Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths

The mix is what makes this day special: a canyon walk to Capua Waterfall, then a volcanic hot-springs soak, and finally a look at life in Yura Viejo. It feels active but not exhausting.

I especially like how the hike stays hands-on and local, with stream crossings that turn a normal trail into something memorable. I also like that the guide, Pablo, keeps things smooth, taking photos along the way and handing out snacks right after you reach the waterfall.

The one drawback to plan around is the thermal pools cost extra. The hot-springs entry is not included, so you’ll want cash ready when you get there.

Key things I’d plan around

• Capua Waterfall trek with stream crossings that can mean wet feet on the way down and up
• A small group of up to 8 so the pace feels personal, not rushed
• Thermal pools at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre with a 40-minute soak, but an entry fee on top
• Yura Viejo church visit for culture and local context, included with admission
• Footwear advice from Pablo’s style: hiking shoes for the crossing, plus sandals for after
• Your day is snack-led, with cookies, cereal bar, fruit, and bottled water included

Why Capua Canyon, Hot Springs, and Yura Viejo Works as One Day

This tour is built around variety, and that’s the real value. You start with a canyon trek that gets your legs working, then you swap in warm water to reset your body, and then you switch gears again with a cultural stop in a traditional town.

What I like about this format is the pacing. You do the most active part first, when you are freshest, and you save the soak for afterward so it feels like a reward instead of another chore. And the Yura Viejo church keeps the day from becoming just a nature checklist.

One small consideration: you need to treat this as a full half-day out of Arequipa with good weather. The experience depends on the conditions on the trail and the timing between stops, so if skies are poor, the provider may reschedule or refund.

Pickup in Arequipa and the Small-Group Advantage (Up to 8)

The tour starts at 8:00 am with pickup from your hotel. The meeting point is listed as C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru, and the day ends back at the same point.

That matters because it reduces friction. You do not have to coordinate transit to a trailhead on your own. You just show up, get briefed, and move.

The other practical win is the group size. With a maximum of 8 people, you get an easier pace and more chances to ask questions. If you care about photos, you’ll appreciate having room for stops along the way instead of sprinting through views.

Stop 1: Capua Waterfall and the 4-Hour Canyon Walk

Capua Waterfall is the heart of the morning. This part lasts about 4 hours and includes admission, so you are not paying extra for the waterfall visit itself.

The route takes you through Capua Canyon, with plenty of opportunities to jump puddles and cross small streams on the way to the waterfall base. That is why this hike feels more like an outdoor adventure than a smooth, dry path.

Here’s what to expect, in plain terms:

• You will be walking over uneven ground.
• You may get your shoes wet due to streams and puddles.
• The experience is as much about movement and footing as it is about arriving at the waterfall.

The upside is the atmosphere. The day often feels quiet and off the main flow, so you can take your time and enjoy the canyon without feeling like you are in a line of people.

Footwear, Bugs, and Pablo’s Trail-Helper Style

One of the most useful pieces of advice from the guide’s approach is footwear flexibility. You can hike in sports sandals or strapped footwear if that fits how you walk, but the safe bet is sturdy hiking shoes for the crossing sections.

A tip I’d follow: bring sandals for after. The reason is simple. Once you reach the waterfall and start moving toward the hot springs, dry and comfortable footwear becomes your best friend.

Also, pack like you are going to be outside in the sun and along wet areas. Sunscreen and bug spray are the two things that get repeated for good reason. If you think you might forget them, trust me, you’ll regret it when you are trying to enjoy the canyon.

And if photos matter to you, look for how the guide works. Pablo is known for helping with pictures throughout the hike, including during the key moments near the waterfall base. Even if you travel solo, this kind of guide attention can make the difference between a few blurry shots and a set you actually keep.

Stop 1 Bonus: Snacks at the Waterfall Base

After the walk, you get a snack pause. The tour includes cookies, a cereal bar, fruit, and bottled water, and the day often includes extra snack timing once you reach the waterfall area.

This matters more than it sounds. After a couple hours of active trekking, a cold drink and something sweet can keep your energy up for the rest of the day, especially when the hot springs are coming next.

Stop 2: Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre Thermal Baths (40 Minutes)

Then you shift gears to warmth. Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre is a hot-springs stop of about 40 minutes, built for recovery after the canyon walk.

The pools are described as volcanic hot springs. You’ll be soaking in pools that are believed to have healing qualities for bones and skin, so this stop is more than just relaxation. It’s also part of the tour’s theme: nature plus recovery.

