Condors make this day trip worth it. You’ll ride out from Arequipa to the rim of Colca Canyon, catch the famous soaring birds from a top viewpoint, then unwind at La Calera thermal waters.

I also like the way this trip mixes big nature moments with small human-scale places: you’ll pass through Andean villages such as Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, and you’ll get a traditional lunch in Chivay. One watch-out: you’ll pay extra on the day for the Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC) and the thermal baths entrance, and the schedule is built around a long van ride.

Key Things That Make This Tour Work

• Condors from a purpose-built viewpoint: you’ll have time to watch, photograph, and regroup before the day moves on
• Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve stop: a key area for seeing Andean wildlife along the way
• Andean villages with church visits: Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque aren’t just names on a route
• Mirador de Los Volcanes viewpoint: a scenic break before you reach the Chivay area
• La Calera thermal soak: warm water to reset your legs after canyon walking time
• Meals included in Chivay: continental breakfast plus lunch takes the pressure off planning food

From Arequipa to Colca Canyon: the ride you’re signing up for

This is a true day trip. After pickup from hotels near Plaza de Armas (within about three blocks), you’ll head out in a van for roughly 3.75 hours before you start really seeing Colca. That kind of drive matters because it sets your mindset: you’re paying for a full day of highlights, not short hopscotch sightseeing.

If you’re the type who likes to wake up, check in, and then get to the best parts quickly, you’ll appreciate this structure. There’s also enough “real world” time built in—photo stops and free time—so you’re not stuck only listening to the guide the entire day.

Colca Canyon Viewpoints and the Condor Moment

The heart of the day is the canyon itself. You’ll reach Colca Canyon for a guided portion and then get free time to walk for about 75 minutes and take photos at the viewpoint area. The canyon is big enough that photos can’t fully explain it, but that’s where the viewpoint timing helps: you’re there long enough to actually watch the sky.

Then comes the condor payoff. The plan includes another viewpoint time in the Chivay area where you can marvel at the flight of condors soaring above the vast canyon. If you’ve ever tried to spot wildlife at random, this is the opposite approach: you’re going where the birds are expected to pass overhead, with a guide managing the flow so you’re not scrambling.

Practical tip: bring sunscreen and keep an eye on hats. You’ll be outside during the canyon moments, and you’ll appreciate having a little protection when you’re standing still waiting for wings overhead.

The Route Through Pampa Cañahuas and Mirador de Los Volcanes

Between Arequipa and the main canyon viewing, the tour threads in scenic stops that also help contextually. You travel past the “longest road in Yura,” with Chachani mountain along the way, and then you reach the Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve area. Even if you’re not focused on wildlife beyond condors, this stretch gives you that high-Andes feel—wide skies, big distances, and fewer distractions.

You’ll also pause at Mirador de Los Volcanes, a viewpoint built for seeing western mountain views. I like these kinds of breaks because they reset your brain. After a long drive, it’s easier to enjoy the canyon when you’ve already warmed up with a few scenic “breathers.”

Chivay and Traditional Food: why lunch is part of the experience

Chivay is the practical center of the day, and you’ll get there in time to eat. Lunch is included, and it’s traditional rather than a random convenience stop. That matters more than people think—after hours in transit, it’s nice to have a scheduled meal so you’re not hunting for food with limited time and limited Spanish.

You also get a bit of structure around the condor viewing near Chivay, which helps the whole day feel organized instead of rushed. If your priorities are nature first, you’ll still appreciate the fact that the tour doesn’t forget the basics: you’ll have food and a guided plan for where to be and when.

Andean Villages You Actually Visit: Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque

One of the strongest parts of this tour is that it doesn’t only focus on cliffs and hot water. You’ll pass through several Andean villages, including Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, and you’ll slow down enough to get a feel for daily life and tradition.

On the way back, you’ll discover Maca and Yanque and step inside their churches. That church time isn’t about big museum stops—it’s about seeing how faith and community show up in everyday places. You’ll also notice the valley terraces around these villages, which makes the geography feel human. This is the difference between seeing the Andes as scenery versus seeing it as a lived-in region.

If you enjoy photographing doorways, church interiors, and the way towns sit on the slope, you’ll likely love this part. It’s also a good stretch of the day if you need a break from standing at the canyon edge.

