Capua Waterfall doesn’t feel like a typical Arequipa stop. This day blends a 4-hour canyon trek, a quick reset in volcanic hot springs, and a short cultural look at Yura Viejo. It’s the kind of outing where the plan is simple, but the day stays interesting.

Two things I really like about this tour: the small group size (up to 8), and the practical pacing that gives you a proper walk before you soak. One thing to keep in mind: the thermal pools charge an entrance fee on the day, so you’ll want cash ready.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group, easier feel with a maximum of 8 travelers
• Capua Canyon trek includes walking through puddles and stream crossings on the way to the falls
• Thermal pools are time-efficient: 40 minutes at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre
• Yura Viejo church visit includes admission and is framed around daily life in town
• Food and water are covered with snacks plus bottled water, so you’re not hunting for lunch snacks mid-route

Capua Waterfall, El Tigre Hot Springs, and Yura Viejo: the big idea

This is a focused Arequipa day that mixes movement and recovery. You start the morning with a long-ish trek, then you head into volcanic hot springs at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre to cool down in one way and warm up in another. After that, you pass through Yura Viejo for a church-and-community stop that rounds out the day without turning it into a museum crawl.

If you like your tours to feel grounded and local—rather than a checklist of famous photo spots—this route makes sense. Even better, Capua Waterfall is scheduled as a free-admission highlight, which helps you control costs while still getting a “real hike” portion of the experience.

Meeting point and timing: start smart at 8:00 am

You’ll begin at C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, and the tour starts at 8:00 am. Hotel pickup is included, which matters in Arequipa because it saves you from coordinating taxis before an early morning walk.

The day is roughly 8 hours 30 minutes total, with the main segments planned as:

• Capua Canyon trek and waterfall base: about 4 hours
• Hot springs at El Tigre: about 40 minutes
• Yura Viejo church town stop: about 1 hour

That structure is useful for planning. You’re not stuck waiting around for long periods, but you also aren’t rushed through everything. If you’re the type who gets cranky when a tour is “five minutes here, five minutes there,” this one is built more like a half-day effort plus a reset.

Capua Canyon trek: walking through streams to the waterfall base

The star for active travelers is the hike to Capua Waterfall. The route takes you through Capua Canyon, including sections where you’re walking through puddles and crossing streams to reach the base of the waterfall.

Why this hike is so appealing: it’s not just “walk on a path.” The canyon approach has a little adventure built in, which makes the waterfall feel earned. In at least some conditions, the trail can feel quiet enough that the experience reads more like being shown a local route than doing a crowded attraction line.

Footwear and small comfort tips

This is one of those days where footwear matters more than people expect. You’ll be walking in and around wet ground on the approach, so hiking shoes work well for traction. The best extra trick is to pack something for after: light sandals are ideal once you reach the waterfall area and want dry-out comfort.

If you like having options, you’ll see a guide using sandals-style hiking footwear with a strap on the trail (a setup that’s practical for wet conditions). You don’t need to copy it exactly, but it’s a good signal that you’ll be dealing with water underfoot.

Also bring what you’d bring for any active morning in Peru: sunscreen and bug spray. Even if you think you’ll be in shade, the canyon approach still puts you under open sky at points.

The guide factor: help, pacing, and photos

The tour runs with a guide (one name you may hear is Pablo), and his role isn’t just “point and walk.” The way the hike is described makes it clear he helps with the route, supports you during the water crossings, and takes photos during the trek. That matters because it keeps you from stopping every few minutes to figure out angles and timing.

If you prefer a tour where you can actually talk to the guide and not just follow a line of strangers, the small group size supports that. With up to 8 people, you’re less likely to feel like you’re part of a conveyor belt.

A possible drawback to plan around

You should treat this as a wet-walk hike. If you dislike stepping through puddles, or if your plan is to keep feet completely dry, you’ll probably find the canyon part annoying. The good news is it’s only one major trek portion (about 4 hours), not the whole day.

Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre: 40 minutes of volcanic hot springs

After the hike, you shift gears quickly. The second stop is Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre, where you enter hot springs of volcanic origin to relax your body. The description also notes healing qualities for bones and skin, which is common in hot-spring traditions in the region.

The time here is about 40 minutes. That’s just enough to feel the warmth take the edge off after walking. It’s also enough to keep your day moving, so you’re not spending half your day traveling between bathing facilities and drying off.

