A Complete Review: Arequipa Full Day Experience to Colca Canyon and onto Puno

Planning a trip from Arequipa through the Colca Canyon all the way to Puno, and wanting a jam-packed adventure? So, you may have seen talk of a full-day tour that attempts to squeeze all that travel into a single go. Basically, it’s quite a lot, and going into something like this totally informed is quite important. This review looks very closely at this sort of tour, telling you very plainly what to expect, the pros, the cons, and just if it is, actually, worth your while. From what you’ll see at the viewpoints, to how long you’re in that bus, we will try to lay out the whole deal.

What You Get with the Colca Canyon Full-Day Experience

Okay, so before we get further, basically let’s go over exactly what is part of this intense day-long thing. Typically, this experience begins super early – think 3 AM-ish – that is to try and pack in all the main things and still get you over to Puno that very same evening. We find that most tours tend to offer these core things:

Pickup from your accommodation: The tour people will usually grab you straight from where you’re staying in Arequipa.
Transport: Count on being in a bus. In fact, sometimes they make local bus line runs look roomy and luxurious.
Stops at viewpoints: There’s bound to be stops like the Mirador de los Andes and also, of course, the famous Cruz del Condor.
Breakfast and lunch: Quite often these are built in, and that is at restaurants in the Colca Valley. Don’t expect any three-star food reviews.
Transfer to Puno: It should take you to Puno after all of your canyon exploring is all done. This often means being left at a bus station or maybe even, if you are especially lucky, at your lodging.

Of course, what you get may change between tour companies, yet those listed are a pretty good sign of what the average tour out there offers.

The Early, Early Start: Grabbing the Bus in Arequipa

Oh man, when I talk about early, I mean it is dark-thirty early! I was told to be ready at 3:15 AM, and sure enough, the van was right on time, already running around picking up folks who probably were cursing the day they chose this particular itinerary. Anyhow, you sort of stumble into the van, then find a spot while half-asleep, then the thing is off. Those initial hours? It’s pretty much sleeping as you bounce over the pavement. Very many are hoping to catch a little bit more sleep during those very early morning hours. The roads aren’t always super smooth either, that too. Every bump feels amplified, as well, when you’re that tired, of course. That part is tough, yet it’s sort of like ripping off a bandage – just that you are doing it on like no sleep.

Views From the Mirador de Los Andes

So, once dawn begins to appear, you are apt to make a stop up at the Mirador de Los Andes. Supposedly, this point gets you over 16,000 feet elevation, which is quite high. You could likely be feeling that thinner air; even me, that is very used to hiking, found myself just a bit out of breath just strolling around. So, what’s up there? The view is vast, displaying a wild scene. There’s also, generally, a pile of little rock cairns that past people have left. That too makes the spot kind of cool looking. It’s pretty chilly up at this high point, very. Bring all of the layers – hats, gloves, scarves. Basically, every single item is almost mandatory. People take photos quickly, purchase a few souvenirs from locals selling stuff and then rush straight to that warm bus again. Anyhow, it’s quick but a wonderful break plus a real way of getting a taste of just how massive this place is.

Chivay: Breakfast to Get Going

Next up on the program is Chivay. That’s a tiny town in Colca Canyon, and just about every one of those tours pulls up for you to have breakfast there. The food you’ll see at most traveler-aimed restaurants is fine – things such as eggs, bread, maybe some pancakes, as well as always coca tea. Try and sip at this tea; the natives claim it helps out with altitude issues. Truthfully? The taste is similar to okayish green tea. But really, the warmth can be delightful early that morning. That town itself? Not super amazing, however stretching legs and a little bit of sustenance is super helpful at that moment. Many will also quickly make use of restrooms. Those could cost a little bit in terms of payment to use; therefore keep some change handy.

The Cruz del Condor: Fingers Crossed for a Sighting

Okay, this is really the major draw that most people signed up for! It is at the Cruz del Condor where basically everyone is keen to catch sight of those grand Andean condors soaring across the canyon. Therefore, some facts – the canyon is huge, and honestly sort of mind blowing. And the condors? Absolutely majestic. I felt really privileged after spotting just one drifting around upon some warm morning breezes. Of course, that is not a done deal you are assured a sighting; there are days that they’re not very active. So, it is almost better to come with tempered desires. Yet with any kind of luck, you are able to catch those birds up in that vast view. Remember too, that area can be super crowded. Show up a bit early just to claim a good spot is advisable.

Pit Stops: Villages and the Land Around Colca

One fine bonus of the tours will be seeing those small villages and that region itself surrounding the Colca. You will find many stops – maybe to gaze upon those old terraces dating way back towards the Incas or even to stroll round those small local markets. These stops give insights into regular everyday lives as well as those cultural traditions in this area. I, personally, am very fascinated by those small things, yet recognize a lot of people could well see it as simply killing minutes ahead of being sent to Puno. Anyhow, based on my past travels, the more you look, and listen too, the better a richer thing is apt to result from that stop. A simple example is the different clothes folks wear. It can be very fascinating.

The Long, Long Push Towards Puno

Alright, here’s really the part that will make, or maybe end, this full-day tour for people: the several hours on buses heading on toward Puno. Just after Colca, they generally shift people headed in this direction straight to a different bus which is just going all the way on to Lake Titicaca. Look – the views that are to be had from that road are certainly great, with high plains, mountains, along with little villages flashing by. Yet let’s keep things real; there’s really only so much scenery one can handle through the bus screen. Basically, that ride appears longer even than it measures in clock minutes. Ensure that you stock up upon podcasts, e-books, anything basically to keep your head occupied. And absolutely get some kind of snack to keep the munchies far away. As a matter of fact, that is basically an endurance sport onto itself.

