Colca Valley 2-Day Tour: A Detailed Review & Tips

Alright, so you’re thinking about a trip to Peru and maybe even planning a quick trip, possibly just a couple of days, to the Colca Valley, right? Well, that is often considered one of the must-do things around Arequipa, and trust me, it definitely lives up to the hype, I mean the vast scenery is wonderful, there’s the shot at seeing majestic condors soaring, that too, it’s a totally awesome sight, and the experience will be something you will think of for quite some time. So, is a whirlwind, like, two-day trip to the Colca Canyon really worth it, yeah, in many ways? Let’s get into what makes this trip amazing, what to look out for, and why it could be the highlight of your time in Peru, you see, in some respects.

What’s the Big Deal with Colca Canyon Anyway?

Okay, so picture this: a canyon very, very deep – in fact, nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, just a little. That’s the Colca Canyon for you, that too. The views? Yeah, breathtaking and then some. But it’s more than just a pretty landscape, very. The Colca Valley actually has a long history that is quite interesting; you’ll discover little villages with local people wearing really brightly coloured clothes, and the people also still farm the steep terraces, just like their ancestors did way back. The region is, you see, full of culture and alive too it’s almost.

You can easily make a day trip just to get to see condors but trust me you would appreciate an over night stay so that, you know, you see a lot more. That’s what I want to share with you about and what follows next, but that means early mornings for great views so don’t party hard, right?

Choosing the Right Tour for You

So, here’s where things can get a little, or should I say very, interesting, too it’s almost. You are going to find lots and lots of tour companies running trips to Colca Canyon out of Arequipa, and that too. Some might seem basically, the same at first look, right, but that said the experience and the quality can seriously, like, differ.

Arguably you can find tours that target different crowds: those for people keen on rough hiking, ones more aimed at luxury travelers, and your everyday run of the mill sightseeing tours. I would advise you to read up on, like, reviews and then look at the details of each and what is actually included, anyway. A bit more information can, in a way, ensure you get a good guide, comfy transport, and lodging you can relax at, or, in that case it might be a rather uncomfortable experience if you decide without enough consideration of details!

Day 1: Scenic Views and High Altitude

Right, day one is all about getting from Arequipa to the Colca Valley, or, in other words. Brace yourself, or, I should say expect, an pretty, really early start – we’re talking about, like, leaving around 3 AM or so – but trust me, yeah, you are going to want those first light views. You’ll very likely drive through a pretty high altitude scenery, or, as some would refer to it, plains filled with vicuñas, alpacas and llamas! So too you’ll need a bottle of water.

Your initial major stop that is, too it’s almost, going to be at a lookout point called Patapampa, right, which is something over 4,800 meters, quite high, which basically means close to 16,000 feet above sea level. The air is thin up here, is that right, yeah. Don’t overexert yourself or it may get a little, actually maybe more than that, nasty with altitude sickness. You may be thinking to skip it, but honestly, I really, really do not recommend it. Just, take it slow, basically, and appreciate the view and the local little piles of stones they created over there.

The views during the ride as a whole on day one, though, really do show a really great slice of what Peru has to offer, basically, that too. I am talking like, snowy peaks of mountains to scenery and then to quaint communities, alright? When you check in your lodge/hotel/hostel the staff may tell you to sleep. Don’t listen to them! Grab your camera and wander around town, too. If the group is eating dinner somewhere then don’t worry – ask your staff to recommend you a good one and trust me – they know best what locals enjoy to have for dinner, honestly, so do just that.

Day 2: Condors and Traditional Villages

Alright, condor time, which is clearly another really, really early rise to get to Cruz del Condor, seemingly the viewpoint famous for, I mean, well… the condors. The general plan that is, typically, to get there, very early, I mean maybe even around 6 AM-7 AM. The idea, as a matter of fact, is to get the perfect spot just to see these very majestic birds circle around. Trust me that will be quite exciting, arguably, I feel!

Depending on the tour schedule that is you chose, you’re potentially, I’d say nearly, set to make visits to a small town, say for example Yanque and Maca – each providing small churches, lively plazas, that too local markets to checkout so, right? A perfect one too, potentially, that is, should involve the visit to natural hot springs – that sounds pretty relaxing – it would be even great to unwind after those sunrises we are going to, naturally, chase. So then that may wrap the end of what most commonly a two days adventure may consist of, in that case!

Altitude Sickness: My Biggest Concern

Here’s something extremely, basically incredibly, important to touch base on because it’s something potentially a lot of tourist visiting will have trouble with: altitude sickness that is it, alright? You go basically from Arequipa at 2,300m (around 7,500 feet), to higher than that level almost. Even a little higher. A fair bit even, depending the spots on the tour, right? So potentially I will get altitude sickness: very possibly yes or very likely as a matter of fact, that too.

The guide will probably offer you, and that’s because the locals like, take, coca tea; also, and that, for example is claimed for its effect just to help reduce symptoms. Ask about, of course, that, very or any potential side effect just so you make informed decision. Acclimatize prior visiting those heights may greatly influence just how smooth of an adventure we may just experience, right? You are going to potentially want to plan some rest days on Arequipa so, alright?

What to Pack: Essentials for Your Colca Valley Tour

Let’s see what we need for this tour: it should be really compact. If the air is really, basically kind of, crisp up on those altitudes of course there are considerations; the sun is fairly really fierce you may not know what’s next honestly it’s also really important to shield from, well that that, intense sun is what should come with. The key that, really, I recommend, just layering, just because.

Bring also cash, because even now on those villages there are pretty poor connection to internet even and those may not let your transaction to happen if there are no physical methods to transact. Do bring a smaller backpack for your things in the day trip just to move around.

So, alright, quick packing list, maybe as something to think about:

• Warm clothes (layers are key)
• A good hat, ideally something very broad for good, strong protection of your face, very.
• A scarf, it also is a thing
• Comfortable shoes – you’ll do a good amount of walking to spots, which clearly may become strenuous
• Sunscreen (highest SPF) and lip balm
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Any medication for sickness
• Camera with good battery duration, even an extra one
• Water (for hydration)

Is the 2-Day Colca Valley Tour Worth It?

For most people thinking about going on a two day tour – Colca Canyon it also depends if what’s worth the buck, or not in the adventure, for a number of days and nights! First thing – It is physically and perhaps tiring trip but it doesn’t mean one doesn’t love; this really kind of is something to consider.

So then if you got the time just to appreciate natural magnificence without the requirement just to be walking the entire distance then this is perfect in that case it may totally suit, in some respects.

Even then you will be rewarded. This amazing shot at those big birds is for certain that in reality are wonderful and incredible at times which one will truly not likely forget – ever – potentially is what would close it for many that too.