How long does this tour last?

This tour lasts approximately 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT.

What is the difficulty level?

The difficulty level is Moderate.

What is the base price?

The base price starts from USD 135.

Colca Canyon 2 Day Tour from Puno to Arequipa

Rating: 4.5
Author: Traveler

Colca Canyon 2 Day Tour from Puno

Day 1: Puno – Lagunillas Lake – Patahuasi – Chivay.

We start by picking you up from your hotel in the historic center of Puno at 6:00 AM. Please note that vehicles are not allowed to enter Puno's Plaza de Armas, so you may need to walk or coordinate a pickup spot with our staff or guide to board the bus. Once on the bus, your guide will explain the geographical aspects of the area. We'll make scenic stops at designated points. After a 2-hour drive, we'll reach our first stop, Lagunillas Lake, located at 14,478 feet (4413 masl). At Lagunillas Lake, you can spot migratory flamingos when the lake is low during the dry season (May, June, July, August). During the rainy months, flamingos migrate to the Bolivian side. At the Lagunillas viewpoint, you can purchase local crafts, water, and some snacks.

We'll continue our bus journey for another 1.5 hours to Patahuasi. Along the way, we'll see alpacas and llamas grazing in vast plains. We'll connect to the Pan-American Highway South, enjoying views of three volcanoes: Chachani Volcano, Misti Volcano, and Pichu Pichu Volcano. Next, we'll head to Pampa Cañahuas, located at 13,385 feet (4080 masl). Here, we can observe the volcanoes and enjoy Inca Tea, which contains chachacoma, coca, and muña to help prevent altitude sickness. At Pampa Cañahuas, we'll make a transfer; our journey from Puno ends here. We'll then transfer to another vehicle coming from Arequipa, joining new travel companions. We'll continue to the town of Chivay. Along the way, we'll stop at a place with alpacas and llamas where you can approach, touch the llamas, and take photos with local people.

We'll then pass through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve and head to the Mirador de los Andes, a section of the Central Andean Volcanic Range, at 14,468 feet (4410 masl). From this viewpoint, we can appreciate the mountain range. We'll then descend to the viewpoint of Chivay town and continue our journey to Chivay for lunch.

After lunch, your guide and transport will take you to your hotel for check-in. At 3:00 PM, we'll continue our tour from your hotel to the Chivay Hot Springs (optional). You'll have 1 hour free for bathing (cost is 15 soles per person). Locals consider the hot springs to have medicinal properties for bones and the body. You'll need to bring your swimwear; personal belongings can be left in the vehicle. After bathing, we'll return to Chivay town, then to your hotel. In the evening, you can participate in a dinner show with typical local dances at a restaurant near Chivay's Plaza de Armas. After the show, you'll return to your hotel to rest for the next day.

Day 2: Chivay – Condor Cross – Colca Canyon – Arequipa.

We'll start the tour with an energizing breakfast at your hotel. We'll pick you up from your hotel between 6:30 AM and 6:45 AM and head towards the Colca Valley. We'll arrive at the small town of Yanque, where you can enjoy dances presented by school children and admire the colonial church. As we continue, we'll observe the terraces (andenes) built in the Colca Valley—over 10,000 platforms constructed for agriculture and cultivation, irrigated by the waters of the Colca River. We'll then reach the viewpoint of the Colca Valley terraces. We'll proceed to the Condor Viewpoints in Colca Canyon, where you can appreciate the flight of condors in the magnificent Colca Canyon, which is 13,123 feet (4000 meters) deep. At the Colca Canyon viewpoint, we'll have 45 minutes to photograph, explore, and observe the condor's flight.

Afterward, we'll return to the town of Chivay, stopping in the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque along the Colca Valley, observing the terraces. All these small local towns feature colonial churches, tombs, and pre-Inca terraces. We'll then arrive in Chivay for lunch at 11:30 AM.

After lunch, we'll head to the city of Arequipa, an approximately 3-hour journey. Please account for traffic when arriving in central Arequipa. We'll drop you off at your hotel door, arriving around 4:30 PM.

Included / Not Included

Tour from Puno with connection to Arequipa includes:

Transportation: (Bus or exclusive minibus for visitors connecting Puno's historic center to Patahuasi (Pampa Cañahuas) / Sprinter-type vehicle or similar for the rest of the journey, concluding in Arequipa's historic center)
Professional Spanish-English Guide
1 Breakfast day 2
2 Buffet Lunches
1 Night Accommodation in a 3-star hotel
First Aid Kit
Oxygen Tank

Tour from Puno with connection to Arequipa does not include:

Breakfast day 1
Permits
Colca Tourist Ticket: S/ 70 per person
Hot Springs Fee: S/ 15 per person
Dinner Show (optional)
Tips (optional, personal appreciation)
Accommodation/Hotel in Arequipa City
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended to purchase from your home country

What to bring

Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour from Puno to Arequipa

In Colca and Puno, the climate is cold and dry, with intense sunny days and cold nights. Wearing layers will help you adjust to temperature variations throughout the day.

