Colca Canyon Expedition: The Flight of the Condor

Discover one of the deepest canyons in the world with Mega Travel Machupicchu. This 2-day journey takes you from the “White City” of Arequipa through the spectacular high Andean majestic landscapes. You will spot wild vicuñas in the national reserves, relax in natural volcanic hot springs, and stand at the edge of the abyss at Cruz del Condor to witness the majestic flight of the Andean Condor. This tour is the perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation, ideal for travelers who want to explore the southern Andes at a comfortable pace.

Day 1: Arequipa – Pampa Cañahuas Reserve – Patapampa – Chivay (Hot Springs)

We start our adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Arequipa between 07:30 a.m. – 08:00 a.m. We board our tourist bus and head towards the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Here, we will make a stop at Pampa Cañahuas to observe herds of wild vicuñas (camelids with the finest wool in the world) grazing with the Misti and Chachani volcanoes in the background.

We continue ascending to Patahuasi to drink coca tea (to help with altitude) and observe curious rock formations. We reach the highest point of the trip, the Patapampa Viewpoint of the Volcanoes (4,910m / 16,108ft), where you can see the Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes.

We then descend into the town of Chivay (the capital of the canyon) for a delicious buffet lunch. After checking into your hotel, you have the afternoon free. We highly recommend visiting the La Calera Hot Springs (thermal waters) to relax your muscles in the warm volcanic pools under the open sky. In the evening, you can enjoy a dinner with a traditional folk dance show.

Day 2: Chivay – Cruz del Condor – Pinchollo – Maca – Arequipa

We wake up early (around 06:00 a.m.) for breakfast to beat the crowds. We drive along the edge of the canyon towards the famous Cruz del Condor. This is the highlight of the trip. From this lookout point, you can appreciate the immense depth of the canyon (1,200 meters down) and, with patience, watch the spectacular flight of the Andean Condors as they rise on the thermal air currents just meters away from you.

On our return journey to Chivay, we will stop at the traditional villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque to see their beautiful colonial churches and buy local handicrafts. We also stop at the Antahuilque Viewpoint to admire the incredible pre-Inca agricultural terraces that are still in use today.

We arrive back in Chivay for lunch before beginning our return trip to Arequipa. We will drop you off near the Plaza de Armas or your hotel around 05:00 p.m.

Transport: Tourist bus Arequipa – Colca – Arequipa.
Guide: Professional guide
Accommodation: 1 Night in a standard Hotel in Chivay (Private bath + Hot water).
Meals: 1 Breakfast (Day 2).
Assistance: Permanent monitoring by Mega Travel Machupicchu.

Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC): Mandatory entrance fee (70 Soles for foreigners, paid in cash).
Entrance to La Calera Hot Springs: (Approx. 15 Soles).
Meals: 2 Lunches and 1 Dinner (Buffet options available for approx. 30-40 Soles).
Tips: For guide and driver.

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night.
Start: Arequipa (08:00 a.m.).
End: Arequipa (05:00 p.m.).
Max Altitude: 4,910m (Patapampa Viewpoint).
Sleeping Altitude: 3,600m (Chivay).
What to Bring: Warm jacket (it gets cold at night), swimwear for hot springs, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, cash (soles) for entrance fees/meals, and camera.
Connection Option: Note: From Chivay (Day 2), you can take a bus directly to Puno instead of returning to Arequipa (extra cost applies).