Arriving at Puno: Done, At Last

So, sooner or later (and that will probably seem like way later), you’ll be pulling straight into Puno. Several of these tour experiences stop over at those bus terminals, while some of those kind tour companies are able to take you straight to where you’re going. Therefore, just verify the things with your tour operators upfront. One of those crucial factors is just how tired one can feel at that point. So, arranging transport in front would be helpful, instead of trying it while completely depleted after an ultra-long day. I had organized that and was genuinely appreciative that I could go straigh into that lodging after that.

Good Points about the Full-Day Circuit

Fits Everything Together: Assuming that your timeline happens to be truly super strict, this option squashes the highlights into a single outing.
Well Priced: After doing research, one complete tour could actually be cheaper versus piecing together individual transport plus tours yourself.
Minimum Thinking: The whole thing gets handled. They come get you, lead you everywhere, and get you shifted to your further stop.

Bad Things about that Full-Day Circuit

Rushed, Rushed, Rushed: By compressing that much things to accomplish at just one day, one won’t hang around a locale to suit.
Tiring as All Get-Out: The insane wake-up timing plus the never ending time on the bus can prove punishing.
Likely Bus Craziness: Do not think spacious plus peaceful when considering bus journeys. Those might be crowded plus bumpy too.

To Book That Tour? Tips and Things to think About

Intrigued in this tour setup? You may want to keep these issues somewhere at heart:

Comparison shop the offers: Take a look over precisely which things are offered (or even not offered!). A handful may skip several stops versus similar things.
Read current reviews: See how others liked those. Specifically seek out things regarding on-bus comfort as well as about tour leadership capabilities.
Double-check bus drop-off stuff: Make truly certain what they do from getting in at that point in Puno.
Pack mindfully: Carry items toward altitude issue issues, sunshine shielding and too multiple clothing amounts for temperature adjustments.
Prepare to become VERY VERY tired: Really prepare mentality as the journey can feel really grueling.

A Full-Day Colca Canyon/Puno Deal Good? Personal Judgment

Therefore, could I recommend all of this complete circuit of Arequipa by Colca onto Puno occurring just through one lengthy single span? It depends a great deal on your travel taste! If it feels really crucial toward jam however much in as is doable regardless of exactly how depleted that renders one and then it just could be well-suited. Those by limited moment, at lower financing options plus people unbothered on doing rapid speeds only, tend to look at as a strong option. But also, if traveling with companions needing further slow times, and appreciating truly exploring destinations, perhaps think through dividing it up rather. Spending only 1 or 2 evenings inside Colca Canyon will let greater relaxing along with even more deeply valuing all. Either option involves trade offs therefore just recognize how YOU like to see places.

Other Ideas Besides Tours for Reaching Colca/Puno?

Perhaps full-day tour feels like overkill, here just multiple further route planning choices:

Dedicated Trips toward Colca Canyon: Spend numerous nights by those locales. From Arequipa run individual transports as well as even bus operations which leave yourself in position for seeing canyon upon much casual setting.
Going right with Buses: Multiple normal bus vendors ply a Arequipa toward Puno pathway. As one good spot is going using this can then suggest overnight between towards those Colca location depending exactly on exactly what is wanted regarding pace matters.
Employ Independent Transit Providers: Set transit that will take you straight amongst areas however in own timetable. The cost definitely will turn higher compared with bus opportunities.

Each kind holds separate advantages therefore visualize just exactly how the ideal “feeling” itinerary seems!

Traveling from Arequipa right through toward Colca Canyon ending onward toward Puno all requires considered organizing whether undertaking tour structured strategy-or independent activities model. Appraise the interests well versus all accessible options guaranteeing just by finishing there the holiday suits just exactly that what’s hoped given that time at disposition together using budget capacity available.

Common Q&A about Tours of the Whole Day from Arequipa using Colca transferring straight over toward Puno

Must I truly book full trip well by ahead?

During topmost tourist occurrence booking in advanced becomes quite advisable helping ensure obtain locales on these intended tours primarily those with very high appreciations and/or smallest gathering magnitude. That’s why that can potentially minimize risk connected facing finished availability.

Must such experiences hold cancelled should I observe forecast displays raindrops?

Most scheduled events managed regardless rain yet might see a handful adjusting some stops or maybe alternative steps for weather security when major adverse situation displays may effect whole journey or the basic safety standards concerning party members involved. It helps examining clearly the canceling strategies specific at those firms involved.

Is truly that practical on getting unwell attributed elevation implications.

Definitely that spot gets high quickly thus various can confront lower troubles associated heights ranging feeling headache to small sense breathing challenges mainly on entering at the point being ‘Mirador is Andes’. Maintain hydratedness stays really crucial together by potentially nibbling light but do stay obvious for using hefty snacks while coming upwards as you drive!

How exactly can one make Colca full travel turn much wonderful!

Wear garments from numerous tiers enabling easy adjusting dependent about shifts in that thermal degrees primarily morning moments but even sun intense periods that’s also keep transporting liquid even healthy snacks as there stands only few alternatives about acquisition across many hours especially whenever there coming further pauses at little localities from all around these canyon sides themselves there is very slight choices relating food unless when is time lunch meals breaks . Also obtain strong lens systems regarding photographs.