Colca Full Day Tour

The Colca Full Day Tour provides an immersive exploration of one of the world’s deepest canyons. Departing early at 3:00 AM, this personalized tour offers breathtaking views and a chance to spot majestic condors soaring above the canyon rim. Visitors can also discover the ancient pre-Incan terraces of Antawilke and indulge in a soak at the mineral-rich Yanque hot springs. With its stunning Andean landscapes and unique cultural experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable day in the heart of Peru’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• A full-day tour of the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, operated by Peru Baby Lama Adventures.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and breakfast, with an optional visit to the Yanque hot springs.
• Highlights include spotting Andean condors at the canyon rim, exploring pre-Incan terraces at Antawilke, and a short hike to a lookout point.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 18 for personalized attention, and an early start at 3:00 AM for an immersive experience.
• The tour provides breathtaking vistas, geological wonders, and insights into the engineering and agricultural practices of ancient civilizations.

Tour Overview

The Colca Full Day Tour takes visitors to one of the world’s deepest canyons, located near the city of Arequipa in Peru. Highly recommended by 91% of travelers, this tour is operated by Peru Baby Lama Adventures and can be booked starting at $38 per person.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, breakfast, a traditional Andean buffet lunch, and national park entrance fees. Travelers can also opt to visit the nearby Yanque hot springs for an additional cost.

With a maximum group size of 18, this tour offers a personalized experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Small group tours with a maximum of 18 travelers allow for personalized attention as visitors embark on the Colca Full Day Tour.

The itinerary highlights include a stop at the rim of Colca Canyon to spot majestic condors. Travelers will also visit the pre-Incan terraces of Antawilke and have the option to soak in the Yanque hot springs.

The tour includes a short hike through the canyon to the lookout point for condors. With an early 3:00 AM start, the full day itinerary promises an immersive experience in this natural wonder.

Colca Canyon Rim and Condor Spotting

Upon reaching the rim of the Colca Canyon, travelers are treated to a breathtaking vista of one of the world’s deepest canyons. This is the prime spot for spotting the magnificent Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world. Visitors eagerly scan the skies, hoping to catch a glimpse of the majestic bird’s soaring grace. The guides provide expert commentary, sharing insights into the condor’s behavior and the canyon’s geological features.

| Colca Canyon Rim | Condor Spotting |

| — | — |

| Dramatic vistas | Largest flying bird |

| Geological wonders | Soaring grace |

| Panoramic views | Expert commentary |

Pre-Incan Terraces of Antawilke

As the tour continues, visitors are led to the pre-Incan terraces of Antawilke, a testament to the ingenuity and agricultural prowess of ancient civilizations.

These meticulously constructed stone terraces, carved into the hillsides, reveal the impressive engineering skills of the region’s inhabitants long before the Inca Empire.

The meticulously constructed stone terraces carved into the hillsides showcase the impressive engineering prowess of the region’s pre-Incan inhabitants.

Guests have the opportunity to explore these well-preserved structures, marveling at the intricate design and the ingenious irrigation systems that allowed for successful crop cultivation in the challenging terrain.

This stop provides a window into the sophisticated agricultural practices of pre-Columbian cultures in the Colca Valley.

Yanque Hot Springs

After marveling at the pre-Incan terraces, the tour proceeds to the Yanque hot springs.

These natural thermal pools offer a rejuvenating respite from the day’s activities.

Visitors can:

• Soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters
• Admire the surrounding Andean peaks
• Enjoy the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere
• Take advantage of the changing rooms and toilet facilities

Though not included in the tour price, the hot springs entrance fee provides a chance to unwind and recharge before continuing the journey through the Colca Canyon region.

National Reserve and Wildlife Viewing

The tour then ventures into a national reserve, where travelers have the chance to observe the diverse wildlife of the Colca region.

Herds of alpacas and vicuñas, Andean camelids native to the area, graze peacefully against the stunning backdrop of the canyon.

The guide points out the distinguishing features of these camelids, their soft fleece prized for its warmth and quality.

Visitors are captivated by the serene presence of these animals, a highlight of the day’s itinerary.

This wildlife viewing offers a glimpse into the natural wonders that make the Colca region so special.

Hike Through the Canyon

A short hike through the canyon allows visitors to experience the grandeur of Colca firsthand.

Descending into the canyon, travelers are treated to stunning vistas, including:

• Towering cliffs and rock formations carved by the river over millennia
• Lush vegetation clinging to the canyon walls, providing a vibrant contrast to the rugged terrain
• Glimpses of wildlife, such as soaring condors and agile mountain goats
• Opportunities to interact with local Andean communities and learn about their way of life

The hike concludes at a lookout point, offering unparalleled views of the canyon and a chance to witness the majestic condors in their natural habitat.

Food and Amenities

Travelers on the Colca Full Day Tour can expect a simple breakfast spread, featuring staples like bread, scrambled eggs, jam, butter, tea, coffee, and juice. For lunch, a traditional Andean buffet is served, offering a variety of regional dishes.

| Amenity | Availability |

|————–|————–|

| Hot Springs | Optional, 15 soles |

| Changing Rooms| Available |

| Toilets | At most stops, not on bus |

While the tour includes the entrance fee to the national park, the hot springs access is an additional cost. Facilities like changing rooms and toilets are generally available at the stops, though not on the bus itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Solo Travelers Book This Tour?

Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. The tour accepts individual bookings and has a small group size, making it suitable for solo travelers who want a personalized experience in Colca Canyon.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can opt for a multi-day Colca Canyon tour that offers more time to explore the canyon and nearby attractions at a slower pace.

Do the Tour Guides Speak Multiple Languages?

The tour guides typically speak multiple languages, including English and Spanish, to accommodate the diverse group of travelers. However, some travelers have noted language barriers, especially in predominantly Spanish-speaking groups.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Customers who cancel within 24 hours are subject to a 50% refund, while no-shows receive no refund.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour operator doesn’t offer customized itineraries. However, travelers can choose optional add-ons like visiting the hot springs. The standard itinerary is designed to showcase the canyon’s highlights in a comprehensive day trip.

The Sum Up

The Colca Full Day Tour with Peru Baby Lama Adventures offers an unforgettable experience exploring one of the world’s deepest canyons. From the breathtaking views of the Colca Canyon rim to the tranquility of the Yanque hot springs, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive journey through the stunning Andean landscape. Whether spotting condors or hiking the ancient terraces, this is a must-do adventure for any traveler to Peru.