Two practical points you need to plan for:

• The thermal pool admission ticket is not included. You should expect a fee that can run about 5 to 10 soles depending on the day.
• You should be ready with cash, because this is not set up like a ticket you can count on being covered in your tour total.

If you want this part to feel good instead of rushed, treat those 40 minutes like the schedule is real. Move in, settle, soak, then get ready to head to Yura Viejo.

Stop 3: Yura Viejo, the Church, and a 1-Hour Culture Break

After the soak, you head into Yura Viejo for about 1 hour and visit the Iglesia de Yura Viejo. Admission for the church stop is included.

This is the one part of the day that is less about scenery and more about context. The experience is designed to help you understand the traditional town’s culture, economy, and attractions.

What I like about including a town church visit after nature stops is that it changes how you remember the day. The canyon becomes a story about everyday life too, not just a photo backdrop.

It is not a long cultural immersion, but it is enough time to walk through and understand what you are seeing rather than just snapping a single exterior shot.

Timing and How the Day Flows

Your start time is 8:00 am, with total duration around 8 hours 30 minutes. That means you are looking at a steady day with limited slack between parts.

The flow is intentional:

1. Treks and movement first (Capua Canyon to the waterfall).
2. Warm recovery second (hot springs soak).
3. Cultural context third (Yura Viejo church).

If you tend to get chilled after water crossings, plan for the thermal pools. They are the payoff after getting wet.

If you get hungry easily, count on snacks rather than a full meal during the tour. The day includes cookies, cereal bar, fruit, and bottled water, so you will be fed, but it is not presented as a restaurant-style lunch.

Price and Value: What $62 Covers and What Costs Extra

At $62 per person, this tour is priced to feel accessible, especially because several core parts are included.

Here’s what you can count on:

• Hotel pickup
• Snacks (cookies, cereal bar, fruit)
• Bottled water
• The waterfall trek portion with free admission
• The Yura Viejo church stop with admission included

What costs extra:

• Thermal pools entry ticket at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre

When you think about value, the trick is to treat the base price as paying for transportation, guiding, and included admission where it matters. The one add-on is the hot-springs ticket, and that is also a well-defined extra cost, not a surprise third stop where you scramble for more fees.

What to Pack for a Comfortable Canyon-to-Hot-Springs Day

I would pack with two goals: handle wet feet and handle sun and insects.

From what works best on the trek and soak:

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Hiking shoes you can wear through puddles or streams
• Sandals for after the crossing and during the rest of the day
• Cash for thermal pools entry (often 5 to 10 soles)

Also, wear something you can walk in for hours. This is not a quick stroll. It’s a canyon trek that expects you to keep moving and adjust your footing.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Might Want Another Option

This is a good fit if you want:

• A hands-on trek that includes water crossings
• A real reset with volcanic hot springs
• A short but meaningful cultural stop in Yura Viejo

It is designed so most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation, which is helpful if you are staying nearby.

I’d take a second look if you have mobility challenges or if you dislike getting your feet wet. Even if you choose careful footwear, the canyon walk includes stream and puddle sections, so the day has an element of wet hiking built in.

Weather Matters, Because This Is an Outdoor Day

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor and the provider cancels, you’ll either get offered a different date or a full refund.

So before you plan a tight schedule around it, keep your day flexible. A canyon trek plus pools works best when trails are safe and you can move comfortably between stops.

Should You Book This Trek, Waterfalls, and Thermal Baths Tour?

If you want an Arequipa day that feels active, local, and practical, I’d book it. The best part is the combination: a canyon walk to Capua Waterfall, followed by the thermal reset at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre, and then a cultural look at Yura Viejo and Iglesia de Yura Viejo.

Book it especially if you like small groups and you care about a guide who helps with photos, like Pablo. You’ll likely enjoy the low-key feel of a trail that does not feel like a big sightseeing conveyor belt.

Hold off if you hate wet shoes or you want everything fully prepaid with no extra cash. The thermal pools add-on is small, but it is still a decision point. Pack your basics, bring cash, and you will be set for a memorable day that mixes nature and culture without wasting your time.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 8 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start and where is the meeting point?

It starts at 8:00 am. The meeting point is C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru, and the tour ends back at that same meeting point.

What is included in the $62 price?

Pickup from your hotel, snacks (cookies, cereal bar, fruit), bottled water, and included admission for the Iglesia de Yura Viejo, plus the Capua waterfall portion is listed with free admission.

Do I need to pay extra for the thermal pools?

Yes. Admission to the thermal pools at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre is not included, and the fee is about 5 to 10 soles depending on the day.

Is the waterfall ticket included?

Yes. The Capua waterfall stop lists admission ticket as free.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.