After Machu Picchu, many look to the incredible Colca Canyon, one of the best tourist destinations in Peru. And it is with good reason since we are talking about one of the deepest canyons in the world, surpassing and doubling the depth of the well-known Grand Canyon. El Cañón and its Valley offer travelers the opportunity to appreciate numerous and dreamy landscapes, bathe in hidden thermal baths, observe Andean condors, and much more. For this reason, together with the travel experts from Cusco Peru Travel, we want to tell you about the Colca full-day tour, one of the most incredible and luxurious guided tours to enjoy.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE COLCA FULL DAY TOUR
On the Colca full-day tour, you can expect to leave very early in the morning. From 3 am, you will be picked up from your hotel of choice where you will be transported in a minivan. During the trip, if you are awake, you will be able to appreciate numerous landscapes of great beauty. Then, when you get to Chivay, you can have breakfast and start waking up. After the stop and breakfast in Chivay, the Colca Canyon tour will continue along a winding mountain road, deep in the Colca Valley. During the trip, there will be different stops and breaks at some panoramic viewpoints with incredible sights of the place. There are also different walking trails if you wish, but it will all depend on the tour you have chosen. It is difficult to give a brief explanation of all the beauty you will find on the tour, but the different viewpoints and their views will be reason enough to enjoy this incredible destination.
The Colca full-day tour usually starts very early in the morning. From 2:30 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. they will pick you up at your place of accommodation where a private minivan or minibus will be waiting for you. The trip to the Condor del Cruz viewpoint can take from 3 to 4 hours, with a single stop in Chivay for breakfast. The ideal thing in a journey to Colca Canyon is to be able to arrive very early at the Cóndor del Cruz viewpoint to be able to appreciate the majestic Andean Condors in flight. At 8:30 am or 9:00 am you will have the opportunity to take several photos of the condor in flight and the beautiful landscapes around it. On the way back, there will be several stops in the Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque towns. They are all beautiful traditional towns with colonial churches, pre-Inca terraces, and ancient tombs. Depending on your operator or tourist agency, you can enjoy a tour of the Hot Springs near Chivay and lunch. Before returning to Arequipa there will be a stop at the amazing viewpoint of Patapampa where you will have views of some incredible volcanoes. There is much to do in the Valley and its surroundings, that is why it is considered one of the best places to visit in Peru.
It is good to note that there is a big difference between a Colca full-day tour and a Colca Canyon trek. Your decision will depend on how you want to enjoy this incredible destination. When we talk about a Colca Canyon tour, we are talking about a private guided tour or with a group of people through a bus or minivan. The tours are usually perfect for those who do not have much time and want to explore the Valley and its landscapes in-depth. But if you are the adventurous type and want to explore Peru in a more challenging way, then the Colca Canyon Trek is for you. On the trek, you can explore with a group of people one of the most popular hiking trails in Peru. The hike includes about two or three nights of accommodation, transportation, and most meals. This is one of the best ways to get to know the Canyon and its Valley, although it is necessary to have about 3 days or more, in addition to being in good physical condition.
Although the Colca full-day tour can be enjoyed throughout the year, two main seasons mark the climate in the Andean country. Each season has its advantages and disadvantages, so it will depend a lot on your judgment. During the dry season (May to October) you will find little chance of rain, very sunny or hot days, and also a greater chance of seeing the condor in flight, although the dry season coincides with the high tourist season, so there may be many people. While in the rainy season (November to April), the rains usually occur without prior notice but it is a less popular time to walk, so you will be guaranteed a much more personal and private tour. You can enjoy a trip to Peru throughout the year, regardless of the season you are in. No matter what your decision is, the incomparable beauty of Peru will be there for you to enjoy.
Is a Colca full-day tour worth it? Of course, it is worth it, the prices are usually quite affordable; although if you want a more private experience, these can change. You will also have sightings of one of the largest land birds and panoramic views of the many dreamy landscapes offered by the Valley and its Canyon. We are also talking about one of the main Arequipa tourist attractions, so a visit to the Valley is mandatory.
“BETTER TO SEE SOMETHING ONCE THAN HEAR ABOUT IT A THOUSAND TIMES”
We hope, together with Cusco Peru Travel, to have informed you a little about this amazing tour. The Colca Canyon is an unparalleled attraction, so if you want to know more about our private experiences in the Colca Valley, you can consult our qualified advisers for free.
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