Colca Full Day Tour
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Arequipa, Peru
- 13 to 14 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Peru’s Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons and you can experience it for yourself on this tour from Arequipa. Join a small group and head to the rim of the canyon where you can spot Andean condors. You also make other stops including the pre-Incan terraces of Antawilke, the Yanque hot springs, and a national reserve to see alpacas and vicuñas. Hotel pickup is included for convenience.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Andes Mountains
- Learn about the history, culture, and wildlife of the area
- A delicious breakfast and lunch buffet are included
- A small group means more attention from your guide
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Guide
- LunchYou will stop at a restaurant for an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch. All the food options are traditional plates made from Andean products.
- BreakfastWe provide a simple breakfast consisting of bread, scrambled eggs, jam, butter, tea, coffee and juice.
- National Park Entrance (70 soles per person)
- Hot Springs Entrance (15 soles per person,)
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We pick up clients from hotels and hostels in Arequipa's city center. We can also pick you up from Arequipa's Plaza de Armas if your hotel, hostel or AirBnB is not located in the city center.
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
Itinerary
1
Abra Patapampa
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Condor's Cross
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 431 reviews
Hsin_L, Feb 2026
Although we didn’t see the condor, it was an excellent trip, the guide introduced the sites very clearly and understandable. It will be a 5 star trip if we see the condors.
Sebastian_B, Feb 2026
This was an extremely long day, but worth it! It wasn't the season for the Condors when I went, but we got to see 2 from a distance! Beautiful views, nice walks/little hikes, and good food for the day. I highly recommend this tour for anyone!
Mitchell_S, Dec 2025
This is high altitude trip that goes to 4900 meters! Make sure you give your body enough time to adjust to altitude before booking this tour otherwise you will get sick. The tour itself was good.
Grace_R, Dec 2025
What we enjoyed is the stops as it broke up the trip. What we didn't like is the lunch and the breakfast was good but not enough food. We were hoping to go to the highest peak but we were told it was an hour away.
I felt the tour director was good but she could have given us more information as we traveled.
Yuen_M, Nov 2025
The guide, Nelson, was informative and energetic, providing historic and geographic information of the canyon. Nelson offered the option of including a little trekking towards the viewing outpost, making the visit to the canyon 1.5 hr long, allowing for various views of the canyon. This made the visit more enjoyable. The journey was smooth and activity was well paced. Nelson was clear in setting expectations that the viewing of condors that would be tied to the seasons during the trip, to manage the tour’s expectations.
Nayantara_K, Nov 2025
I personally don’t think this trip is worth the time. The canyon by itself is a disappointment especially considering the published information and the guide both tell you that this is much deeper than the Grand Canyon in the US. Also, the condors that are talked about are a hit and miss. It’s probably exciting for trekkers but not when you’re driven there.
Besides the canyon, the rest of the stops are also not interesting.
The trip starts at the unearthly hour of 3 AM and at the end of the day, we returned very tired and disappointed.
KIM_H, Oct 2025
It was a long trip but well-organized. We had frequent restroom breaks. The bus is comfortable. Our guide, Pablo, was attentive and provided lots of information. He also answered individual questions thoroughly. Furthermore lunch was yummy. The only recommendation is to send information regarding pick up the evening before the activity.
Benoit_B, Sep 2025
This tour was fantastic. The guide was very knowledgeable and the experience was better then I expected
Jasmine_L, Sep 2025
This was an exceptional tour. Albeit a very long day, it was organised very well and allowed us to explore the area in one day!! We truly enjoyed it. Our guide Angel was fantastic, funny and knowledgeable.
First of all, we got picked up at our hotel at 3 am. We then headed to the mountains. I think we arrived at our first stop where we had breakfast at around 6 am ish. We then visited Maca, stopped at a couple of stops to admire the beauty of the Canyon. We got to try the cactus fruit.
We then hanged out at the viewing platform for condors. We saw a few gliding up close and it was so cool!
After that we did hot spring which was so nice and wished we could stay for longer. We only had about 20-30 mins (taking away the time to change and store things away).
Lunch buffet was awesome - so many varieties. We had a very full belly.
After that it was a 4 hour drive back to Arequipa.
Alejandro_C, Jul 2025
Got to see condors up, close and personal. The whole experience in the canyon was amazing, and at some points otherworldly. Highly recommended.
Raiza_D, Jul 2025
It is a complete experience. A lot for your money. The guide was knowledgeable. The canyon tour, mineral water springs, transport, two meals… all was great.
Chelsea_S, Jun 2025
This was a good way to see Colca Canyon- but there were too many stops which made the day too long. With an early morning start, breakfast was a quick in/out stop, the next visit was only 15 minutes not too long after breakfast. The viewpoints and the condors were amazing-- worth the price of the trip and extra Soles to enter the preserve
Then, we stopped for the hot springs/different activities. This was the biggest waste of time, and purely a tourist money grab. Lunch was decent and then at least 3 more short stops- but at this point you have been on a bus for 12 hours, so it is a little tiring.
