Colca Canyon 1-Day Trip Review: Arequipa to Puno Route

Okay, so you are eyeing a day trip to Colca Canyon that starts in Arequipa and ends in Puno? It is quite the plan, so that’s something. That route packs some seriously magnificent scenery and unique experiences into, well, only a single day. I took that particular trip myself not so long ago, and I want to, in a way, share my perspective and some advice if you want to get the absolute most out of the expedition. I will try to give you an actual honest account, that is to say I’ll try to give you the things I wish I would have known before going. Hopefully, this helps you make the experience the absolute best.

What to Expect on the Arequipa to Colca Canyon to Puno Route

First thing to know, is that the day is long – real long, so it’s almost grueling. It all kicks off super early in Arequipa, and from there, the tour company should, often, be packing you into a van. The drive begins with a slow, yet visually stunning, climb away from Arequipa, and towards the highlands. That means the views start popping fairly early. You’re gradually gaining altitude. Pretty quickly the change is apparent with vistas expand more and more with every twist and turn of the highway. In that case it may be that the landscape itself morphs from cityscape to stark, high-altitude plains. As I was saying, that is just stunning in itself.

Too it’s almost inevitable that you’re going to stop at a few viewpoints along the way. The purpose is not just for photos, very but for letting everyone in your touring party acclimatize to the altitude. Believe me, this is truly critical. The air thins out dramatically as you get higher. So it goes, because ignoring that altitude can ruin what should otherwise be a fantastic day. One of those popular stops is Patapampa Pass, actually that one’s the highest point on the road. In fact, there, you can often catch glimpses of distant volcanoes looming over that plateau.

Now that you have arrived at the Colca Canyon, the whole focus often switches, as you like your focus switches, from the general landscape to something much more precise, the condors. Cruz del Condor is really the major spot where you’re likely to observe these gigantic birds soaring on those thermal currents rising from the canyon depths. It’s an incredible spectacle and, in a way, should not be missed, because if you don’t see any, you probably need your money back. Yet that depends on timing and a bit of luck.

Anyway, the trip continues onward to Puno later on that day, a town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. But there’s a long drive involved so be ready. Don’t be shocked when I say you may arrive rather late into the night.

What I Liked: Scenic Views and Condor Sightings

Clearly, the unbelievable views, really that alone, is worth the price of admission. Very but standing at the Cruz del Condor and watching a huge bird fly overhead, well, so it goes, there’s just nothing quite like that, that’s quite cool. As a matter of fact, the entire canyon and highland regions are visually extraordinary and that is often something you remember, that visual wonderment. Yet even though it can get very touristy and the tour can get somewhat cramped, actually getting to view these animals in their home environments is quite something else. It’s what keeps it feeling amazing and so authentic.

Challenges: Altitude and Lengthy Travel

Now the challenges. So the most major being the altitude. Frankly I felt pretty rough most of the day and I followed nearly every precaution imaginable! Seriously be prepared. A little coca tea and, that or some altitude sickness pills is what you require. I suggest bringing more just a little oxygen in case it gets real rough. You are, like your body is, working far harder than usual just to exist, due to having so little air to breathe in your lungs.

A further factor being the drive duration, a long period sat down in the transport vehicle is what you’re facing. We spent hours driving in some legs. The route to Puno will almost take half a day on its own. Actually bring distractions, a book, download some series. Do something otherwise you might get frustrated being on the road for such a duration.

Tips for making sure you have a better Trip to Colca Canyon

Okay, acclimatization is obviously essential. Rather, you really have to spend at least a day or two in Arequipa to help that body acclimatize before beginning on a trip like that, that or you might feel horrible, no question about it. It should make that tour much more fun. Bring snacks as well, actually the tour operators usually provide, yet it’s always an idea to have something you enjoy. That or perhaps the tour stops along the route won’t have what you may desire, so being well prepared helps to save some potential suffering.

Yet dress for, like your weather should dictate your layering choices, since temperatures can fluctuate quite a lot during that single day. In some respects, very early on it is somewhat chilly. A warm jacket or fleece can certainly be very useful when that temperature decreases later in the trip. Then that can warm up significantly later, a bit when the sun comes out.

Basically book your excursion ahead, or the absolute best tour company may get totally sold out, this means do it now, not later! Clearly if you are not a morning person then a tour leaving before the crack of dawn is probably not for you! However there will still be options, if that case should be applicable.

What to Wear and Bring on that Colca Canyon Excursion

Dress, I mean prepare by dressing in layers. It will definitely get frosty, actually a bit chilly, as that sun has not yet managed to warm everything up, just yet. That jacket that’s warm, so useful when looking out at that viewpoint early in that morning. That’s useful but don’t forget the sunglasses for later, as well. Basically that sunshine reflecting from those rocks at altitude can be seriously glaring, anyway they are still something I personally often fail to consider.

Actually a hat and some sunscreen is really a fantastic decision for sun safety as that can affect us, given where you will be travelling. Seriously protect against sun damage because that altitude intensifies, really intensifies, ultraviolet radiation. Now a bottle, one that you fill, and refill with fluid. As I was saying, staying hydrated can also assist your overall enjoyment a good deal. Some cash, or perhaps little bills because then you will certainly want to purchase trinkets or gifts on that way. Then again you may want more oxygen too as well as anything from those markets so ensure that your change is readily available, not buried away in some complicated purse, like mine always is!

Tour Operators

Research into several tour vendors online can lead to finding options that range dramatically when it comes to things like itinerary items, and even their fees or transportation modes employed as I mentioned earlier. Then get quotes! Compare to each others offerings. Seriously evaluate those choices dependent, I mean based on cost points in order to help with working out just how far something goes with, I mean regarding something that fits any personal price limitations while maintaining expected expectations concerning standard items offered, even with small excursions.

Yet double check for positive responses using travel blogs, while reading up reviews of former travellers through different platforms in the hopes, or more that will shine sunlight by any providers demonstrating top service records. Finally get clarification from people whom provide this services for details relating conditions especially cancellation guidelines etc; do this up front.

Is This Colca Canyon Trip Right for you?

I think the single day tour option between these amazing locations might suit one if that vacation allowance proves scarce ,but remember, that kind involves numerous consecutive driving moments throughout nearly complete periods as that may also entail experiencing elevated atmospheric factors that potentially cause motion disruption when standing next ground, thus be somewhat mindful ahead!

As a matter of fact for travellers experiencing lots if holiday flexibility should plan separate stays inside Arequipa and Colca regions particularly since extra vacation timing enables engaging yourselves better inside scenic destinations with significantly comfortable experiences with those environments when visiting places inside limited access when planning vacations only within restricted travel allowance instead. Very but by bearing given information it shall become obvious to consider personal situation prior engaging trips inside spectacular geographic environments which contain countless magnificent characteristics though need consideration based individuals unique circumstances!

• Unbelievable landscape: Stunning panoramas are present along the length of that voyage;
• Altitude difficulties can provide a challenge.
• Day long itinerary is often hard work;
• An superb chance watch wild birds during journeys.

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