From Arequipa: Tour Colca Canyon 2 Days with End in Puno

Colca Canyon is the star here, but what makes this tour really interesting is the mix of big Andes viewpoints and practical stops that set you up for altitude and long-distance travel. You start in Arequipa, sleep in Chivay, then keep going until you reach Puno so you do not have to piece together connections.

I especially like the Chivay thermal baths in Chacapi (optional entry) and the early-day nature stops around Salinas and Aguada Blanca, where you can spot vicuñas, plus alpacas in the bofedales. The tour is designed like a full route day, not just a single-point canyon visit.

One possible drawback: communication can vary. Even though the guide speaks English and Spanish, one past traveler found the main guiding was in Spanish, and the hotel can be basic (one room was reported cold and a bit bleak).

Key highlights I think you will care about

• Altitude-aware timing with a high pass at Mirador de los Volcanes (about 4,800 meters), plus a stop for traditional coca tea.
• Real wildlife stops in Salinas and Aguada Blanca (vicuñas) and at the bofedales (alpacas grazing freely).
• Condor viewing at Cruz del Cóndor with a dedicated window of about 45 minutes.
• Chivay thermal baths in Chacapi (optional) with warm pools around 35ºC to 38ºC.
• Small-group feel (up to 18 people) with a guide who sticks with you from start to end.
• Finish in Puno, with transport plus stops on the route toward Lake Titicaca.

Why this Arequipa to Puno route works for many trips

Most Colca Canyon tours are point-to-point: you see the canyon, then you return to Arequipa. This one is different. It is a two-day circuit that starts in Arequipa, includes a full night in Chivay, and ends in Puno.

That matters because it saves you time. If your next plan is Lake Titicaca and you want to avoid a second set of long transport bookings, this style of itinerary is a clean solution. It also gives you a “rhythm” that feels natural in the Andes: scenery by day, warm-up time in the evening, then condors at the main canyon viewpoint next morning.

You still get the classic Colca Canyon beats, including the viewpoint where people go for condor flights. And you get extra stops along the way that are not just photo pull-offs, like coca tea and the reserve areas for vicuñas and alpacas.

The Day 1 route: vicuñas, coca tea, alpacas, and Chivay hot springs

Your day begins with pickup from the center of Arequipa, generally between 7:30am and 8:00am. The tour starts by moving you toward Colca with multiple planned stops, so expect a full morning of stops rather than a straight drive.

Salinas and Aguada Blanca: vicuñas in a protected reserve

One of the first big stops is at the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca. This is where the tour aims you directly at a chance to see vicuñas living in the area. You are not just driving through. You make a real pause to appreciate the setting and the wildlife.

If you like animals that do not act like they have been trained for selfies, this is the right kind of stop. You are observing them in a landscape shaped for conservation, which feels more authentic than a roadside show.

Patahuasi: coca tea for altitude comfort

Next comes Patahuasi, where you can drink traditional coca tea. The goal is practical: it is described as essential for altitude sickness. You should still take altitude seriously, but coca tea is part of the local toolkit, and it is a good moment to slow down and reset your stomach before higher viewpoints.

A small tip: drink it, take a couple of breaths, and do not rush your water or food. Altitude makes you feel “off” faster than you expect.

Toccra bofedales: alpacas grazing freely

Then you stop at Toccra Bofedales, where you can observe alpacas grazing freely. This is the kind of stop that makes the whole day feel more than just a canyon expedition. It gives you “Andes life” while you are working your way toward Chivay.

Mirador de los Volcanes: a high point at about 4,800 meters

After that, you reach the Mirador de los Volcanes, described as the highest point on the road at about 4,800 meters above sea level. This is a key moment. You get broad views of the western mountain range, and you also get a reality check on altitude.

Plan for the practical part: bundle up. Even when the sky looks bright, the air at that elevation can feel sharp.

From there, it is about 40 minutes to Chivay. So you get the big altitude checkpoint, then you quickly move toward a place where you can breathe easier.

Arriving in Chivay, lunch, then a flexible afternoon

Around 12:30pm, you arrive in Chivay. Lunch is included in the sense that it is set up for you, but you pay for your own meal options on behalf of the client. After lunch, you settle into your private room for the night.

In the afternoon, the centerpiece optional activity is the Hot Springs (Chacapi). Entry is paid separately. The tour notes the thermomedicinal water temperature ranges from 35ºC to 38ºC, which is exactly what you want after a day that involves high points.

Dinner is optional too. There is a folklore show with typical dances. You pay for it separately. If you like cultural performance, this is a fun way to spend the evening without adding another day trip.

I also appreciate that the tour is not pretending your day will feel easy. It is a travel day that squeezes in nature, altitude viewpoints, and then a real recovery block.

A quick reality check on hotels

You get tourist accommodation and a private room in Chivay. That said, I would not expect five-star comfort. One past guest described the hotel room as cold and a bit sad, but still enough overall. If you run cold, pack layers you can actually sleep in.

Day 2: condors at Cruz del Cóndor and valley viewpoints before you reach Puno

You start Day 2 with breakfast at the hotel. Then you head to the main condor viewpoint.

Cruz del Cóndor: the main Colca Canyon observation stop

The drive to Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor is about 30 minutes from Chivay. This is the observation point for Colca Canyon and the classic location people watch for the condor flights.

You spend an average of 45 minutes there. That dedicated time is important. Condors do not perform on a strict schedule, so having a block of waiting time helps you avoid feeling like you missed the moment because you arrived five minutes late.

When the wind is right, this can be a genuinely memorable wildlife moment. Even when you do not get the perfect flight, the canyon itself is the reason you came.

Andenería del Valle viewpoints and the stop in Maca

On the way back, the tour includes additional viewpoint stops where you can see the Andenería del Valle. It is a chance to appreciate how the valley is shaped by terraces rather than looking at Colca only as a single drop.

You also stop in Maca. You can see its church, and there is an optional chance to taste local drinks like the Colca Sour, made from local products.

If you are food and drink curious, these smaller stops are where the day gets personal. They turn the trip from a checklist into something you can talk about, later.

Lunch in Chivay, then the long move toward Puno

You have lunch in Chivay around 12:00pm (again, you pay for lunch). Then the plan is to return fully toward Arequipa by 1:00pm, but this is not a return to the starting point in the way you might think.

The service ends in Puno. At 1:30pm, you transfer by transport with your guide and keep going toward Puno with stops for attractive points and protected natural areas of flora and fauna along the route between Colca and Puno.

You arrive in Puno around 7:30pm. Disembarkation is at the only bus station in Puno, and it is about 5 minutes by taxi from the city center.

If you are planning same-night activities near Lake Titicaca, keep them flexible. You will likely be tired, and you still need time to reach your hotel from the station.

Price and value: what you get for $95, and what costs extra

At $95 per person for 2 days, this is positioned as a budget-friendly way to combine Colca Canyon with an end in Puno. The value comes from what is included, not from what you get for free.

What is included

You get:

• Pickup from your hotel in central Arequipa
• A private room in Chivay
• Tourist accommodation
• Breakfast at the hotel on Day 2
• Tourist stops throughout the tour
• Tourist transportation for the entire tour
• A professional Spanish and English guide throughout
• Chivay to Puno transport with stops

For many travelers, the “end in Puno” part is the value. If you had to book a separate transfer from Arequipa to Puno after Colca, you would likely spend more time and money on logistics.

What is not included (and you should plan for)

Extra costs include:

• Colca Canyon entrance, which varies by your region of origin (Europe/USA S/. 70, Latin American S/. 40, Peruvian S/. 20)
• Hot Springs in Chacapi, optional (S/. 15)
• Folklore show dinner optional on Day 1 (S/. 35)
• Lunches (Day 1 lunch is optional buffet mentioned as 40 soles, and lunch on Day 2 is not listed as included)

So, the best way to judge the total cost is to think in categories:

• You are paying for the route, guide time, transport, hotel, and key viewpoints.
• You are paying separately for entry tickets and some meals.

In practice, this makes the tour a good deal if you are okay with optional add-ons like the folklore show and hot springs entry. If you want both, budget for them up front.

Who should book this and who should skip it

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want a 2-day Colca Canyon experience that ends in Puno
• Like the idea of wildlife and reserve stops, not only canyon overlooks
• Want a small group (up to 18 people) and a guide who stays with you
• Prefer a private room in Chivay rather than hostel-style sleeping

Skip or reconsider if you:

• Are extremely sensitive to altitude and hate high passes, even with acclimatization and coca tea built into the schedule
• Need very consistent English-language narration the whole time, since one past traveler found the guiding was mostly in Spanish
• Expect a high-end hotel night. The accommodation is described as simple and some rooms may run cold

A smart move before you go: plan to arrive in Arequipa at least one day early to acclimatize and eat lightly. The tour itself notes that altitude is a real factor and that a lighter approach helps you enjoy Colca.

Practical tips to make the most of your 2 days

Pack like you are going to do both cold air and warm water. The tour includes high elevations (up to about 4,800 meters) and then warm thermal pools (35ºC to 38ºC). Layers win.

Also, bring cash or payment ready for the separate entrances and meals. The canyon entrance fee and optional hot springs are separate costs, and the folklore show is another optional extra.

On the guide front, if you want to maximize communication, you can ask your guide a couple of simple things early, like what the next stop timing is and how long you will spend at each viewpoint. The tour is guided, so a little active clarification helps.

And if you are lucky enough to get a guide named Roy, there is at least one instance of strong praise for him being top-notch. Either way, your guide is responsible for the full route support in Spanish and English, so do not be shy about asking questions.

Should you book this Colca Canyon 2 days ending in Puno?

I think this is worth booking if your trip plan includes both Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, and you want the convenience of arriving in Puno on the second day. The route is built to keep things efficient: wildlife reserves, altitude help via coca tea, condor viewing time, then a guided transport finish.

It may not be the right fit if your priority is comfort first. Expect an early start, long sitting, and basic hotel conditions in Chivay. Also, if you need strong English narration at every step, consider confirming language expectations before you pay.

If you want a practical, value-driven way to cross Peru’s southern Andes from Arequipa to Puno, this tour style makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

Is pickup included, and where does it happen in Arequipa?

Yes. Pickup is included from your hotel in the center of Arequipa. If you are in a remote hotel, the meeting point is at the door of the Cathedral in the main square.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to a small group size of up to 18 participants.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour includes a live guide in English and Spanish throughout.

What extra costs should I expect for the Colca Canyon?

Entrance to the Colca Canyon is not included. The fee depends on where you are from: Europe/USA S/. 70, Latin American S/. 40, and Peruvian S/. 20.

Are the hot springs in Chacapi included?

No, hot springs entry is optional and not included. The listed cost is S/. 15.

What is included in the Chivay stay?

You get a private room in Chivay and tourist accommodation, plus breakfast at the hotel on the second day.

Does the tour end in Puno?

Yes. The tour ends in Puno, with arrival around 7:30pm. Disembarkation is at the only bus station in Puno, about 5 minutes by taxi from the city center.