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If you’re planning a visit to the world’s deepest canyon, you’re in the right place!
Colca Canyon is just a few hours from Arequipa and offers jaw-dropping scenery, wildlife, and plenty of adventure. From relaxing sightseeing tours to multi-day hiking treks, there are tons of tours available—and choosing the right one can definitely feel overwhelming!
After visiting ourselves and sorting through the many options, we’ve created this guide to help you find the best Colca Canyon tour for your travel style and time frame. Whether you want to hike, soak in hot springs, spot condors, or just take in the views, we’ve got the top tours for you right here.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal favorite Colca Canyon tour is this full-day sightseeing adventure. You’ll stop at scenic viewpoints to watch Andean condors soaring overhead, spot wild alpacas and vicuñas in a nature reserve, and unwind in relaxing hot springs—all in one unforgettable day!
The BEST Colca Canyon Tours
1. Full-day Colca Canyon Sightseeing Tour
- Duration: 13 to 14 hours
- Time: Around 3 am
- Highlights: Spot Andean condors along the rim of the canyon, visit the pre-Incan terraces of Antawilke, soak in the Yanque hot springs, and visit a national reserve to see alpacas and vicuñas
- Inclusions: Round-trip hotel transfers, guide, breakfast, lunch
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the incredible Colca Canyon, this classic one-day tour from Arequipa is a fantastic option. Yes, it’s a long day (around 14 hours), but it’s easy to fit into any travel schedule and a great way to see the canyon and surrounding highlights without spending the night.
The tour begins with a super early pick-up (around 3 am), giving you time to snooze in the van before stopping for a light breakfast. From there, you’ll make your way toward the canyon, passing through breathtaking Andean scenery and a nature reserve to spot wild alpacas and vicuñas.
The highlight for me was visiting Condor’s Cross, the best viewpoint for seeing the Andean condors soar through the canyon. These massive birds are amazing to watch, and you’ll also have the chance to stretch your legs with a short optional walk to soak up more views of the canyon.
Throughout the day, you’ll stop in a few traditional towns and end with a relaxing soak in some hot springs. The group tour includes transport, meals, and a guide, but there’s also a private tour option if you prefer something more personalized.
This tour is a stress-free and budget-friendly way to check one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes off your bucket list. Just make sure you book in advance to secure your spot because this one fills up quickly!
Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book your spot here!
2. 2-Day (1-Night) HIKING Tour of the Colca Canyon
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: Around 3 am
- Highlights: 2-day scenic trek through the Colca Canyon, spend the night at the Sangalle Oasis, see condors in the wild
- Inclusions: Round-trip hotel transfers, guide, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 night accommodation
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 940+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re short on time but still want to fully experience the beauty of Colca Canyon, this 2-day guided trek from Arequipa is an epic way to do it!
The adventure kicks off early (around 3 am) with hotel pickup and a stop at the famous Condor’s Cross to watch majestic Andean condors soaring over the canyon. Then it’s time to hit the trail—hiking deep into the canyon through breathtaking scenery, quiet villages, and lush valleys. After a full day of trekking, you’ll unwind at a comfortable lodge with a pool—such a refreshing treat after a long day on your feet!
Day two begins with the steep climb back out of the canyon (this is the toughest part!), followed by a hearty breakfast, a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs, and stops in a few traditional towns before arriving back in Arequipa that evening.
Just a heads-up: this is a challenging trek with two intense hiking days, so it’s best for those with solid fitness and hiking experience. If you’re after a slower pace, check out the 3-day trek listed below—it follows the same route with more time to enjoy it.
But if you’re up for the challenge, this small-group tour gets rave reviews for its guides, planning, and stunning views. Meals, transport, and accommodation are all included—you just need to show up ready to hike!
Secure your spot on this epic 2-day hiking adventure here!
3. 3-Day (2-Night) Colca Canyon HIKING Tour
- Duration: 3 days
- Time: Around 3 am
- Highlights: 3-day scenic trek through the Colca Canyon, enjoy a slower hiking pace, spend 2 nights in the canyon, relax in hot springs, see condors in the wild
- Inclusions: Round-trip hotel transfers, guide, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 nights’ accommodation
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 280+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you have time for a 3-day tour and don’t mind a bit of hiking, this is the Colca Canyon experience for you! We did this 3-day trek ourselves and can’t recommend it enough.