La Calera Thermal Waters: warm reset after the canyon

After the canyon and village time, the tour delivers the kind of reward your body wants. You’ll have a break at the hot springs—about 45 minutes of free time, with the plan including a 30-minute thermal bath session.

I like thermal stops that feel scheduled but not overly strict. Here, you get enough time to actually soak and relax without the whole day turning into an all-day pool party. It’s also a nice contrast: cold wind and high-altitude air outside, then warm water that helps you unwind.

Cost note you should plan for: entrance to the thermal baths is not included, and it’s listed as S/15 soles per person. Bring that cash (or at least make sure you have it) so you’re not stuck negotiating at the entrance.

Price and Value: what you get for $66, plus what’s extra

At $66 per person, this tour looks like a solid deal for a full-day outing with transport, a bilingual guide, and meals. You’re getting pickup near Plaza de Armas, transportation, and both a continental breakfast and lunch in Chivay—those are real costs if you were doing it on your own.

What’s not included is where your budgeting needs attention:

• Thermal baths entrance: S/15 soles per person
• Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC): this depends on your category—S/70 for foreign tourists, 50 soles for South American residents, and S/20 for Peruvians
• The BTC and the thermal entrance are paid in cash when you arrive to Chivay

So, if you’re the kind of traveler who wants everything wrapped up in one price, you’ll need to adjust expectations. If you’re okay bringing cash and paying the couple of required fees, the package value makes sense—especially because meals and guided time are included.

What to Bring (and why it matters today, not later)

Here’s the short list that actually helps during this particular day:

• Passport (needed for identity at some point on the day)
• Comfortable shoes (you’ll do walking time at the canyon viewpoint area)
• Swimwear (for the thermal waters)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent (you’ll be outside for long stretches)
• Cash (for the thermal entrance and the Colca Tourist Ticket)

If you forget swimwear, you’ll still be able to watch the hot springs vibe, but you’ll miss the main “reset” moment. If you forget cash, you might have a less-than-fun start to the day’s final act.

Timing, Group Energy, and How the Day Feels

This is built as a guided schedule with both structured stops and free time. You’ll spend time with the guide at Colca Canyon and during viewpoint segments, then you’ll get breathing room for photos and walking.

The day’s rhythm tends to be:

1) Pickup and drive out

2) Canyon time and walking

3) Hot springs soak time

4) Village visits and church time on the way back

5) Lunch in Chivay and then the return to Plaza de Armas

Because you’re on a fixed plan, this is best when you like moving from highlight to highlight. If you prefer to linger in one place for hours, you may find the schedule a bit tight—still packed with value, but not slow travel.

Who Should Book This Colca Canyon and La Calera Tour

This tour fits best if you want:

• Condors as a priority and you want to be in the right places to see them
• A full day that includes canyon views, village culture, and a thermal soak
• Meals handled for you (continental breakfast and lunch in Chivay)
• A guided experience with an English/Spanish bilingual guide

It might feel like a lot if you’re easily tired by long drives. You’re dedicating a whole day for transport and multiple stops, and the schedule assumes you’re okay with that pace.

Should You Book This Tour?

Yes, I’d book it if your top goals are condor viewing, Andean village stops, and ending with a warm hot-springs reset. The price works because meals and transport are included, and the itinerary is built around the moments that most people come for: canyon viewpoints and La Calera thermal waters.

I’d think twice if you hate paying extra fees on the spot. The thermal entrance (S/15) and the Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC, cash) are not included, and you’ll want cash ready before you reach Chivay.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It’s listed as a 1-day experience.

Where does pickup happen in Arequipa?

Pickup is included from hotels near Plaza de Armas of Arequipa, no more than about 3 blocks away from the plaza.

What meals are included?

A continental breakfast and lunch in Chivay are included.

Are entrance fees included for the hot springs and Colca Canyon?

No. Entrance to the Thermal baths is S/15 soles per person, and the Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC) is also not included.

How much is the Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC), and how do I pay it?

The BTC is listed as S/70 for foreign tourists, 50 soles for South American and S/20 for Peruvians. It is only payable with cash, and it is charged at arrival to Chivay.

How long do you spend at the thermal baths?

The schedule lists about 45 minutes for the hot spring stop, including a thermal bath session.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash.