Colca Canyon hits hard the first day. This 2-day Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa pairs big views with a soak in the Calera thermal baths (35º–38ºC), plus a chance to spot llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas on the way. I like how it’s built around real sightseeing stops, not just driving time. One consideration: this tour is not suitable for people with altitude sickness, so think twice if you’re sensitive to elevation.

You’ll travel with an English-speaking guide for two days in a small group (max 17), then move on to Puno with hotel-to-hotel drop-off. It’s a good way to break up the long Arequipa to Puno transfer while still seeing the Colca highlights—just budget extra for entrance fees and meals.

Key highlights and what they mean for you

• Colca Canyon viewpoints: You get guided stops designed for canyon views and photo angles.
• Calera hot springs: A practical reset after sightseeing, with thermal/medicinal water at 35º–38ºC.
• Cruz del Condor: A dedicated stop for the best odds of seeing condors in flight.
• Colonial towns and local folklore: You’ll see the region’s traditions and typical costumes as part of the route.
• Chivay overnight: One night in Colca lets you do the canyon day without rushing the whole experience.
• Arequipa-to-Puno transfer built in: You end with drop-off at your hotel in central Puno.

The Value Play: What $103 Really Buys on This Arequipa to Puno Route

At $103 per person for a two-day trip, the headline price looks simple. The real value is that you’re getting a guided Colca Canyon experience plus transportation that carries you onward to Puno—without having to stitch together multiple vendors.

Here’s what’s included that typically costs extra if you book pieces separately:

• Pickup from your downtown Arequipa hotel and drop-off in central Puno
• An English-speaking guide for 2 days
• Tour transportation from Arequipa to Colca and onward to Puno
• 1-night accommodation in Chivay (a 2-star hotel with a private bathroom)
• Breakfast on day 2 in Chivay

What’s not included (and can change your total):

• Colca Canyon entrance tickets (S/ 70 for non-Latin America citizens, S/ 40 for Latin America, S/ 20 for Peruvians)
• Hot springs entrance in Calera (S/ 15; optional service)
• Lunch and dinner (options available from S/ 25 per person)

So the value equation is: you’re paying for planning and coordination—guide, transport, and one real night on the Colca loop—while entrance fees and meals stay in your control. If you like having a clear structure, this is the kind of tour that saves you decision fatigue.

Day 1: From Arequipa Pickup to Chivay and the Calera Thermal Reset

The trip starts with convenient hotel pickup in downtown Arequipa, which matters more than it sounds. Getting out to the canyon area usually takes time, and this avoids the hassle of finding a meeting point and then trying to catch up.

After you head into the countryside, you arrive in Chivay and check into your 2-star hotel with a private bathroom. You’ll have time for lunch on your own (not included). That break is smart. It gives you a buffer before the afternoon soak.

Calera hot springs: why this stop works

Next comes Calera and its thermal springs, with thermal and medicinal waters between 35º and 38º Celsius. Even if you’re not a spa person, a warm soak after a day of driving and high-altitude air can feel like a pressure valve.

What to keep in mind:

• The hot springs entrance fee is not included (S/ 15), and the service is described as optional. If you want the soak, plan that extra cost.
• Wear something easy to change in and out of. Bring or plan for swimwear if you expect to actually use the water.

What you might see along the way

This first day isn’t only about getting to Chivay. The tour is designed to give you sightseeing during the transfer, including old colonial towns, typical costumes, and unique folklore. You also have a chance to see llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas—wildlife spotting isn’t guaranteed, but the route is set up for those moments.

Day 2: Cruz del Condor Views and the Guide-Directed Return Toward Puno

Day 2 starts with breakfast in Chivay, included. From there, you go to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, one of the best places on the Colca circuit to look for the canyon’s signature birds.

Cruz del Condor: your condor odds

The big draw here is the chance to observe condors in flight around the canyon. Even if you don’t see birds, the viewpoint stop is still worth it for the canyon scale. If you want photos, dress for patience—this is a lookout moment, not a quick pass-through.

Practical tip: bring a layer. High-altitude areas can feel colder at viewpoints than you’d expect, and you’ll often stand still for a while.

Guided stops and lunch during the return

After Cruz del Condor, you’ll head back toward Chivay with guided stops for scenic appreciation. The tour also includes lunch as part of the day’s schedule, but it’s not included in the price. The description notes food options available from S/ 25 per person, so you can plan around a set budget for lunch.

Then, you transfer onward to Puno, with drop-off at your hotel in downtown Puno. This is where the tour earns its keep: you don’t have to figure out transport from the canyon back to your next destination.

Entrance Fees and Your Budget: The Part People Forget

The tour price is only half the story. For the canyon itself, you’ll pay entrance tickets when required:

• Colca Canyon entry:
• S/ 70 for non-Latin American citizens
• S/ 40 for Latin America
• S/ 20 for Peruvians
• Hot springs in Calera: S/ 15 (optional service)

Also plan for meals:

• Lunch and dinner aren’t included.
• There are options from S/ 25 per person for meals.

How to judge total cost fast

If you’re budgeting, treat this as a guided package with optional add-ons rather than an all-in-one price. The best-fit traveler is someone who’s comfortable paying a couple of on-the-ground fees to keep the tour organized and guided.

If you hate extra costs, you might feel the pinch. If you’re fine with it, this is still a strong deal because you’re paying for:

• a guide for two days
• transport across a long route
• one night of lodging in Chivay

Comfort, Group Size, and How the Pace Feels

This is a small group tour, limited to 17 participants. That usually means you’re less likely to get lost in the shuffle. It can also make bathroom breaks and viewpoint logistics feel smoother.

Accommodation is described as:

• 1-night in a 2-star hotel
• private bathroom
• in Chivay

That setup is practical. You’re not booking a resort; you’re booking a base for canyon day + hot springs day. If you want comfort without paying premium rates, this is a common and workable compromise.

Language and guide style

You’ll have an English-speaking guide for 2 days, and materials/guide support are listed as English and Spanish. So if you’re traveling with someone who speaks Spanish better than English, or if you’re bilingual, it helps.

Wildlife, Volcano Views, and the Local Flavor You’ll Actually Notice

One reason this tour has staying power is that it’s not only about one giant sight. It’s built around the Colca region’s mix of nature and culture.

You’re set up to see:

• Volcanoes as part of the broader canyon-region scenery
• old colonial towns with visible everyday culture
• typical costumes and folklore
• animals like llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas (chance-based)

Here’s how to make this meaningful:

• Don’t treat every stop like a photo op. If the guide is describing what you’re seeing—costumes, local traditions, or how the area lives—listen for the context. That’s where the tour stops feel less like checkpoints.
• If you’re hoping for animals or condors, manage expectations but still show up alert. The tour schedule gives you the chance; your job is to be ready to look.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a guided Colca Canyon experience without planning every detail
• a transfer that ends in Puno, not another round of bus logistics
• an itinerary with both a viewpoint day and a recovery stop at Calera hot springs
• a small group pace (max 17)

It’s also a good option if you’re trying to keep your schedule tight. Two days is long enough to see the key Colca moments and still reach Puno with energy for the next leg.

Who should skip:

• Anyone who can’t handle elevation. The tour is not suitable for people with altitude sickness, which is a major factor in this region.

Book This or Pass? My Straight Talk Decision Guide

I’d book this tour if you want a structured Colca Canyon highlight circuit that also solves the Arequipa-to-Puno logistics. The biggest value is the pairing: Cruz del Condor viewpoint + Calera thermal springs + guided transportation to Puno. For $103, the included guide time, transport, and Chivay hotel night are doing a lot of work.

I’d think twice if:

• you want meals and entrance fees fully included (they aren’t)
• you have concerns about altitude and the tour’s suitability note applies to you

If your goal is a clean, guided two-day slice of Colca with a sensible transfer finish, this is an easy yes. If you’re the type who prefers total control and DIY transport, you may find the add-on fees and included structure less flexible.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the tour from Arequipa to Puno?

It’s a 2-day tour, with pickup in Arequipa and drop-off in Puno.

Where are you picked up and dropped off?

You’re picked up from your hotel in downtown Arequipa and dropped off at your hotel in downtown Puno.

Is a hotel included?

Yes. You get 1 night in Chivay in a 2-star hotel with a private bathroom.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included on day 2 in Chivay. Lunch and dinner are not included.

Are entrance tickets included?

No. Colca Canyon entry and Calera hot springs tickets are not included. Colca Canyon costs depend on your status (non-Latin America, Latin America, or Peruvians). Hot springs are S/ 15 and described as optional service.

How big is the group?

The tour is a small group limited to 17 participants.

Do you have to worry about altitude?

Yes. This tour is listed as not suitable for people with altitude sickness.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Cusco: City Tour | Half-Day Tour to 4 Archaeological SitesCusco: Full-Day Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trekking Tour6-Day Machu Picchu Express Group TourQampa Climbing 2 Days in Ausangate