Detailed Review: Colca Canyon & Chivay Day Trip from Arequipa

Thinking of visiting the Colca Canyon for just a day from Arequipa? Well, it can feel like quite a whirlwind, yet it’s very possible, and frankly, it’s popular among travelers trying to squeeze in as much as possible. What’s the real deal with these speedy trips, anyway? This review gets into whether the “One Day Adventure Chivay and the Colca Canyon in Arequipa” is the right pick for your travel goals. Plus, you’ll get an idea about what to expect, some things to look out for, and if there are some better choices to think about for your adventure.

What to Expect on Your Colca Canyon Day Trip

These one-day tours kick off super early, like your pick-up is probably going to be around 3 AM, is that early enough for you? Basically, the early start aims to maximize the daylight available, but honestly, a large chunk of your day is just travel time. The bus heads towards Chivay, that is the main town near Colca Canyon, and the trip gives you those amazing views of the highlands. It’s almost like a highlight in itself, so keep your eyes peeled! There’ll usually be a quick stop for breakfast in Chivay, that’s before really going into the canyon, but keep in mind, things might feel a bit rushed, like you’re quickly ticking boxes on a to-do list. We feel you on that.

Then, the highlight: Condor Cross (Cruz del Cóndor). It’s almost always super crowded. Why? That spot is the most famous viewpoint to see the majestic Andean condors in flight. If they decide to fly, anyway! Very dependent on the day and weather conditions! You’ll spend some time spotting these big birds soaring over the canyon, that is quite an awesome experience, you know. Following the Condor Cross, that will probably involve more bus travel with short stops at different viewpoints along the canyon. Typically, it’s scenic, that is, unless you’re sleepy and worn out from that crazy early wake-up!

Most tours include a visit to some local markets or artisan shops, just quick stops to see local products and, unsurprisingly, that often involves shopping opportunities. Finally, on the way back to Arequipa, so some tours squeeze in a stop at the thermal baths near Chivay. So, depending on your stamina levels, that is perhaps a soothing way to end the day before facing a three-hour bus ride back.

The Pros of a Whirlwind Tour

For time-crunched folks, that option allows seeing one of Peru’s most stunning landscapes when squeezing it into a really tight schedule. The primary appeal? Well, basically, it allows you to glimpse the Colca Canyon when otherwise you’d need two or three days. Also, one-day trips are very convenient since it’s all arranged: transportation, a guide, and certain entrance fees, are taken care of. In a place that can be hard to get around, that is sometimes a real relief. Also, it offers a sample, that is, maybe you’ll be convinced to go back for a longer visit next time.

Another very attractive benefit is seeing condors. That can be very special. These fantastic birds glide effortlessly above the canyon, and the tour puts you in probably the most famous spot for sightings. The chance to witness these huge birds up close might be worth that super early wake-up, really! So, basically if seeing Condors is high on your priority list and you don’t mind being on a fast-paced tour, that kind of excursion can be quite suitable.

The Cons of a Speedy Canyon Visit

Pace? Very fast! It may be the biggest downside. Basically, one day is definitely not enough time to appreciate all the Colca Canyon has to offer, you know. That tour is really quick, like a ‘see-it-to-say-you-saw-it’ kind of trip. Also, lots of the time is literally spent sitting on a bus. Travel to and from Arequipa devours a large chunk of your day, so the time exploring the actual canyon feels kind of short. What’s more? Altitude. Chivay sits at around 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) and the Condor Cross viewpoint is higher. Rushing that can hit you hard, it’s almost as if spending so little time at that altitude can make altitude sickness much worse. Basically, that trip involves going to great heights very, very quickly, which isn’t great for adjusting.

Now, those tours, that can be jam-packed with other people, that takes away from having a special or intimate time experiencing a place as grand as the Colca Canyon. Additionally, if the goal is really to experience the real feel of the villages, engage with local culture, or do a hike? Well, it’s almost difficult to do that in one day. You are simply stopping by places briefly. To sum up: while you may ‘see’ Colca Canyon in one day, experiencing it on a deeper level may well take a little longer.

Are There Alternatives to Day Trip?

Rather than squeezing the canyon into a single day, well, how about considering a two or three-day excursion? Honestly, spending a bit more time allows seeing the area in a more chilled-out way. You might get the opportunity to trek, discover some traditional villages, and maybe visit the hot springs without the frantic rush. Longer tours, it usually give you a chance to get used to the altitude better, that’s lowering the risk of altitude sickness, you see? So, there’s also that!

So, doing a trek will usually allow really immersing yourself in the views and experiencing local culture, whereas a day trip often skims the surface. You’re going to get better photos too, so consider longer trips as a path to photography.

Making the Most of Your One Day

So, still want to see the canyon in one day? Here’s how you can maximize your time, actually: Prep for altitude! That means drinking loads of water in the days before. Avoid alcohol and maybe chew on some coca leaves. Pack lightly. You’ll want comfy shoes for the short walks, plus layers of clothing to deal with the temperature changes during the day, obviously. While there is some organized tour element involved, so you shouldn’t be shy about asking questions. Basically, tap into your guide’s local insight, as that enhances the experience!

What else? Keep your camera accessible. So, you’re going to want it quickly available. What if you’re a keen Instagrammer? Get ready for social media photo opportunities that you’re really going to be pretty happy with. Manage your expectations: so understand it’s really a taster. Enjoy what you can, but accept you’re not going to experience everything. You might even feel exhausted afterward, frankly.

When going, have fun, and, almost most importantly, remember to respect both the environment and the local community.

Consider this advice from people that travel to Colca every year. A trip like this is what they call, *“something to do to see the canyon quickly, without having a proper tour”*