We started the first day early so that we got to the condor viewpoint at the perfect time of day, right when the large birds were most active. Then we started our hike downhill and reached our lodge by lunchtime, giving us lots of time to relax and get to know our fellow group members.
Day 2 was a nice, easy hike along flat ground for about 3.5 hours until we reached the next hotel. This one was luxurious! We enjoyed the afternoon sipping on beers by the pool and taking in the surrounding canyon views.
The final day was the toughest, with a 4.5-hour uphill climb out of the canyon starting at dawn. It was definitely a challenge, but absolutely worth it—and we’d do it again in a heartbeat!
This tour follows the same route as the 2-day hike but at a slower, more manageable pace. It’s ideal for anyone with a moderate fitness level— we had a 60-year-old woman on our tour who crushed it! Meals, accommodation, transport, and your guide are all included, so just bring some extra cash for fees, snacks, and drinks, and your sense of adventure!
Read the glowing reviews and book your 3-day hiking adventure here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. 2-Day (1-Night) Colca Canyon Tour WITHOUT Hiking
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: Around 8 am
- Highlights: Relaxed 2-day tour, spot wildlife in Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Park, see the Condors at Condor Cross, spend the night in Chivay, soak in hot springs
- Inclusions: Round-trip central hotel transfers, guide, 1 breakfast, 1 night accommodation
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This Colca Canyon sightseeing tour is perfect for those who can allow 2 days to visit the Colca Canyon and the surrounding area, but don’t want to do a big trek. It covers all the top highlights—majestic viewpoints, Andean wildlife, charming villages—and even includes a night in Chivay, the main town in the Colca Valley.
One of the best parts? You don’t have to wake up at 3 am! Hotel pick-up is around 8 am, so you can actually get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road. Along the way, you’ll stop at Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can spot wild vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas roaming the high-altitude plains.
Once in Chivay, you’ll have time to explore the town and soak in nearby hot springs before settling in for the night. There’s also the option to attend a traditional dinner and folkloric show, which we definitely recommend for a fun and unique cultural experience!
The next morning, you’ll visit the famous Condor’s Cross to spot the incredible Andean condors soaring over the canyon, followed by more scenic stops before heading back to Arequipa.
With more time, less rushing, and no hiking required, this tour is perfect for anyone who wants a relaxed and rewarding Colca Canyon experience!
Check the availability and reserve your spot here!
5. Full-day Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer from Arequipa to Puno
- Duration: 14 hours
- Time: Around 3 am
- Highlights: See the Colca Canyon on a transfer from Arequipa to Puno, visit Condor’s Cross, soak in hot springs, and spot wildlife at Pampa Canahuas National Reserve
- Inclusions: Transportation from Arequipa to Puno, guide, breakfast
- Rating: 4.3 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re short on time and heading from Arequipa to Puno, this full-day Colca Canyon tour with a transfer is a great option! It combines a day tour of the Colca Canyon with transportation to Puno, helping you maximize your time and minimize backtracking.
Instead of returning to Arequipa after visiting the canyon, you’ll bring your luggage along and continue on to Puno after the tour. It’s the perfect way to break up the long journey between the two cities while getting in some epic sightseeing along the way.
Like the standard one-day Colca Canyon tours, this is a long day (around 14 hours), but it’s efficient and packed with highlights. You’ll visit Condor’s Cross to see the majestic Andean condors, soak in the Chacapi hot springs, and pass through the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, where you may spot vicuñas roaming freely.
The tour includes hotel pick-up in Arequipa and drop-off in Puno, transportation, a local guide, and breakfast. Just remember to bring some extra cash for the national park and hot springs entrance fees, and budget for lunch since it’s not included. For travelers headed to Puno, this is a smart and scenic way to do it!
Reserve your 2-in-1 scenic tour and transfer online here!
Should I book my Colca Canyon tour in advance?
I definitely recommend booking online in advance! Why? While you might be able to negotiate a cheaper price if you book your Colca Canyon tour in Arequipa instead of online, there is no guarantee of the quality and safety of the tour company. We often find these “tour agencies” in Peru will tell you anything to make a sale, even if it is a lie.
If you want to be sure about quality, booking online with a reputable agency such as Viator, allows you to see the documented inclusions and read the company reviews before booking. This helps to ensure you are booking a good experience with a reputable company. Booking in advance will also allow you to secure a spot on the best tour (like the ones above), which are more likely to sell out!