Tour guide was knowledge and very friendly, but we aware that you do not get dropped off at your starting location or even in the Plaza. We were dropped off many blocks away from there in twilight hours having to find our way back to the hotel.
Some more refinement and this would be rated higher.
Francis_B, Jun 2025
I was truly amazed by the breathtaking landscapes of the Colca Canyon — its depth and natural beauty far exceeded my expectations. The views were absolutely stunning and left a lasting impression. I also thoroughly enjoyed the time spent relaxing in the hot springs, which added a perfect touch of comfort and tranquility to the overall experience.
RachelTullos, Jun 2025
Everything went so smooth and well!. Nelson was a great tour guide! The views are awesome, the zip lining offered was fun, the scenery was gorgeous, and the best tour guide ever!
James_B, May 2025
Great value for the price. A very basic breakfast, but the lunch buffet was expansive. A little rushed at points, but they packed a lot into the time allotted. Saw dozens of condors this day. Only hiccup was when it was basically all over, at the last stop of the day, the bus broke down. But our guide just got us all distributed a few at a time on other tour buses passing by heading back to Arequipa, so we almost were back into town on time anyway. Good value for the price, I'd do it again.
Heather_D, May 2025
Amazing experience! Nelson was a knowledgeable, funny, and very friendly guide. We had great day and really the enjoyed the unique beauty & culture of the Colca Canyon.
Annie_R, May 2025
It’s a long day and you will travel up to 16,000 ft (4444meters). Drink the coca tea whenever offered and you will most likely be fine.
Roxanne_C, Apr 2025
It may be a very early start and super long day, but the views are worth it! Do try the optional hike to Condor Cross. Paola was a great guide and super helpful. Just note that if you don't participate in activities at the hot springs, theres not much else to do than walk around.
Dieter_P, Jan 2025
You see a lot in 1 day so you only have a limited time at each stop. If you want a more relaxed tour, take the 2-day tour. Our guide Nelson did a great job finding the right balance of time. He made the whole experience very interesting. We took the tour with our three teenage kids and the enjoyed it as well. It was on my birthday and Nelson went all out to make it a great day. Juan Pablo, our driver, mastered the mountain routes like a pro. Expect to be tired at the end of the day and don't forget sunscreen and bug spray. The nasty bugs will eat you up in the canyon.
All-in-all well worth the money
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hello dear,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Nelson provided such a great balance of time and made your birthday special. It sounds like you had a wonderful time, and we're glad Juan Pablo's driving skills helped make the journey smooth. Great advice about sunscreen and bug spray – those bugs can definitely be relentless! We appreciate your feedback and are so happy you found the tour worth the investment. Hope to see you again on another adventure!
The Peru Baby Lama team
Grace_O, Dec 2024
We had a wonderful full day tour with Nielsen our guide from the Peru Baby Llama agency. Despite a very very early start, we fit so much into the day and even did stops that weren’t on the itinerary. At the thermal baths, there was also the opportunity to do a zip line, kayak or ride a quad bike. The short hike through the Canyon was lovely and we did see one condor. I personally would have given up the thermal baths stop so we could spend more time at the canyon but other than that a great day!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hello dear,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful time with Nelson. As you mentioned, our tour includes several stops that allow you to experience the beauty and diversity of Colca Canyon. It’s great to know you enjoyed it!
We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Warm regards,
The Peru Baby Lama Team
Pamela_M, Dec 2024
Take this tour if you're short on time. With that said, it is a FULL day itinerary so be ready with comfortable clothes and shoes and some snacks. We were picked up early from the hostel and had breakfast in a local restaurant. The breakfast was light and not that satiating in my opinion but otherwise good. We were fortunate to see 2 condors that day. The canyon and the viewpoints were breathtaking. There's a short hike so be ready with some water. Afterwards we had lunch and it was a buffet. The lunch was sumptuous and filling! Lastly we stopped by some hot springs. I opted to stay in the van as it rained shortly as we arrived but it was good to have the option to bathe in the springs. Overall it was a jam-packed day, tiring but so worth it. Staff were professional and knowledgeable and as a solo traveler, I felt safe.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hello dear,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear you had a memorable time. It sounds like the day was full of incredible moments, from seeing the condors to exploring the breathtaking canyon and viewpoints. We're also happy you felt safe and well taken care of by the staff. We hope you had a chance to relax and enjoy the hot springs, even with the rain. Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
Tara_S, Aug 2024
A wonderful tour to Colca Canyon! We were lucky to see several condors. The dip in the hot springs was nice and the area is clean with changing rooms and toilets. Most stops had toilets but no toilet on the bus. Make sure to allow time to adjust in Arequipa before heading to Colca Canyon which is 10,000+ feet above sea level. Bring altitude sickness medication and coca leaf products to help.
