Colca Canyon Tour One Day: A Detailed Review with Breakfast

So, you are perhaps thinking regarding a day trip to Colca Canyon from Arequipa? I get it, you maybe have a limited time frame but really, really want to peep that awesome canyon scenery. What I plan to do now is walk you actually via my experience on a one-day tour that surprisingly included breakfast, telling you almost everything you should perhaps expect, and just perhaps helping you decide if it’s right for you actually.

Early Start, Arequipa Send-Off

Expect that, a very early wake-up. Most tours actually pick you up around 3:00 AM – 3:30 AM. That could sound a bit extreme, however, believe me, it is so you are able to see the canyon views. You’ll basically want to confirm the pickup location with your tour operator beforehand – just in case. We basically shuffled half-awake right into the minivan, somewhat like a bunch of travel zombies, that it’s almost always worth the energy when you feel that initial excitement surge! Soon we are out of Arequipa, that really shows the desert coming, with an understanding you actually get more of it traveling by night!

That it turns out, the initial leg could be a little difficult if you tend to get car-sick. A bit winding climbs will start not too long after Arequipa. Having said that, most tour operators should, and it may even be that they do, provide a little something in case of travel sickness.

Breakfast in Chivay: Fueling Up

More or less around 6:00 AM, we got to Chivay, a modest village that has grown to actually support Colca Canyon tourism. That we were taken to a little restaurant – one amongst, oh, goodness there are hundreds of identical buildings these days- and given breakfast, which will usually involve bread, jam, perhaps some tea or coca tea to aid altitude, along with the other standards. I think it’s rather alright for getting some fuel inside of you, but hey, let’s not assume a gourmet feast is coming.

That you will have about thirty minutes to wake up. Do stretch your legs and acclimate. Be wary that Chivay is in excess of 11,000ft, just a bit lower than Colca Canyon and its environs!

Mirador Cruz del Condor: Watching Condors

Cruz del Condor could be the main reason for visiting. As I was saying, just after breakfast, the drive will last approximately two hours across awesome scenery where herdsmen raise camelids to pasture; these views help it get to that location around 8:00 AM which is allegedly optimal for seeing condors. In fact, I feel they appear with thermals, at exactly the right time the ground actually begins heating.

Well, do keep in mind that nature just has no assurances of any kind; sometimes these winged monsters may not make their appearance, just depending on climatic conditions. In spite of this, when they do, oh that feeling you get! In fact, witnessing condors soar and even fly is a breathtaking experience. As I was saying, that location actually is ideal for views, so take some time here to see if it seems the condors will emerge.

Stopping at the Traditional Villages: Local Life

As a matter of fact, that tour usually encompasses stops at traditional villages en route to plus from Cruz del Condor. Maca could be one with an attractive small church with native-influenced murals, whilst Yanque hosts rather awesome traditional dance presentations. Those locations permit one the chance of observing villagers, view locally made crafts, and buy souvenirs.

Remember you want cash when you purchase things directly, basically small bills and coinage! I usually think it’s great being able to aid local populations directly, also the culture actually gives more than money itself. These communities keep historical customs that perhaps are wonderful, and their own resilience actually proves inspirational in resisting modernization.

Soaking at the Hot Springs: An Optional Relaxation

Tour itineraries vary, and I kind of remember a version when one tour ended by relaxing in a local hot spring resort near Chivay! That this may include a cost to get inside, but, oh, goodness it can provide you the opportunity for feeling a whole heap much more chilled out; in particular given you need being awake so early actually.

Being near the canyon’s views helps provide a tranquil, somewhat unforgettable atmosphere when submerging. Basically ensure that you keep some money available in case you choose that part, also if your schedule actually can adapt to enable some hot-springs treatment when traveling.

Return Trip to Arequipa and Potential Challenges

Being that a tour usually actually begins going towards Arequipa just after lunchtime – expect arriving roughly 6:00 PM perhaps to enable your system ample relaxation immediately on getting back before taking your next day’s travels! The drive again shows you that mountainous region’s awesomeness even on experiencing similar road sections.

One consideration that I am making is people do have some safety considerations here regarding tiredness involved. It turns out one day-trip covers so much landscape – be aware when tiredness happens and permit the driver when pausing should safety issues emerge. So much happens for people making this day’s journeys be extremely vigilant around any conditions that could risk journeys that are safe when traveling back.

Is the One-Day Tour Worth It?

Alright, is it worth jamming Colca Canyon right into a one-day adventure? Really, it comes down to what is it you value and actually what you actually want out of your travels. I guess, the pros definitely include seeing an astonishing spot if only you only are here very, very temporarily, saving one over traveling more leisurely with time set besides for trips that last longer overall. However, here is where compromises actually lie with the fact it includes really extended days along traveling.

To be quite honest, a one-day visit perhaps works as okay when time presents the highest priority concern while the cons entail missing further interactions within rural locations plus seeing Colca Canyon as wholly to its possibility in its location, rather showing its magnitude. Actually ask about such parameters prior making choices depending mostly by how one really wants that experience – a fast look versus much deeper involvement! Ultimately decide given expectations versus realistic scenarios to ascertain suitable memories over journeys later made after this option had time spent carefully considered depending the length needed per tourist style as well too for travel!.

Key Considerations:

• Altitude: Colca Canyon can be challenging due to the high elevation. Take it easy, stay hydrated, and maybe try coca tea.
• What to wear: Layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Motion Sickness: If prone, take preventative medication.
• Flexibility: Be ready to adapt given changing climatic and logistical circumstances since everything during travels do change, so pack enough snacks for getting over things going a lil rough or bumpy through road’s pathways there sometimes exists.