Arequipa to Colca Canyon & Cusco: A Review and Travel Guide

Arequipa to Colca Canyon & Cusco: A Review and Travel Guide

Arequipa to Colca Canyon & Cusco: A Review and Travel Guide

Arequipa to Colca Canyon & Cusco: A Review and Travel Guide

If you’re considering the ‘From Arequipa Tour to Colca Canyon then transfer to Cusco’ package, you likely want an experience that blends spectacular views with convenient transport, so that you can move to each destination without trouble. This detailed look will give you a clearer view of what to anticipate, with tips to make sure you get the most out of your time. Very likely you will have memories that stick with you.

What the Tour Promises

Colca Canyon landscape

The basic idea, actually, is a whirlwind adventure: leaving from the lovely city of Arequipa, spending a period of time amazed by the views of the Colca Canyon, and wrapping it all up with transport to Cusco, so you can continue the adventure. Usually, packages promise sights such as seeing condors fly, so keep your camera ready, glimpses into little villages, and handy bus service. This can mean less stress for you. That is something worth having. Instead of managing all those tiny details, the provider looks after them. Yet, it’s worth questioning how well the actual experience stacks up against what they advertise.

Arequipa Departure and the Drive

Arequipa departure

As I was saying, everything kicked off bright and very early in Arequipa. It is important to point out that those early starts aren’t really for the faint of heart. Anyway, after piling into the bus, we headed into the mountains, for certain getting snapshots of the scenery changing. That first part of the ride gives you views, with everything from volcanoes poking out far away, to alpacas minding their business close by. Just so you know, that part of the trip is kind of extended, just sitting there, waiting. The seats were reasonably comfy; nevertheless, think about bringing a neck pillow just to keep you that more settled.

Colca Canyon: Condors and Culture

Colca Canyon condors

As a matter of fact, the heart of the tour, of course, is visiting Colca Canyon. That place has fantastic, just stunning, views. What all travelers expect most of all, just naturally, is seeing those majestic condors up in the air at Cruz del Condor. Those views, alright, they lived up to expectations, to say the very least. Standing at the viewpoint, seeing those large birds rise, and rise, and rise, on those winds from far, far, far below… It’s really very memorable. During this time we made stops, visiting small villages like Yanque and Maca; you could see a bit more of day-to-day local existence. It seems that, actually, some tourists loved this element a bit, but some, though, found the presentations a little bit ‘touristy’.

The Transfer to Cusco

Cusco transfer

It should be mentioned, arguably, that the final part, the bus ride toward Cusco, is an extended one. Actually, expect hours on the road. So, it really can challenge you. The bus I rode in was fine; seats that could recline a fair way and all that, but that ride is never-ending. What all people should remember, if they can, is that the views from Arequipa to Cusco, wow, they are breathtaking, in fact. If that appeals to you, then you won’t mind too much. Making stops at look-out points, very, very few of them, really divides that long bus ride into segments. What you should remember is take plenty of water and eats with you, too.

What Was Great

Scenic overlook

The sceneries; alright, they were top notch, with amazing scenes around every turn, pretty much. And being able to look out, gazing in wonder, well, I liked that bit. Obviously, seeing the condors flying was a distinct memory that, for sure, will linger. As I was saying, the ease of getting around, of being able to move from point to point without you worrying about working things out, actually makes things easier. Besides, certain guides could really make the experience unique. So, if you got lucky with one of these guides who know their stuff, then this can actually give a bit more meaning to the journey.

Possible Downsides

Tour group waiting

Actually, very early start times could prove stressful. So, you have been warned. What all needs to be considered, also, are these drives, well they can be super lengthy and quite stressful if you are not prepared for it, in other words. It should be mentioned that a handful of the presentations in the tiny towns, while enjoyable, came across, seemingly, as just there for tourists to buy. Just a heads-up; that ride up so high is able to give a headache to some. Really make certain you take it slowly, as I was saying, if heights often have a nasty effect on you.

Is This Tour for You?

happy traveler

If you like amazing landscapes and desire to peek at the condors of Colca Canyon without needing to take on that duty of planning the details, then clearly, yes. If that sounds ideal, this bundle will appeal, generally. In other words, remember, that, even with that promise of ease, lengthy bus travel needs thought. It should be mentioned, anyway, that knowing the nature of a longer, more hectic trip allows you, as I was saying, to get ready in a suitable way and value the high points instead.

Essential things for an easier, more comfortable trip

traveler preparations

Actually, before you go, here is a shortlist so your trip will be easier:

  • Acclimatization Helps: It’s almost taking a time to settle in at Arequipa for some days prior to heading into higher spots tends to reduce that possibility of mountain sickness.
  • Get dressed for any kind of Weather: Think layers! In fact, mountains are quite unpredictable, therefore being smart for every weather is the thing to do.
  • Drink Water: Make sure to stay fully hydrated, for that higher-level air sometimes has the possibility to catch one out.
  • Snacks on Hand: Since certain transfers take a really lengthy period of time, what everyone finds useful, is certainly bringing foods for snacks.
  • Neck Pillow: So the buses tends to be, almost, okay enough, carrying any travel-style neck roll has the possibility to significantly impact that amount of peace you get resting on them, extremely prolonged, travel segments.
  • Photographic equipment and battery backup: Without a doubt, never forget the cameras also remember carrying supplementary rechargeable power devices considering that those beautiful displays can turn wanting to catch those images of, and your gear might go through them faster than normal.

Comparing Tour Operators

tour operator comparison

Really, compare several firms to ensure you get a fantastic price as well as products and services that can be right for, arguably, ones liking. Arguably, read through consumer stories; those opinions are normally an authentic view of, clearly, each excursion’s good quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

questions answers

How much time do I have to set aside for, actually, a tour?

At the end of the day, such tours vary but you ought to assume, to put it simply, from 3 to 4 days in length to sufficiently cover all those displays together with transfer segment.

Just how ought someone get himself geared towards those highs of, obviously, each Colca Canyon?

You might want to attempt light things the initial day, stay hydrated, coupled with avoid heavy meals helping to manage altitude disorder more efficiently; arguably, it is useful to perhaps also communicate to, I would say, ones medical man over things that are appropriate.

Have there been amenities accessible traveling throughout this transportation section?

I’m being honest, those differ between companies in which people reserve throughout nevertheless frequently consist of lavatory options; sometimes WiFi coupled with stops at regional attractions also scenic spots also assist separation travel.

On which point should one try purchasing your trips?

First, try protecting yourself bookings in good time to often secure excellent costs specifically through pinnacle days however, do not necessarily often shy throughout from purchasing ultimate moment types when your routine allows!