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The Colca Canyon: Condor Watching.

Arequipa, Peru

The Colca Canyon: Condor Sighting

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About the Colca Canyon

Arequipa is not only a great place full of churches, countryside, ashlar buildings and Instagrammable alleys, but also a place full of nature, outdoor activities, excursions and contact with native peoples.

One of the places where you can find all this adventure is, without a doubt: the Colca Canyon. This place will leave you with your mouth open and will make you feel small in such immense scenery.

In the province of Caylloma, northwest of the department of Arequipa, you can find the Colca Valley, where the imposing and mysterious Colca Canyon rests. This canyon is 4,160 meters deep and is considered the fourth deepest canyon in the world.

The nature in the Colca Canyon is unmatched, but in addition to this, on the summits of the Colca, you will find one of the biggest attractions of the area, reason why many travelers around the world and Peru travel to Arequipa, we refer to the majestic and always admired: Andean Condor, this huge bird, is considered one of the largest in the world, because with its wings extended can measure up to 3 meters wide. DO NOT WORRY, these little animals are scavengers and therefore do not represent danger to tourists.

The Colca Canyon and Andagua Volcanoes were declared in 2019 WORLD GEOPARK, being the first in Peru and the third in South America to receive such distinction.

At what altitude is the Colca Valley in Arequipa?

The Colca Valley, where the Colca Canyon lies, is located at 4,900 meters above sea level.

What is the best season to visit the Colca Canyon in Arequipa?

The best season to visit the Colca Canyon and in general all of Arequipa is from April to December, since it does not rain much and the days are clear and warm, with a temperature between 10°C to 23°C.

On the other hand, if you dare to visit Arequipa you should take your precautions since from January to March the days are more rainy and cloudy and you may not be able to appreciate many landscapes in their maximum splendor, although the prices of tours, lodging and restaurants go down considerably. In this case, I suggest that you visit the tourist sites after 10:00 am so that the skies clear and you can enjoy your stay in Arequipa.

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

How to get to the Colca Canyon in Arequipa?

To get to the Colca Canyon we have found only 2 ways to do it, although there is a way to get there by public transport this is very complex and it would be more economical in time and money the following ways:

By car

Traveling with your car by road I think it is the most convenient option if you want to have privacy and travel alone with your family, in case you do not have a car a good option is to rent one and reach the Colca Canyon quietly, you can also reach several tourist destinations in Arequipa by road, so you would save on tourist service.

The route to the Colca Canyon is not dangerous since 90% of the road is paved, although it is always important to drive with stealth and caution because it is driving uphill.

From the city of Arequipa to the Colca Canyon from Cabanaconde, by private road you will travel 199 km and arrive in about 4 hours. In the viewpoints of the Colca Valley you will find a free parking area (price included in your entrance ticket).

By tourist agency

You can hire a full day tour to the Colca Canyon in Arequipa. The cost of the tour ranges from S/. 60 to 80 soles (USD 17 to 22 dollars) per person.

How long is the full day tour to Colca Canyon in Arequipa?

The 1 day or full day tour starts at 3:30 am and ends at approximately 5:30 pm. There are stops for breakfast and lunch.

How much does it cost to visit the Colca Canyon in Arequipa?

If you decide to visit the Colca Canyon through a tour agency, the reasonable price for a group tour (not private) is between S/. 60 to 80 soles (USD 17 to 22 dollars) per person.

Canopy in Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

What to expect and how to prepare for the Colca Valley in Arequipa?

Bring a coat, but not too heavy, weight does not help at altitude.

Warm but flexible pants, mobility is important.

Trekking shoes (NOT simple sneakers), this will help you on the rough trail.

Gloves and scarves, the neck and hands are the parts that get cold quickly.

Awarm hat, this will help you keep warm.

Windbreaker, the wind at high altitudes is usually overwhelming.

A rain jacket if you visit Arequipa in rainy weather.

A small and light backpack to keep your coat when the temperature starts to rise and other objects and clothing.

Carry coins and bills in SOLES, preferably coins, as you will have to pay in cash for access to the Colca Canyon, also you will find craft and food stalls that only receive soles in cash.

Bring bathing clothes and towels for the hot springs of Chacapi, if you forgot your bathing clothes you can buy one from S/.30 soles (USD 7 dollars) or rent from S/. 4 soles (USD 1.30 dollars), they also rent towels from S/. 4 soles (USD 1.30 dollars).

They have a parking area that is included in your entrance ticket.

Bring your ID or passport to identify yourself when paying the entrance fee to the Colca Valley.

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

When is the best time for condor watching in the Colca Canyon, Arequipa?

To appreciate the condors in their natural habitat you need to get up early, as these huge birds begin to fly through the Colca Canyon very early, between 8:00 am and 10:00 am, so the 1 day or full day tours start very early in the morning (3:30 am) to arrive in time to see the condors.

From experience I suggest you be patient, it is not always possible to see these birds, but if you really want to play it safe, a good alternative is to stay in the surrounding towns for a couple of days.

How much does it cost to enter the Colca Valley?

S/. 5 soles (USD 1.20 dollars) for Peruvian students

S/. 20 soles (USD 6 dollars) for Peruvian adults

S/. 40 soles (USD 12 dollars) for other travelers from Latin America

S/. 70 soles (USD 19 dollars) for travelers of other nationalities (non Latin American).

What activities to do in the Colca Valley?

In the Colca Valley, where you rest in the Colca Canyon, you can do several activities. Here I show you some of them:

Canopy, is a highly recommended activity for the adventurous and those who want to live the most of their experience in the Colca. You will travel two sections with a total of 1500 meters, the cost per person is S/. 50 soles (USD 14 dollars).

ATV ride, the cost of the service per person is S/. 40 soles (USD 11 dollars) and the time of use of the ATVs is 35 minutes.

Kayak ride, this activity is recent and has very good reception, the cost per person is S/. 25 soles (USD 7 dollars) and the time of use is 35 minutes. An activity that I personally recommend.

Try the Colca sour, this is a very popular drink in the Colca Valley made from pisco and sancayo (a citrus fruit that grows in the Colca Valley).

Visit the natural hot springs of Chacapi, this is an ideal place to relax in waters of more than 30 degrees Celsius after an arduous hike in the Colca Valley. The entrance fee per person is S/. 15 soles (USD 5 dollars). The baths of Chacapi are open every day of the week and the entrance hours are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Visit the town of Maca, where you will find a beautiful colonial church.

Visit the towns of Sibayo, Yanque, Callalli and Coporaque:

These towns are located around the Colca Valley and are inhabited by native people with ancestral lifestyles, they offer typical Arequipa food in the markets or in different street food stalls, they also have craft stalls and stores of different products, even if you want to spend the night and enjoy the Colca Valley, many villagers offer accommodation at a very good price. In my experience, this is the best way to live a unique and memorable experience because together with them you can witness and even be part of the cultural, ancestral or household activities that these people perform in their daily lives.

Canopy in Colca Canyon, Arequipa - Peru

Canopy in Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Town of Maca, Arequipa

Town of Maca, Arequipa