Dario_G, Aug 2024
A memorable day travellings in the valley of the condors. Nice walk and trekking and good experience at 5.000 meters having a local tea.
Well organized.
SandeepSingh_S, Aug 2024
This was great. Thoroughly enjoyed. The guide had great energy. Tour was very well organised, got to see many condor and enjoyed the other activities like Quad Biking. Great value tour
Amelia_B, Jul 2024
An absolutely fantastic tour. The day was planned really well, jam packed with stops at different places, from viewpoints to village market stalls to hot springs (small entrance fee for that not included) to an optional short hike along the canyon to see the condors. We were super lucky with the weather, and must have seen at least 80 of the condors!
Our guide, Angel, was brilliant and super helpful. Speaking both Spanish and English, he made sure we all knew what the plan was and made sure we all individually were in the right place at the right time. He clearly knew a lot and was so passionate about the area, encouraging us to try the local cuisine at the included lunch buffet and giving us lots of fun facts throughout the tour about the area.
It's a long day, beginning at 3am (you get collected from your hostel by the guide), and being pretty full on once you get to the Colca Valley, but it's so worth it and a truly brilliant experience. The journey back is also so special, going over a pass at almost 5000m and seeing the volcanoes.
A small but lovely highlight was the lunch buffet, sitting down with the rest of our tour group and enjoying food. We didn't all speak the same language but found ways to communicate and it was just so nice meeting such lovely people.
Would 100% recommend! Great value for money and once in a lifetime.
Jessica_T, Jun 2024
María Jesús was our guide and she was really friendly and knowledgeable! Tour was well organized and loved the condors and canyon part! We saw so many! The hot springs was also a great and great way to relax as we had to start the tour at 3. Definitely recommend if you are limited on time as this was a 1 day tour!
Amanda_P, Jun 2024
We had a great experience with Peru Baby Llama! I received a long detailed message prior detailing what to expect and this was again reviewed with the entire group once we started. It is indeed a LONG day, Walter was our tour guide and he was kind, transparent, funny and extremely knowledgeable. Due to the travel time from Arequipa (3 hours each way) and a short time frame during which the condors take flight (and then may not fly at all), things move very quickly throughout the day. It’s a lot of stop and go, but we did have a 40 minute hike through the canyon up to the look out point for the condors and this was a nice break from being in the van. I’m not sure I understand how some reviews complain about these things when it’s very clearly laid out- it’s a lot of things squeezed into about 8 hours. Colca Canyon and the surrounding towns are still rural, thus it is not like visiting more established tourist stops like Cusco or Arequipa, so please keep this in mind. This tour is ideal for those short on time and can’t do the 2-3 day options, and those who are okay with it being more of a rustic experience overall. Our group had the right energy, and we saw about 10 condors in flight. It was a beautiful, humbling experience.
Peter_S, May 2024
The Colca is worth a visit, but this tour is not for English-speaking tourists. We were the
two English-speaking tourists in a group of nineteen. The guide provided lengthy
explanations in Spanish, including responding to questions asked in Spanish. The
English translations were brief and left us wondering what we were missing. Requests
near the beginning of the tour for fuller translations did not help.
Paul_E, Apr 2024
Great guide, very thorough . Full day of things to do and see. The condor viewings were excellent. Also did zip wire and hot springs at minimal extra cost.
Tine_B, Feb 2024
It was a beautiful morning and Day. Our guide, Angel, was great, kind, funny and informativ. Getting to Colca Canon was fantastic and magical.
From $38.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Colca Full Day Tour
431
14 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$38.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in Arequipa, Peru
- Mercado San Camilo Tours & Tickets
- Chachani Volcano Tours & Tickets
- Sabandía Mill (Molino de Sabandía) Tours & Tickets
- Mundo Alpaca Arequipa Tours & Tickets
- Historic Centre of Arequipa Tours & Tickets
- Santa Catalina Monastery (Monasterio de Santa Catalina) Tours & Tickets
- La Compañía Church (Iglesia de la Compañía) Tours & Tickets
- Sillar Route (Ruta del Sillar) Tours & Tickets
- Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa Tours & Tickets
- El Misti Volcano Tours & Tickets
- Museum of Andean Sanctuaries (Museo Santuarios Andinos) Tours & Tickets
- Founder's Mansion (La Mansión del Fundador) Tours & Tickets
- Plaza de Armas Tours & Tickets
- Colca Canyon (Canon del Colca) Tours & Tickets
- Cotahuasi Canyon Tours & Tickets
- Yanahuara Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Arequipa, Peru
- Colca Canyon (Canon del Colca) Tours & Tickets
- Santa Catalina Monastery (Monasterio de Santa Catalina) Tours & Tickets
- Plaza de Armas Tours & Tickets
- El Misti Volcano Tours & Tickets
- Historic Centre of Arequipa Tours & Tickets
- Yanahuara Tours & Tickets
- La Compañía Church (Iglesia de la Compañía) Tours & Tickets