Arequipa to Puno: Is This Colca Canyon 2-Day Excursion Worth It? A Close Look

So, you are looking at doing the Arequipa to Puno via Colca Canyon tour, are you? Maybe you’re weighing up if the ‘From Arequipa Colca Canyon Excursion 2d with End in Puno’ option is really all that, very worth it, and you’d like to know all about it. Well, then keep reading. I mean, think about it; taking in the enormous views of the canyon, possibly spotting a condor in flight, and seeing remote villages can be incredibly appealing. In this piece, we’re going to check out this popular tour, talking about exactly what you can look forward to, providing insights on whether or not it lives up to all the hype, really.

What the Arequipa-Puno Colca Canyon Trip Is Actually Like

OK, first things first, the ‘From Arequipa Colca Canyon Excursion 2d with End in Puno’ package is, you see, mostly designed to transport you between two very favorite destinations while letting you see Colca Canyon along the way. It’s not just a straightforward bus ride; it is an actual experience. That’s because it often includes several stops, like viewpoints (miradores), small Andean villages, and possibly some quirky roadside attractions. The most usual version starts early in Arequipa. Be prepared for an early pickup from your hotel, then you are off towards the highlands. So, don’t expect to sleep in that morning.

A bit later on, day one usually features visiting spots, such as the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can probably see vicuñas (they are like smaller, cuter llamas!). There will likely be several photo ops at various viewpoints as the tour meanders further in elevation. Keep in mind the increased elevation can come as a bit of a shock for some visitors, it’s almost like hitting a wall, that. It’s absolutely important to hydrate yourself and perhaps chew on some coca leaves that could very well help with altitude sickness, actually.

As you find yourself snug in the town of Chivay, you see that many tours give you an option to check out the local hot springs (La Calera). These are very appealing, specifically following a day of travel. Day two is centered around visiting Cruz del Condor, where if you’re fairly lucky, you will likely witness condors soaring over the canyon, so impressive. After condor viewing, tours continue through many traditional villages with beautiful architecture and very charming local markets before heading to Puno. Basically, the bus ride to Puno itself is lengthy. The total trip will have you riding several hours before arriving in Puno in the late afternoon or early evening.

Pros of Doing the Tour

There’s no getting around it. The Arequipa to Puno route provides some seriously magnificent scenery, almost overwhelmingly gorgeous, actually. The landscapes change from volcanic deserts to high-altitude plains and fertile valleys. The tour stops make it easy to soak in these views without all the bother of figuring out your transport.

Easy Logistics: Why it stands out is the door-to-door transportation factor, too it’s convenient. Instead of trying to piece together bus schedules and transfers, this tour handles all of it for you, just like magic.
Condor Spotting: Getting to view the condors at Cruz del Condor is something special. These beautiful birds are super impressive, yet majestic, actually.
Cultural Experiences: Getting a closer look at the smaller villages offers opportunities to understand more about Andean culture. Local markets are usually alive with activity. They’re colorful, really vibrant.

Cons You Should Consider

Of course, with any tour, there are a handful of drawbacks you need to understand. The Colca Canyon trip has them, really.

Altitude Issues: Going from Arequipa (2,335 meters) to higher altitudes at Colca Canyon (reaching upwards of 4,910 meters at Patapampa Pass) can seriously cause altitude sickness for some folks. You may have headaches, fatigue, and nausea. That is no fun, actually.
Long Travel Days: A pretty serious downside could be that you are looking at a bunch of time riding in a bus. It could be hours, and depending on your seat and the road conditions, it might not be super comfortable, very relaxing.
Tourist Traps: Some stops feel very geared toward tourists, perhaps, that could take away from getting a more authentic experience, arguably.
Limited Time at Locations: Tours typically operate on tight schedules. Because of this, you might wish you were able to spend longer at some sites, it’s kind of annoying, you know?

Who Should Book This Trip (and Who Should Skip It)

This particular excursion is, I feel, suited to the time-conscious traveler. If you only have a brief amount of vacation available and are very keen to squeeze in seeing the Colca Canyon while getting from Arequipa to Puno, this selection is sensible. Too it’s very handy for solo travelers. Everything is arranged. You do not have to concern yourself with coordinating complicated transport or accommodation logistics, or things like that.

The trip may not make all that much sense if you have lots of time. If that is so, you could very well prefer an independent trip where you will spend more time in Colca Canyon. Independent travel gives opportunities for longer treks. You’ll get the chance to meet local people and enjoy spontaneous experiences, alright.

Also, individuals especially prone to altitude sickness or individuals that seriously hate long bus rides may prefer flying from Arequipa to Juliaca (the closest airport to Puno) that bypasses Colca Canyon, then travel a short distance to Puno. This choice seriously cuts back the amount of travel time, it also gets rid of the highest altitudes, generally.

What to Pack for Your Colca Canyon Adventure

Proper packing will make a real difference. What should you carry?