Is a Colca Canyon Tour worth it?
Yes!
Whether you’re heading to the Colca Canyon on a sightseeing tour or are venturing into the canyon on a hike, it is definitely an attraction worth visiting!
There is a reason it is one of the most popular things to do in Arequipa: the views are incredible, and seeing the condors is a Peruvian experience you can’t miss. We loved our time there and know you will too!
Learn more about our favorite Colca Canyon tour and book online here!
Other Activities to do While in Arequipa
Beyond visiting the Colca Canyon, Arequipa has tons of other awesome activities worth checking out. From food tours and cooking classes to whitewater rafting and exploring historic landmarks, here are some of our favorite ways to round out your time in the White City:
- Go whitewater rafting – If you’re craving a bit of adrenaline, this half-day whitewater rafting tour is the perfect outdoor adventure. Just 20 minutes from downtown Arequipa, you’ll paddle through Class II and III rapids surrounded by volcano views and dramatic canyon scenery. There’s no experience necessary, and it’s a ton of fun!
- Take a cooking class – Foodies, this one’s for you! During this cooking class, you’ll learn how to make iconic Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado with a local chef in a beautiful garden kitchen. You’ll get hands-on experience and enjoy everything you cook. It’s such a fun and tasty way to dive into Arequipa’s culinary culture!
- Make your own chocolate – Calling all chocolate lovers! This hands-on workshop takes you through the full bean-to-bar process, where you’ll roast, grind, and mold your own handmade chocolate using Peruvian cacao. It’s fun, educational, and you get to leave with your very own sweet creations.
- Try authentic Peruvian food – If you love food (and let’s be real—who doesn’t?), this food tour is a must-do in Arequipa! You’ll hit up some of the city’s most iconic restaurants and bars, sampling delicious local dishes made with fresh, regional ingredients. From traditional recipes to bold new flavors, this tour is the tastiest way to dive into Arequipa’s legendary food scene, without the stress of picking where to eat!
- Go sightseeing! – This half-day city tour is a great way to dive into Arequipa’s rich history and colonial charm. You’ll explore key landmarks like the Plaza de Armas and finish with a guided tour of the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery—one of the most beautiful and unique sites in Peru. It’s a stress-free, info-packed intro to the White City!
Where to Stay in Arequipa, Peru
When it comes to places to stay in Arequipa, there are tons of great options, especially around the city center. No matter if you are traveling on a budget or treating yourself to a luxurious holiday, there is something for everyone.
La Hosteria Boutique Hotel – $$$
If you are looking for a luxurious experience, then La Hosteria Boutique Hotel delivers! This hotel was built in a renovated colonial house and has access to a beautiful courtyard with intricate tilework and a fountain. You’re also in a great location in the historic center of the city, so you can walk out the door and explore!
IIt usually costs around $100 USD per night, and you can book your stay in advance here. Oh, and don’t forget to treat yourself to their exquisite spa and sauna services as well.
Maison de Elise – $$
Tucked away in a peaceful residential neighborhood, Maison de Elise is a charming boutique hotel that feels like a little oasis in Arequipa. The colonial-style building is surrounded by gardens and sunny terraces, and the rooms are spacious, clean, and full of character. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, plus a lovely pool—perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. It’s a quiet, comfortable spot that’s still just a short walk or taxi ride from Arequipa’s historic center.
This hotel is very popular, so don’t wait too long to reserve your room. Prices usually start around $70 USD per night and you can reserve your room easily online here.
Los Andres Bed & Breakfast – $
One of our favorite hotels on a budget is Los Andes Bed & Breakfast, which features traditional cultural decor inside spacious rooms. There’s a mix of dorm rooms and private rooms here, and although you’ll pay a bit more for a private room at around $50 USD, it’s still really reasonable. The location is perfect in the heart of Arequipa. Plus, breakfast is included and there’s a nice kitchen you have access to.
You can check prices and availability for your stay online here!
Click here to see all of the hotels available in Arequipa!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Overall, my experience on a Colca Canyon tour was amazing! It was challenging at times, but overall really enjoyable! Would I recommend it? Absolutely! It’s one of the best places to visit in Peru, so if you get the chance, go for it.
We love Peru and, as such, have written lots of different blogs about Peru! You can check them all out or read one of our favorites below: