200 meters straight down to the Colca River. You will have ample time to walk along the rim and witness majestic Andean Condors—with wingspans reaching over 3 meters (10 feet)—gliding effortlessly on morning thermal updrafts right before your eyes.
Return Journey to Arequipa
After admiring the condors and stopping at scenic viewpoints overlooking the pre-Inca terraces of Antahuilque and Choquetico, we begin our return drive through Chivay. After an approximately 4-hour scenic drive, your private chauffeur will drop you off comfortably at your hotel in Arequipa.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Colca Canyon Accommodations
Stay in handpicked valley lodges and resorts designed for comfort during your Colca Canyon expedition.
Colca Canyon
Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs
Colca Canyon
Killawasi Lodge
Inclusions & Prices
Select Your Lodging Category (All Include Private VIP Service)
Per Person, Double Occupancy
3-Star Boutique
$415 USD
4-Star Premium
$469 USD
5-Star Luxury
$684 USD
What's Included
- Private hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arequipa.
- Private transportation in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking private guide for 2 days.
- 1 Night accommodation in the Colca Valley (Based on your selected 3, 4, or 5-Star category).
- Meals: 1 Breakfast (at hotel) and 1 High-quality Valley Lunch (Day 1).
- Official Colca Canyon Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Colca).
- Bottled water and emergency oxygen on board.
Not Included
- Dinner on Day 1 (Dine at your lodge's restaurant).
- Lunch on Day 2 (During the return journey).
- Entrance fee to public thermal springs (paid locally if not using your resort's private pools).
- Gratuities for your private guide and driver (optional).
Essential Recommendations
- Altitude Preparation: You will cross a 4,800m pass and sleep at 3,417m. We strongly recommend spending at least 1 to 2 days in Arequipa (2,335m) prior to this tour to acclimatize.
- Layered Clothing: Early mornings at Cruz del Condor are crisp and cold, while midday sun in the valley is warm and bright.
- Essentials: Bring a swimsuit for the hot springs, warm layers, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.