Colca Canyon Tour: Puno to Arequipa (2 Days, 1 Night) – Review

The idea of seeing the famous Colca Canyon, and then doing so on a route that got me from Puno to Arequipa, too, was something I simply couldn’t pass up. You, similar to your, know, that sometimes a tour just makes total sense? Anyway, this two-day, one-night excursion promised some awesome scenery, some, arguably, chances to see those magnificent condors, and, of course, an effortless transfer to my next destination. Right, so here’s the deal on how it all played out, just, basically, what was really awesome, and, of course, some bits that could’ve been better.

Why Colca Canyon? (Spoiler: It’s Massive!)

Why all this fuss regarding the Colca Canyon anyway? That’s a fair question. At more or less 10,725 feet at its deepest point, this canyon is truly gigantic, seriously bigger compared to the Grand Canyon. Really. Yet, what really had me hooked wasn’t just the size, yet how it promised culture too and vistas where the Andes showed their beauty. I think, that seeing condors soar over terrain that looks, in some respects, almost unreal was very high on my wishlist.

Booking and Prep: What You Should Know

So, that booking process? Very straightforward, very. There are loads of agencies operating out of Puno that each offer something similar. What you are gonna wanna look for, however, are some reviews and, perhaps, that vibe you have with that agency. Did they answer your questions actually? Or were they trying a bit too hard to get your cash? Anyway, just do some comparison. Really, I suggest booking a little bit in advance, specifically throughout the high season (June–August), to try and ensure you grab yourself a place. Oh yeah, altitude sickness pills are also that great idea. Puno is up high already, very high. And the Colca Canyon? Yeah, it’s not much lower, so, you might want to chat with your doctor about maybe Diamox.

Day 1: Puno to Chivay – High Plains and Hot Springs

My day actually started super early; that pickup came at about 6 AM. Very early, isn’t it? Then there was a lot of driving that included sights to be had. We journeyed through what turned out to be huge plains, watching out, clearly, for vicuñas and alpacas—cutest animals, aren’t they? It turned out the journey included several stops, comprising one at a very high viewpoint that gave some views that just blew me away. Anyway, so the afternoon got us to Chivay. Then came something that I had been expecting the whole trip, a visit to that thermal spring called La Calera. It was quite nice, in a way. It’s almost that warming yourself in some thermal water is possibly the best way just to, like, end your day. By the way, that evening saw all of us hitting up, actually, a local place for that dinner before collapsing to get a well deserved rest.

Day 2: Condors and Arequipa – A Majestic Finale

Basically, wake-up call: even earlier than before. Right, at 5:30 AM, to get us, really, to that Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to be found at sunrise. Like your hopes with just every other person who does this trip, just the whole idea was to catch the majestic condors at that point, as they usually take off to go do condor stuff. And luckily? They absolutely did not disappoint, you know. These really gigantic birds floated seemingly, honestly, without that effort over the canyon, quite an impressive spectacle. Anyway, so after tons of photographs and, perhaps, just having to take it all in, that tour progressed into a trip, literally, through loads of villages, each featuring churches from the colonial era. Later on, after lunch in Chivay, that bus was off to Arequipa, arriving really in the mid-afternoon. Actually.

Accommodation and Food: Managing Expectations

Regarding accommodation, just the accommodation included was something basic but actually adequate. Arguably, it wasn’t some luxury resort or whatever. But honestly, you will not spend tons of time in that room. In the same way, the meals were okay, though nothing overly spectacular at all. It’s very much your fairly typical tourist fare. I mean, like quinoa soup featured, plus chicken, or, perhaps, something local that can fill one’s stomach. Try and bring any snacks you would enjoy between meals because the alternatives for that may be restricted at certain points.

The Guide: That Make-or-Break Element

I reckon, so much relies, too, with that guide. Mine did pretty okay, he delivered insights with regard to the canyon, and he managed, actually, all logistical stuff fine. Yet, the level of the English spoken very wildly amongst all these companies. Seriously, clarify, definitely, what level of English can be spoken before committing. His passion, actually, toward this whole region, as well as how they tell stuff, makes it really much richer.

What Could Be Improved

Arguably, that trip was, seriously, great, some facets may need some adjustment, anyway. Like the schedule did come across at certain times as feeling a little too hurried, arguably particularly at some viewpoints. With having more moments at which people would simply enjoy what one’s seeing? Oh yeah, that’s ideal, clearly. Besides that, certain people might feel they had hoped that certain guides would know even more history and that depth of information for what one’s seeing. It’s just a few small tweaks could totally improve that trip in question.

Is This Tour Right for You?

Who would likely think that this particular Colca Canyon excursion has everything one is looking for? Anyone on limited time wanting getting between Puno to Arequipa inside an unforgettable manner. You have views you may find breathtaking and a bit culture all-in-one! Right so that tour is just amazing. If anyone gets concerned over extremely high altitudes, simply have that chat with medical professionals ahead of time. It’s not ideal for that traveler requiring luxury given accommodation and some, really, high cuisine since both ends stay just practical.

Final Thoughts: Worth It?

In a way, despite these aspects with room getting that tiny enhancement—I fully would advocate for that two day one night trek between Puno plus Arequipa through the Colca Canyon. At end of it, basically getting witnessing that majesty regarding condors soar through something magnificent that can be had with having one much transportation totally makes any experience wonderful! When anybody just like you, will not likely have considerable time nevertheless wishes those sample regarding something impressive alongside transfer amongst two important locations within Peru subsequently give an thought to your one.

FAQs about the Colca Canyon Tour

What does the tour usually include?

Typically, at the end of the day, this excursion comes including transfers via bus from starting- locations that were Puno which leads just where someone else may transfer onto Arequipa further guided outings all times covered by canyon view area along lodging over nights in those vicinities having many foods served each day. Just read the specifications.

How tough does elevation prove there will get on my trip?

Bear mind how each altitude throughout some sectors pertaining area like Puno plus just various parts as involved alongside canyon remain greatly taller. Just take important preventative measures – begin things gradual even see clinical consult, if wanted regarding managing altitude issue properly! I am talking medications which often people find suitable enough that make elevations rather pleasant instead that struggle all hours taken.

Exactly exactly what do everyone pack?

Someone must surely include hot layers mainly during nighttime gets chill over regions so really good footwear considering one should travel onto unequal grounds that way sunblocks safeguards against just sunlight’s powerful light-effects here further digicams since picture shooting can bring just spectacular possibilities there!

Can I, similarly to your, stretch any sojourn throughout Canon?

As matters concerning prolongating visits near to Colca those will mean remaining just anywhere via Chivay plus thereby arranging every one independently at ending via bus transport solutions further. So it may give opportunity just for many walkings furthermore more careful investigation near canon area.

Is mobile coverage possible there?

Mobile communication just there displays irregularity dependant where precisely that occur. At which Chivay would reveal reasonably coverage signal quality although distant segments in all chance might receive lesser sign accessibility to the Internet networks usually – be readied disconnect from systems sometimes after one passes the developed locations away further inland toward countryside area!