Arequipa, Colca Canyon & Thermal Baths: A Day Tour Review
Planning a visit to Arequipa and wondering if the Colca Canyon day tour is worth it? You’ve probably looked up pictures and felt the lure of seeing those beautiful landscapes and maybe even the huge Andean condors soaring high above. This is my experience from a very full day seeing the canyon, taking in some hot springs, and making it back to Arequipa, that’ll hopefully assist you when you’re working out your travel plans. Really, the Colca Canyon is famed as one of the globe’s deepest canyons, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, or so I was told.
Why Visit Colca Canyon from Arequipa?
People visit for the sheer magnitude of the canyon, of course, then you have a chance to witness Andean condors at Cruz del Condor, a very common sight, or so it seemed. Also, the scenery throughout the Colca Valley is breathtaking, so you’re getting a really stunning trip out into the countryside. The local villages also offer a look into traditional Peruvian life, it could be argued, providing experiences that go way beyond just landscapes. That is, if you can get into any of the villages. Plus, relaxing in thermal baths is like the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Booking the Tour: Things to Consider
So, most tours can be arranged from Arequipa, seemingly by every hotel and tourist agent in town. Shop around! You can generally find varying prices, or so I discovered. Also, see what’s included, that’s my suggestion. Do meals come with it? What about entry fees for the thermal baths or Cruz del Condor? Getting things clear can save some problems down the line. Also, make sure the company is reliable and reads good. Is the transportation sound? What do people mention regarding their guides? Are the buses heated?!?
The Early Start
My tour started early, actually ridiculously early, at around 3 a.m. very specifically, it’s almost a rude time to wake up. So, the pickup from my hotel was on time, which was very appreciated. You’ll probably appreciate it too, but it’s such a small thing in the scheme of things. That, is, that you’ll then transfer to a bus with other sleepy tourists, all heading in the direction of Colca Canyon. Those first few hours can be a bit of a blur, very understandably. Just try to catch some sleep; you are going to require it for the day ahead. This is that time, very typically.
Breakfast Stop in Chivay
So, after a few hours, more or less, we stopped in Chivay for breakfast. That’s where several tour buses will come together and everyone will have a pitstop, or so it seemed. This gives you a chance to stretch your legs and grab some grub. Breakfast is usually, kind of, basic, eggs, bread, coffee – basically something to prepare you. Be ready for very simple fare. Still, it’s almost, always, appreciated following a very early wake-up. It might be eggs but very, very little of what makes breakfast enjoyable! I love bacon and it would have been ideal.
Mirador Cruz del Condor: Spotting the Condors
The high point of the tour for loads of people is Cruz del Condor. That, is, where you get to watch Andean condors take flight. We got there, basically, early, so, or, that was the plan, anyway, to beat the crowds. As a matter of fact, the viewpoint does get extremely crowded, but hopefully you will avoid this and find some space. The condors, if you are fortunate, are incredible to witness. It’s almost breathtaking when they soar into view, right? Bring a decent camera or a zoom lens; you will really appreciate having the right kit with you.
Exploring the Colca Valley
On the route back to Chivay, your tour will often stop at different viewpoints so that you may enjoy some scenery. That, really, depends on the tour! The Colca Valley scenery is seriously beautiful, you know. The landscapes feature terraced farming, which the pre-Inca cultures developed. It’s genuinely breathtaking. So, these terraces follow the contours of the mountains, a way, for example, to grow crops on steep slopes. Plus, the vibrant greens and browns, apparently, offer some gorgeous views.
Lunch in Chivay
Lunch is normally in Chivay as well. Often, that’s in the form of a buffet-style meal. This tends to be fine to refuel before going onto your next adventure. The selection usually features Peruvian fare, or so you’d expect. It can be, actually, very hectic because a great deal of tour groups descend on the restaurant all at once. Be patient and you will get food; I’m fairly certain. Maybe the alpaca steak is worth considering, that’s just a recommendation.
Thermal Baths: A Relaxing Soak
After lunch, you usually visit the thermal baths in the area, and it depends which you head too, still it’s likely, very good fun. The hot springs give you a really good chance to chill and rest your muscles. That’s specifically, after that super early wake-up and walking around the canyon. So, the water temperatures can change from pool to pool. Locate one that feels perfect for you and just chill. Taking a dip with that surrounding mountainous scenery actually adds a magical something extra. Anyway, keep an eye on your stuff, really.
The Return Trip to Arequipa
The journey back to Arequipa from the Colca Canyon is kind of, long, to be fair. Very. That’s following a full day of activity! You might find yourself dozing off for a large part of the drive. The bus commonly makes a stop, almost, at a high viewpoint on the way back. It’s worth peeking out if you aren’t asleep so you can snap a photo of the Altiplano. The ride back is, perhaps, a reminder of how huge and diverse Peru truly is. That much travel in just one area reminds you just how many roads are ahead.
Is the Colca Canyon Day Tour Worth It?
The Colca Canyon day tour, just a little, is seriously long and can be extremely tiring. Especially with the crazy early start! That said, you get to see some genuinely spectacular scenery and witness condors flying, very visibly. So, if you’re short on time and can’t do a multi-day trek, then this really is the thing you should consider. I think you are able to experience some key Peruvian landscapes and wildlife in one very packed day. If you have got the time, yet, a multi-day trek will allow you to go deeper, actually.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour
- Acclimatize First: Invest at least a day or two in Arequipa before attempting the tour so you may avoid altitude sickness, usually.
- Dress in layers: The weather can be, extremely, variable. Especially starting cold at 3am and warming up when the sun rises. It’s basically all the clothing you own in Peru.
- Bring Sunscreen, Hat and Sunglasses: The sun at high altitude really can be intense and the bus windows magnify things more than you’d imagined, very typically.
- Stay Hydrated: Take plenty of water with you. Or buy it at Chivay as you almost forgot on purpose because of all the stories on water sanitation from other travellers.
- Take Some Snacks: Just in case the meals aren’t sufficient for you and for that moment you think those Oreos taste especially divine.
- Charge your camera and phone: You really won’t want to run out of battery at Cruz del Condor, I swear! A portable charging pack might be a lifesaver here too.
- Have local currency: To pay for entry fees, souvenirs, or additional snacks that are offered for very short durations and cost more because that’s convenient.