Private Colca Canyon Full Day Tour: Cruz del Condor & High Andes
Witness the Flight of the Condor and One of the World's Deepest Canyons on an Exclusive Day Trip.
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: ~14 Hours (Full Day Expedition).
- Start Time: 03:30 AM (Crucial for condor viewing).
- Strategic Focus: Wildlife (Condors, Vicuñas), Landscapes, & Living Culture.
- Key Note: A long but rewarding day trip to see the Andes' most iconic bird without the overnight stay.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (Due to high altitude >4,900m / 16,000 ft).
- Group Size: 100% Private (Your family/pod only).
- Languages: Native English & Spanish.
- Highlights: Cruz del Cóndor, Patapampa Viewpoint, Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
The Deepest Canyon in Style
The Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and home to the majestic Andean Condor. While many group tours rush this experience in a crowded bus, this Private Colca Canyon Full Day Tour offers you the luxury of space, personalized pacing, and comfort during a long day of travel.
We start before dawn to ensure you arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint just as the thermals rise and the condors take flight. Your private vehicle allows you to stop whenever you want—whether to photograph a herd of wild vicuñas in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve or to admire the terraced agriculture that predates the Incas.
This is a journey through the extremes of the Andes, reaching altitudes of nearly 5,000 meters at the Patapampa Viewpoint. With a private guide monitoring your acclimatization and oxygen on board, you can safely explore traditional villages like Yanque and Maca, immersing yourself in a culture that has thrived in these mountains for centuries.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
From Volcanoes to Canyons
03:30 AM: Early Private Departure
Your private driver collects you from your Arequipa hotel. Wrap up in warm blankets in your private vehicle and catch up on sleep as we ascend towards the highlands.
Morning: Breakfast & The Condor's Realm
07:30 AM - Breakfast in Chivay: We arrive in the town of Chivay for a breakfast stop (not included) to fuel up for the day. Cruz del Cóndor: We drive along the canyon edge to the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Here, we wait for the kings of the Andes to glide on the morning air currents. With a private guide, we can find quieter spots away from the main crowds to watch this natural spectacle. Canyon Walk: Enjoy a gentle 1-hour walk along the canyon rim, appreciating the sheer depth and the flora of the area.
Mid-Day: Culture & Viewpoints
Mirador de Atahuilque: On the way back, we stop at this viewpoint to see the pre-Inca agricultural terraces (andenes) that are still cultivated today. Traditional Villages: We visit the charming towns of Maca or Yanque. Visit their colonial churches, see local artisans, and perhaps taste a "Colca Sour" (made with cactus fruit).
Afternoon: The High Andes Crossing
Lunch in Chivay: We return to Chivay for lunch (not included). Your guide can recommend a buffet with local specialties or a quieter à la carte restaurant. Patapampa Viewpoint (4,910m): On the drive back to Arequipa, we stop at the "Mirador de los Andes." Stand at nearly 16,000 feet and see the chain of volcanoes (Sabancaya, Ampato, Hualca Hualca) that form the Ring of Fire. National Reserve: We cross the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to herds of graceful vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. We’ll stop for photos of these protected animals in their natural high-altitude habitat.
17:30 PM: Return to Arequipa
We drop you off at your hotel in Arequipa, tired but filled with the awe of the Andes.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private Transport: Exclusive vehicle and driver for the 14-hour journey.
- Expert Guide: Professional English/Spanish speaking guide specialized in nature and culture.
- Safety: Oxygen tank and first aid kit on board (essential for high altitude).
- Personalized Pace: Flexibility to stop for photos and adjust the schedule.
- Assistance: Full support throughout the day.
Not Included
- Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC): Mandatory entry fee (approx. 70 soles for international visitors / 20 soles for Peruvians). Paid in cash on site.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch are not included (we give you the freedom to choose based on your preference).
- Gratuities: Tips for your guide and driver.
- Hot Springs: Not included in the standard Full Day due to time constraints, but can be discussed if time permits.
What to bring
Recommendations
- The Early Start is Worth It: Leaving at 3:30 AM is the only way to ensure you are at the Cruz del Cóndor when the birds are most active (typically 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM).
- Altitude Warning: You will reach 4,910m (16,100 ft). This is significantly higher than Cusco. We recommend doing this tour after at least 2 days in Arequipa. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals the night before.
- Dress in Layers: It will be freezing when you leave Arequipa and can get quite warm in the canyon during the day. Bring a warm jacket, beanie, lighter layers for the afternoon, and sun protection.
- Cash is King: Bring Peruvian Soles for the tourist ticket, meals, and souvenirs in the villages.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Q: Is it guaranteed to see Condors?
A: While the Colca Canyon is one of the best places in the world to see them, they are wild animals. Sightings are highly likely but never 100% guaranteed, as they depend on wind and weather conditions.
Q: Is the drive very winding?
A: Yes, the road to Chivay and along the canyon is winding and goes through high mountain passes. If you suffer from motion sickness, we recommend taking medication before the trip.
Q: Can we stop at the hot springs?
A: On a Full Day tour, stopping at the hot springs (La Calera) usually rushes the rest of the itinerary. However, since this is a private tour, if you prefer to skip a village visit or shorten the lunch break to fit in a quick dip, we can try to accommodate it. Just discuss with your guide on the day.
Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
A: It is a very long day (14 hours) with high altitude. It can be exhausting for young children (under 8). We generally recommend the 2-Day Colca Tour for families so you can break up the journey and enjoy the hotel pools/hot springs.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Private Colca Canyon Full Day Tour: Cruz del Condor & High Andes
Don’t just take our word for it
Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.
The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!
If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.
