The 2-day Colca Canyon tour by bus itinerary
Day 1: Arequipa to Chivay
Morning
Pickup from your hotel in Arequipa between 07:15 and 08:00. Drive through the Andes with views of the Chachani volcano. Stop at Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve to see vicuñas and continue to Patapampa viewpoint at 4,800 m with views of the Colca Canyon Arequipa region.
Afternoon
Arrival in Chivay. Check in at the hotel and lunch. Relax in the hot springs of Chacapi and enjoy the mountain scenery of the Colca Canyon by bus.
Evening
Dinner with a cultural Peña show and overnight stay in Chivay during your Colca Canyon tour.
Day 2: Condors and Colca Canyon Villages
Morning
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to see condors flying over one of the deepest canyons in the world. Optional one-hour walk from Cruz del Cóndor to Cruz del Cura with spectacular Colca Canyon views.
Afternoon
Visit the traditional villages of Pinchollo, Yanque and Maca with hanging tombs, terraces, amphitheaters and colonial churches. Lunch in Chivay before leaving the Colca Canyon tour by bus 2 days route.
Evening
Return to Arequipa by bus, arriving in the late afternoon or evening.
Description of 2-day Colca Canyon tour by bus
Join our Colca Canyon tour by bus 2 days and explore one of the deepest canyons in the world. This adventure from Arequipa takes you through high Andean landscapes, traditional villages and the famous viewpoints of the Colca Canyon. You will relax in hot springs, enjoy local food and see the Andean condors flying over the canyon. The Colca Canyon by bus is a comfortable and organized way to experience nature and culture in southern Peru.
Itinerary overview
The Colca Canyon tour by bus 2 days starts in Arequipa and takes you across the Andes mountains with stops at volcanoes, highland viewpoints and the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve. You will arrive in Chivay where you can relax in hot springs, enjoy local food and a cultural show. The next day you will visit the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to watch condors flying over the canyon, explore traditional villages such as Yanque, Maca and Pinchollo, and admire ancient terraces and colonial churches before returning to Arequipa.
Activities during the 2-day Colca Canyon tour by bus
- Travel by tourist bus across the Andes mountains
- Stop at Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve to see vicuñas
- Visit Patapampa, the Mirador de los Andes viewpoint
- Relax in the hot springs of Chacapi
- Dinner with a cultural Peña show in Chivay
- Watch condors at Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint
- Explore traditional towns such as Pinchollo, Yanque and Maca
- Walk short trails with views of the Colca Canyon
Why choose the Colca Canyon Tour by bus 2 days
The Colca Canyon tour by bus 2 days is one of the most popular trips from Arequipa. It is the best way to see the highlights of the Colca Canyon without difficult trekking. The route by bus is comfortable, safe and gives you time to enjoy every stop. This Colca Canyon tour includes transport, a professional guide and organized services so you can relax and focus on the landscapes and culture.
Best time to visit the Colca Canyon
You can take the Colca Canyon tour all year, but the best time is during the dry season from May to November. In these months the weather is sunny, the sky is clear and the condors are easier to see at Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. If you travel in the rainy season (December to March), the Colca Canyon by bus is still possible, but the weather can be cloudy and wet.
Altitude in the Colca Canyon Arequipa region
The highest point on the Colca Canyon tour by bus 2 days is Patapampa at 4,800 meters. The town of Chivay is at 3,600 meters. Most travelers adjust well, but it is important to walk slowly, drink water and bring coca tea or candies. The Colca Canyon by bus is not physically demanding, so it is suitable for most visitors.
Wildlife and culture
During the Colca Canyon tour you will see vicuñas, llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat. At the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint you can watch the famous Andean condors flying over the canyon. You will also visit small Andean villages like Yanque and Maca where you can see traditional dances, handicrafts and local markets. The Colca Canyon Arequipa area is a perfect mix of nature and culture.
Who is this tour for
The Colca Canyon tour by bus 2 days is ideal for travelers who want to see the best of the canyon in a short time. It is perfect if you do not want to hike long distances but still want to enjoy condors, hot springs, villages and the amazing views of the Colca Canyon. Families, couples and solo travelers all enjoy this organized Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa.
Background information
The Colca Canyon is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. It reaches over 3,400 meters and is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds and can reach a wingspan of more than three meters. The Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint is one of the best places to see them in South America. The Colca Canyon Arequipa region is also home to ancient terraces still in use today and traditional villages with colonial churches and colorful markets.