Entrance fee: bring cash

One practical detail you should plan for: the thermal pool entrance ticket is not included in the tour price. Cash is the right move here, since the fee can vary by day (it’s been described as 5–10 soles depending on the day).

If you show up without small bills, you might slow down at the entrance just when you’re most ready to relax. This is one of those “don’t let a small fee ruin the vibe” moments.

What to do with your time in the pools

You’ll likely want to use that 40-minute window in a simple way:

• Start soaking soon after entry so you actually feel a temperature change
• Avoid overthinking it—your body will already be warm from the hike
• Keep an eye on the clock so you don’t get stuck finishing slowly and then rushing to leave

You won’t have a long sit-down time built into the schedule, so pack and prepare so you can slip in and out without chaos.

Yura Viejo church and town life: a calm cultural stop

The last major activity is a pass through Yura Viejo, with a focus on its church, culture, economy, and attractions. The stop is scheduled for about 1 hour, and the church admission is included.

This part of the day is different from the hike and the pools. It’s more about slowing down and seeing how a town functions, even in a short window. You’re not here for a long lecture or a long guided history talk; the format is built for an hour that helps you connect the outdoor day to real daily life around Arequipa.

Because it’s an hour, it works best if you enjoy short cultural stops where you can glance at local rhythms without losing the energy of the morning.

Price and value: why $62 can feel fair

The price is $62.00 per person, and the included items help justify it. You get:

• Hotel pickup
• Snacks: cookies, a cereal bar, and fruit
• Bottled water
• Admission for the Yura Viejo church
• Capua waterfall trek portion (described as free admission)
• A day schedule that totals about 8.5 hours

What’s not included is the thermal pools entrance. That’s an extra cost you should budget for, and it’s a variable amount (again, described as about 5–10 soles).

So is it good value? For me, the value comes from the fact that you’re paying for a full day experience with transportation support, real activity time, and at least one included cultural ticket. Even with the pools fee added, the structure keeps you from spending money on a patchwork of separate activities.

What to bring for a smoother day (and fewer headaches)

This tour rewards preparation more than complicated gear. Based on how the day is described, I’d plan to bring:

• Hiking shoes with good traction for wet or muddy sections
• Sandals or something easy to slip into for after the hike
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Cash for the El Tigre thermal pool entrance (5–10 soles)
• A swimsuit or quick-dry layer if you want to be ready for the hot springs part without extra searching

Also pack a simple water-and-snack approach mindset. Snacks and bottled water are included, so you don’t need to buy everything on the spot. Still, having your own comfort items makes the transition from hike to hot springs easier.

Group size, pace, and weather: the reality check

This experience caps at 8 travelers, which usually makes the day feel more personal. It also helps when you’re doing a wet-walk trek where people need a moment to step carefully. Smaller groups tend to slow less, and they also make it easier for the guide to adjust pace to the group.

Weather is part of the deal. The experience requires good weather, and if it gets canceled because of poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important for a trek-and-waterfall plan: rain can turn puddles into something more slippery.

Who this tour suits best

You’ll probably be happy with this tour if you:

• Want an active half-day hike and not just a scenic stroll
• Like the idea of pairing a trek with a hot springs recovery break
• Prefer tours with small group energy and practical guidance
• Appreciate a short cultural stop rather than a long, slow itinerary

It may not be your best fit if you:

• Absolutely need a day with dry feet
• Hate the idea of carrying cash for the thermal pools
• Get stressed when schedules depend on weather conditions

Should you book: Capua trek with El Tigre soak?

My take: this is an easy yes for the traveler who wants one smart day in Arequipa that isn’t only about famous viewpoints. The hike to Capua Waterfall gives you the sense of movement and place. The El Tigre hot springs add a real reset, and the Yura Viejo church stop gives you a human, town-level angle to balance the outdoor part.

Before you book, do two things:

• Plan for the thermal pools entrance fee with cash
• Pack sandals plus your most dependable wet-walk footwear

If that’s your style, you’ll likely enjoy how the day flows: walk, soak, and then see a bit of local life without dragging your schedule into the late afternoon.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru.

How long is the tour?

It’s about 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included.

What snacks and drinks are included?

You’ll receive cookies, a cereal bar, fruit, and bottled water.

Is the Capua waterfall entrance fee included?

Yes. The waterfall stop is described as free admission.

Are the thermal baths included in the price?

No. Admission to the thermal pools is not included.

How much is the thermal pool entrance fee?

It’s described as 5–10 soles depending on the day.

How long do you spend at the hot springs?

About 40 minutes.

What group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

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