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Is Colca Canyon Worth Visiting?  Even a One Day Trip?

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We loved seeing the condors, but is Colca Canyon really worth visiting on a day trip?  Here’s what we loved, what we didn’t, and what we’d do differently if we had the chance.

The classic Colca Canyon trek takes two or three days but we didn’t have time for that.  So we looked for alternatives. We found a one day tour from Arequipa and just accepted that it would be a very long day.

Was it worth it? We’re a bit conflicted. We did see amazing landscapes and watched condors soar above our heads, but there was plenty we didn’t enjoy too. Keep reading for our honest feedback on what we loved, what we didn’t and what we’d recommend you do differently.

Why Everyone Wants to See Colca Canyon

We’d never heard of it until our Peru Hop journey but we learned that Colca Canyon can compete with some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes and it is certainly the most talked about tour from Arequipa.

Most travellers visit Colca from Arequipa on either a one-day tour like ours or a two-day trip with an overnight stay in Chivay or Yanque. We didn’t consider that two-day option or the over night stay, but we really wish we had.

If you’re travelling with Peru Hop, they stop in Arequipa and then continue on towards Puno and Lake Titicaca. We passed Chivay enroute, making it a good overnight option if you wanted to avoid returning to Arequipa.

Our Experience on the One Day Colca Canyon Tour

We braced ourselves for an early start. Pick-up was at 3:15 am and thankfully we’d packed the night before. When our alarm went off in the morning, we found a message sent in the early hours, saying pick-up changed to 2:50 am!

Not ideal, as it gave us barely time for a shower and no time for our morning cuppa! Not the best start!

2. Double Check the Tour Language

We booked an English-language tour intentionally, but our guide had very limited English, and the majority of passengers were Spanish speakers. While she apologised, most of the narration was missed on us.

The guide did suggest initially that we try to sleep on the long drive out of Arequipa, but then played pretty awful music all day (all day!), so sleep wasn’t really an option.

But as the sun rose, the views were impressive.

3. Be Prepared for the Altitude

We crossed a high mountain pass at 4,900 metres, which is an experience in itself. Even after a few days in Arequipa, thinking we’d acclimatised, that elevation really hit me.

We made a brief stop for views of snow-tipped volcanoes. This was absolutely glorious but stepping off the bus you immediately notice the thinner air. And gosh it was chilly too. Nonetheless, do get off the bus and stretch your legs and soak in those views!

Breakfast followed shortly. It was included and the hot coffee was welcome, but the food was simple. Everyone had maybe half a scrambled egg and two slices of bread. It was enough to keep us going.

4. Expect Some Tourist Stops

Our first little stop was in Maca. We had hoped for a traditional Andean village, but Maca is essentially a plaza lined with souvenir stalls, alpacas in sunglasses and queues of tour buses.

Fortunately, the valley views as we continued were amazing. We stopped for a closer look and to take photos and you can’t fail to be impressed. You even got to see the edge of a distant glacier, said to be one of the sources of the mighty Amazon river!

These were the views we came for and they didn’t disappoint.

5. Expect Steps at the Condor Viewpoint

At the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the coach parked and we were given 40 minutes to explore. Honestly, this could have been much longer because we loved this part of the tour.

Don’t be tempted to stay at the top. Take the steps down and go wandering. You’ll feel the altitude, but go slowly and pause to enjoy the views. And allow plenty of time for the return walk, back up the steps to the bus!

We were rewarded with condors flying above us, circling on thermals, swooping down into the canyon and back up again. It really was pretty special.

For all our complaints about the tour this part was worth it!  If the day had ended here, we’d would have been delighted.

6. Take Bathers and a Towel

We knew there was a stop at the hot springs but I didn’t realise it would be treated as one of the main events of the day. We were here for almost two hours; partly because several people were late returning, but still, it was a long stop.

Call us old fuddy-duddies, but we didn’t enjoy it here. Some pools were closed; the ones that were open were crowded and everything felt a little grubby. If you wanted to get in, you have to queue and be prepared to rub shoulders with your neighbours!

I guess it’s really not out kind of thing.  The guides also tried their best to sell (push) zip lining and kayaking but these extras were expensive.  Even the entrance to the springs was not inexpensive. 

And those who skipped and didn’t go in, they had a long wait outside under a hot sun with little shade or seating.

For us, this trip was about all Colca Canyon, its scenery, its history, and the condors. The springs felt like a separate outing altogether. But I accept that we should have done better homework too!

7. Take a Picnic and Drinks

After the hot springs, we returned to the breakfast stop for a buffet lunch. It was expensive at 45 soles each and really offered poor value.

Because we were the last coach to arrive, almost everything had been picked over. There were lots of meat dishes, very little for vegetarians, and almost nothing gluten-free.

