Colca Canyon

2-day tour (or long 1-day) to Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, famous for Andean condors. Day 1: depart Arequipa and travel through high plains (Patapampa Pass 4,910 m) to Chivay, stopping to see vicuñas in the wild. Afternoon: optional soak in Chivay’s hot springs and overnight in Colca Valley. Day 2: early drive to Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to watch condors soaring on morning thermals – often the highlight, as these huge birds fly close by. Then visit small towns like Maca and Yanque with their colonial churches, and see ancient terraced fields still cultivated by locals. After lunch, return to Arequipa (or optionally continue to Puno). This tour blends impressive Andean scenery, wildlife, and cultural encounters (music/dance performances in some villages) for a rich highland experience.

Visits: Chivay, Cruz del Condor (Colca Canyon), Yanque, Maca

Meeting point: Hotel pickup · Altitude: 2335–4910 m