Warm Clothes: Layering is key since the temperatures fluctuate dramatically. Be sure to carry fleeces, thermal layers, and a very warm jacket, just in case, mind you.
Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, just to give you a head’s up. Very comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots are often essential.
Sun Protection: The sun at that altitude is super intense. Carry sunglasses, a hat, and top-notch sunscreen with you.
Altitude Sickness Remedies: Coca leaves, ginger candies, or prescription altitude sickness medications can potentially alleviate the symptoms. Having some pain relievers in the event that you get headaches makes good sense, really.
Water and Snacks: Staying hydrated and energized can certainly stave off issues regarding altitude. You should absolutely have a reusable water bottle, along with some snacks like trail mix or energy bars.
Camera: I almost forgot to mention this. The landscapes and condors are really something that you need to capture, that! I highly recommend carrying a great camera. You’ll also probably want a spare battery.

Is it expensive? Cost Considerations

The amount you will fork out for the ‘From Arequipa Colca Canyon Excursion 2d with End in Puno’ can differ widely based on the tour operator, the features bundled, and the amount of people you might be with.

Tour Price: Prices vary considerably. Standard tours typically range from USD 100 to USD 250, again based on the things the tour consists of. Check, very closely, to see whether or not things such as entrance fees to La Calera Hot Springs or the Colca Canyon itself are, that is included.
Additional Expenses: Don’t overlook factoring in the things such as meals (not every tour has those covered), snacks, and also souvenirs. Additionally, you need to include a budget for things such as tipping your tour guides or drivers, too it’s typical to tip well.
Value for Money: Assess the entire value proposition, in regards to logistics covered, sights visited, and the total level of comfort. The tour can often appear to be a pretty good deal when looked at, for ease of transport from Arequipa to Puno accompanied with a visit of Colca Canyon, generally.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

Acclimatize: Consider investing a day or two based in Arequipa that will assist you get acclimated prior to visiting higher altitudes, maybe.
Book in Advance: Very favorite tours, especially within peak tourist periods, often tend to be booked up fairly quick. Making reservations in advance means that you should be more likely to receive much better prices, it can additionally make certain you avoid frustration.
Choose the right Tour Operator: Check out online reviews and have a look at feedback when picking a tour company that may very well go along with your needs and taste. Consider factors just like group size, languages spoken with the guides, the condition of their vehicle, that is.
Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water that can assist you combat altitude sickness; it is very crucial to be sufficiently hydrated, alright. Avoid too much alcohol or coffee since these could very well lead to dehydration.
Engage with Locals: Benefit from possibilities to have interactions with local people on markets or villages, it provides a more authentic experience. Have a chat. Show interest. Always respect the traditions and customs.

Food to Try

Colca Canyon area is recognized for the classic Andean dishes that make it that you must make the effort to attempt one of those nearby cuisines.

Alpaca Steak: This is, typically, a leaner alternative of steak that presents you having a distinct flavor and that’s common from eating places within Colca Canyon area, mostly.
Solterito Arequipeño: Is this bean salad featuring contemporary cheese, olives, onions, tomatoes and you will believe it’s absolutely refreshing for its style from the warm afternoon with inside the Canyon, arguably.
Trucha Frita: That you will believe it’s tasty pan-fried trout and it’s typically new taken from neighboring streams therefore they could become tasty that is usually added to it, maybe.
Mate de Coca: Mate de coca could very well provide very some advantages for lowering the signs and symptoms associated to altitude, thus.

Alternate Options to Think About

Even though “From Arequipa Colca Canyon Excursion 2d with End in Puno” supplies you convenience and scenic path there happen to be opportunities to think about and those have their particular benefits.

Independent Travel: Renting one car can give you far better flexibleness in regards to time to find some websites as you wish and you need to visit on their rate or pace so in fact this lets one do the sites in longer periods without needing to get tied because of certain organized schedule like with some trips even while there’ll have challenges connected particularly in regards regarding transport management as very well, mind you.
Hiking Trips in Colca Canyon: Many companies also can create an array with regards multi-day hiking for your self throughout it such trips help men and women notice hidden secret beauty while being given opportunities, also it creates extra interactions, arguably, which has lifestyle neighborhood culture.
Flying: Should length be regarded among the list considerations and/or concern towards health as soon as with altitude there would get those times any plane and therefore move will save length to overlook perhaps issues about this trip at the similar moment so actually it reduces a shorter, it could not feel so real.

In closing: Could This be the Trip for you?

So, all things thought about, could the “From Arequipa Colca Canyon Excursion 2d with End in Puno” be appropriate when designing travel? Basically, I suggest the following – it is, in some respects, really, for all those trying to fit in the Colca Canyon within their itinerary going between Arequipa or Puno smoothly, for real. Just remember, even though you would like to remember likely results associated together with height coupled in periods connected through journey at which if you aren’t as concerned, and time to spend in limited periods in order that by adjusting your priorities effectively it becomes easy if you get some very remarkable Andean memories when happening it, really!

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