Small Daypack: To carry your essential items (water, camera, snacks, light jacket) during stops and on the bus. Your main luggage will be stored in the bus compartment.

Thermal Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts and thermal pants. Essential for maintaining body temperature, particularly on cold mornings and during the night at the hotel.

Wool or Thermal Socks: Several pairs. Cold feet can cause significant discomfort.

Sweaters or Fleece Jackets: One or two, ideally made of wool (alpaca is perfect for its lightness and warmth) or fleece.

Comfortable Pants: That allow for easy movement, such as hiking pants or athletic pants.

Warm Jacket: A down jacket or a good quality fleece coat.

Windproof and Waterproof Jacket: Crucial to protect against the cold Altiplano wind and potential light rain or drizzle, especially during the wet season.

Trekking Shoes: With adequate non-slip soles. You'll use them for stops at viewpoints and possible short walks.

Wool Hat or Chullo: Essential for protecting your head from the cold, especially during outdoor stops.

Gloves: One pair of gloves.

Scarf or Neck Gaiter: To protect both your throat and neck from the wind.

Sunglasses: At high altitudes, UV radiation is extremely high, even on cloudy days.

Water: A reusable water bottle. It's essential to stay hydrated at altitude.

Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, cookies, etc., to eat between meals.

Sunscreen: High SPF. Apply generously to all exposed areas and reapply throughout the day.

Lip Balm: With SPF, to prevent chapped lips due to sun and cold.

Personal Medications: If you take any specific medications.

Altitude Sickness Pills: Consult with your doctor before traveling.

Candies or Coca Leaves: Help alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms.

Pain Relievers: For headaches (ibuprofen, paracetamol).

Small Personal Hygiene Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo (travel size).

Small Towel: Although the hotel will provide one, a small microfiber towel can be useful in unexpected situations.

Hand Sanitizer/Alcohol Gel: To maintain hand hygiene during stops.

Original Passport or ID: Always carry it with you.

Cash (Peruvian Soles): Essential. Although the tourist bus usually includes many things, you'll need cash for purchasing crafts or gifts at stops, extra drinks or snacks, and, optionally, tips for guides and drivers.

Copies of Documents: Keep copies of your passport/ID in a separate location.

Travel Insurance: It is highly advisable to have one that covers medical emergencies and evacuations.

Travel Information

ALTITUDE

For the 2-day, 1-night tour through the Colca Canyon, from Puno to Arequipa, you'll experience the following altitudes: This route involves a gradual descent from the Puno highlands to the city of Arequipa, traversing high peaks within the Colca Canyon. PUNO (Starting Point) Altitude: The city of Puno sits at an average elevation of 12,556 feet (3,827 meters) above sea level (m.a.s.l.). Lake Titicaca is located at 12,506 feet (3,812 meters) above sea level. Route to Colca Canyon (High Points). On your trip from Puno to the Colca Canyon, the tourist bus travels through high-altitude areas in the Andes Mountains. The highest point on the route is the Patapampa Viewpoint, which reaches 16,108 feet (4,910 meters) above sea level. We typically make a stop here to take in the volcanoes and the high Andean scenery. CHIVAY (Overnight Accommodation in Colca Canyon). Altitude: Chivay, the capital of Caylloma province and a key place to stay overnight in the Colca Canyon, is located at 11,925 feet (3,635 meters) above sea level. AREQUIPA (Final Destination). Altitude: The city of Arequipa is situated at an average altitude of 7,660 feet (2,335 meters) above sea level.

WEATHER

The weather during the 2-day, 1-night tour through the Colca Canyon, which runs from Puno to Arequipa, is highly variable due to significant altitude changes. You’ll travel from the cold highlands of Puno, pass through very high and windy areas, and finally descend to the city of Arequipa, which has a warmer climate.

Puno (starting point)

Climate: Dry and cool due to high elevation.
Day: Cool temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F–59°F).
Night: Extremely cold, often below 0°C (32°F), especially between May and August.
Features: Expect clear skies and plenty of sun during the dry season (April to November), though the perceived warmth is reduced due to wind and altitude. During the rainy season (December to March), showers may occur, and nighttime temperatures are slightly warmer.

Ascent to Colca Canyon (High Points like Patapampa)

Climate: Extreme, cold, and very windy.
Temperatures: In places like Patapampa (4,910 m.a.s.l.), temperatures can drop extremely low, often near or below 0°C (32°F) even during the day, due to the altitude and wind exposure.
The perceived temperature is very cold. Frost or even light snow is possible, especially during the dry season and early morning hours. Sun radiation is strong.

Chivay and the Colca Canyon (overnight stay)

Environment: Cold and dry, with large temperature fluctuations between day and night.
Day: If sunny, temperatures are mild, ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F–68°F).
Night: Very cold, often below 0°C (32°F), similar to Puno but slightly less extreme than in higher areas.
During the dry season, sunny days dominate, ideal for condor watching. During the rainy season, rain or hail may occur. Wind is a constant feature in the canyon.

Arequipa (final destination)

Climate: Dry, sunny, and warm (hence the nickname "The White City").
Day: Comfortable and warm, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F–77°F).
Night: Cool, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 10°C (46°F–50°F).
Features: Usually clear skies year-round, except during the rainy season (December to March), when rains are brief and less intense than in the highland region. Solar radiation remains high throughout the year.

PROTESTS AND STRIKES

We will do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even if it means departing a night earlier. In some cases, trips may be canceled. If there are changes, protests and strikes are common in Peru and can affect our travel plans. Roads may be blocked. However, our entire operations team will communicate with you. Your safety is our top priority, and we will take the best measures to protect you in any unforeseen situation.

LOST ITEMS

Please take special care of your belongings and ensure you collect everything before leaving our vehicles, hotels, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your personal items during the tour.

Tour Price

Shared Tour Service.

This group service means you'll do the tour with other people. This standard service operates with a group of 12 to 16 people. We have confirmed departures every day, so if you're traveling alone or with just one other person, don't worry; you can join one of our existing groups.

Starting from: $135 USD.

Private Tour Service.

This service offers an exclusive way to experience the trip, where the service is much more personalized. Prices vary based on the number of people in your group. Please inquire at info@ausangateadventure.com or WhatsApp +51 914201334.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour begins in Puno and concludes in Arequipa. Along the way, you'll visit the Colca Valley, traditional communities, and various high Andean landscapes.

What are the departure and arrival times?

Day 1: Departure from Puno between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM, heading to Chivay.
Day 2: Departure from Chivay to Arequipa between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM, with an estimated arrival in Arequipa between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Does the tour include accommodation in the Colca Valley?

Yes, the tour includes one night of accommodation in Chivay or Yanque, in a 2- or 3-star hotel (depending on the booked category). Upgrades to superior hotels are also possible.

Is the Colca Tourist Ticket included?

Typically, it is not included. It must be purchased directly at the entrance to the Colca Valley.

Foreigners: S/ 70
Latin Americans: S/ 40
Peruvians: S/ 20 (reference prices).

Is admission to the hot springs included?

No. It's optional and incurs an extra cost (approximately S/ 15). On the first day in the afternoon, a visit is made to the La Calera thermal center, near Chivay.

What places are visited during the tour?

Lagunillas Viewpoint
Pampa Cañahuas (Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve – vicuñas and high Andean landscapes)
Patapampa Viewpoint (16,108 feet / 4,910 masl)
Towns of Yanque and Maca
Condor Cross, to observe the flight of the Andean condor
Colca Valley and its pre-Inca terraces

What type of transportation is used?

Shared tourist bus: Puno – Chivay – Arequipa
Modern, comfortable, and safe vehicles, with a professional driver
Scenic stops and explanations with a bilingual (Spanish/English) tour guide

Can I bring luggage?

Yes. You are allowed to carry one large suitcase or backpack in the bus compartment. We suggest bringing a small daypack with your essentials for the day (water, camera, warm clothes, and documents).

What should I bring?

Warm layered clothing (the climate can be cold, particularly at night and in high-altitude areas).
Hat, sun protection, sunglasses.
Swimsuit (if you intend to visit the hot springs).
Water, snacks, and a camera.

Is it recommended for all travelers?

Yes, although you should consider that most of the journey takes place above 13,123 feet (4,000 masl), so acclimatization is advisable. It is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory problems without medical authorization.

Will I have cell phone signal or Wi-Fi access?

Cell signal is limited on the route. Hotels in Chivay generally provide basic Wi-Fi access. On the bus journey, there is no permanent connection.

Prices

SHARED SERVICE

$$135USD USD per person

Daily departures subject to availability.
Reference price for this service.
Final availability is confirmed by our travel team.

Private Service

On request

Flexible schedule.
Recommended for families or private groups.
Custom pace and private logistics.