Highlights
- Travel from Puno to Arequipa across the Andean highlands.
- Visit the Cruz del Condor vantage point.
- Observe volcanic landscapes and high Andean fauna.
- Relax in natural hot springs (optional).
- Tour the Colca Valley with a bilingual tour guide.
Description
Day 1: Puno – Chivay – Hot Springs
Pick-up from centrally-located hotels in Puno between 6:00 AM and 6:15 AM to start the journey to the Colca Valley. The route crosses the Andean plateau with stops at natural sites and vantage points.
The first stop is at Lagunillas (4,175 m above sea level), an area of lakes where it is possible to observe flamingos and high Andean birds. Then we visit Patahuasi (3,844 m above sea level), within the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Nature Reserve, with time for restroom facilities and hot herbal teas. Continue to Pampa Cañahuas (4,000 m above sea level), a protected area where you can see vicuñas, alpacas and llamas.
There is a brief stop in Tocrapampa (4,280 m above sea level) before reaching Pata Pampa (4,910 m above sea level), the highest point of the route, with views of the Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca Hualca, and Mismi volcanoes.
Arrival in Chivay around 1:30 PM, with free time for lunch (not included) and check-in at the selected accommodation.
In the afternoon, optional visit to the Chacapi hot springs (admission not included).
Free night in Chivay. Accommodation not included.
Day 2: Chivay – Cruz del Condor – Arequipa
After breakfast, early departure to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, one of the main attractions of the Colca, where you can observe the flight of the Andean condor.
En route, there are stops at the village of Yanque, as well as at the vantage points of Antahuilque and Wayrapunku, with views of pre-Inca agricultural terraces and valley landscapes. Short visit to the village of Maca, known for its colonial church.
Return to Chivay for lunch (not included) and then departure to Arequipa, with an estimated arrival between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, including transport to centrally-located hotels.
Includes
INCLUDED
Shared tourism transportation.
Pick-up from centrally-located hotels in Puno.
Bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English).
Assistance during the tour.
Basic first aid kit and oxygen balloon.
Excludes
NOT INCLUDED
Admission to the Chacapi hot springs (optional)
Lunches and dinner.
Accommodation in Chivay
Colca Tourist Ticket
Important Information
- Pick-up in Puno is from centrally-located hotels. For accommodations outside the city center, an additional cost applies with prior coordination.
Pick-up times in Chivay for the second day are coordinated according to the accommodation.
The sightseeing tour takes place at high altitude; it is recommended that you acclimatize beforehand and stay hydrated.
Condor watching is subject to weather conditions and the season.
Vegetarian dining options are available in Chivay; please inform us in advance.
This activity is of moderate difficulty and is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