A few smart travellers sat outside with a picnic and saved themselves a pretty penny. We paid more for this lunch than we did for our lovely meal at Zig Zag during our stay in Arequipa!

8. Take Earplugs

On the way back to Arequipa, our driver continued to play loud music on his portable speaker. I think most of us were exhausted, the altitude had taken its toll, and the music was just a bit much.

Earplugs would have been a blessing so make sure you have some; and try to get comfortable as you have a long drive back!

On the plus side, you do get to enjoy that glorious landscape one more time!

The Good, the Bad, and the Not So Pretty

I try not to say anything negative about places we visit, unless I genuinely feel it’s needed. Of course I want to be honest but I also accept that maybe it was an off day, or maybe we weren’t the right fit for a tour or visit.

However, this trip genuinely fell short and it’s worth highlighting what might not work for you.

The Good

The Bad

The Not So Pretty

In short we loved what we saw, but not how we saw it. This could have been a wonderful day out, but our tour fell short.

We do believe there are better tours so be selective and avoid the cheapest option (including the Peru Hop recommendation). Do proper research and check reviews and traveller photos… and check the bad reviews first!

A Word About Altitude Sickness

We knew that we’d be heading to high altitude and thought we’d acclimatised already in Arequipa. We were wrong.

The Colca Canyon region sits between 3,500 and 4,900 metres, and that altitude affects most people. Even on a sightseeing tour, you’ll still walk around at altitude so even if you’re not hiking look out for:

Remember to:

Altitude sickness is serious and the elevation of this trip does make it more challenging. If you’re unsure or have questions this is an excellent website offering detailed information about managing high altitude.

Who Should Do the One Day Tour?

I’m happy to admit that this tour wasn’t for us but that doesn’t mean it won’t suit others. There were things we loved, and we’re glad we went, but we wish we’d done it differently.

Take The Tour If :

Give it a miss if:

If we did it again, we’d choose a two day tour with an overnight stay. Everyone we met who’d done the two days said it was far more enjoyable.  We might even consider a private tour to have more control but we’d certainly do better research!

Do You Still Want to Visit Colca Canyon?

We are glad we got to see this UNESCO listed landscape and I’m in no way saying don’t go. We’re just saying do some homework and choose a tour that works for you. These are the tours that we should have considered!

Two-Day Colca Canyon Tour

Take a two day tour if you have the time. Stay overnight in Chivay or Yanque, rest properly, and explore without rushing. If you’re on Peru Hop ask about a pick-up between Arequipa and Puno to save you the long ride back to town.

A couple on our bus stayed overnight in Yanque instead of Chivay and highly recommend Killawasi Lodge.

Go Trekking for Two Days!

We met a couple on our Antarctica Cruise who did the 2 day trekking tour of Colca Canyon. They said it was incredible but also very very tough!

There is a lot of elevation and you’re doing it at altitude but still, this is an amazing adventure!

Take A Private Tour

Yes it’s more expensive, but with a private tour you have fewer tourist traps and a better itinerary and more control over the day. And you can visit the condor viewpoint early before the tour buses arrive and stay as long as you want!

A Better Small Group One Day Tour

If like us you only have time for the one day tour, then choose this one! This is the tour we wished we’d chosen. It has the highest reviews and the bus looks so much better!

Top Tip: Do be aware that Condors are most active between 8am and 10am and the earlier you arrive, the quieter the view point will be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colca Canyon

I’ll hold up my hand up and accept that we did not do our research for this tour. 

We booked the Peru Hop recommendation and assumed it would be great. Don’t be like us! Read the inclusions carefully and choose your tour wisely.

So Is Colca Canyon Worth Visiting for the Day?

This is a tough one but yes it is!

Reading this, it may seem like we had a miserable day but we didn’t. Colca Canyon itself is absolutely worth seeing. The condors are incredible and the landscape is dramatic.

But was our one-day Colca Canyon tour worth it? We’re not sure. But we’ll also accept that maybe the tour we took just wasn’t for us. We found several of the Peru Hop tours fell short so I do recommend booking your own.

We loved the condors and the scenery — we could happily have skipped the rest. We’re glad we went and we know we would have regretted missing these magnificent creatures. But the rest we could have skipped.

However, if you only have one day and you’re determined to see it all, then go for it. There are many one day tour options so choose yours carefully, read the reviews and avoid the cheapest options.

Honestly, we would return to Colca Canyon. But, we would go at a slower pace and definitely not go on the tiny bus with its questionable music!

Are You Travelling Through Peru?

We spent three months exploring South America and this was our second visit to Peru.  Arequipa was one of the highlights of this Peru journey and if you’re planning your own adventure, here are a few more guides you might enjoy: