The short answer
- Arequipa
- 2 nights, 2,335 m
- Colca Canyon
- 2 days, or 3 days to hike in
- Condors
- Cruz del Cóndor, about 8 to 10 am
- Highest point
- Patapampa pass, about 4,900 m
Many Peru itineraries skip the south, but Arequipa and the Colca Canyon are one of the best ways to start a trip. Arequipa is a comfortable step up to altitude, and the drive through Colca to Puno means you reach Lake Titicaca and Cusco already acclimatised.
Arequipa in 2 days
- Santa Catalina Monastery: A walled city within the city, with colourful lanes and cloisters. Go late afternoon for the light.
- Plaza de Armas and the cathedral: Built from white volcanic sillar stone, with El Misti volcano behind.
- Museo Santuarios Andinos: Home of Juanita, an Inca girl sacrificed on the summit of Ampato volcano and found frozen in 1995.
- Food: Arequipa is famous for its picanterías: try rocoto relleno and chupe de camarones.
The Colca Canyon route
The Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, though its sides are terraced farmland more than sheer cliffs. Most tours drive from Arequipa to Chivay on day one, with a stop at the high pass and the hot springs, then visit the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint early on day two before returning to Arequipa or continuing to Puno.
Altitude on a 2 day Colca trip ending in Puno
Tip: Condors ride the morning thermals at Cruz del Cóndor, usually between about 8 and 10 am. Sightings are most reliable from about June to October.
2 or 3 days?
| Trip | What you do | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Full day from Arequipa | Leave at 3 am, condors, back at night | Very short on time |
| 2 days by road | Chivay, hot springs, condors, villages | Most travellers |
| 2 or 3 day hike into the canyon | Walk down 1,000 m to the Sangalle oasis and back up | Fit hikers |
| 2 days ending in Puno | Colca, then on to Lake Titicaca | Itineraries heading to Cusco |
A Colca tourist ticket, paid in cash, is needed to enter the valley, and most tours include it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Colca Canyon worth it?
Yes, if you have two weeks or more. The condors, terraces and villages are memorable, and it is a natural route from Arequipa to Lake Titicaca.
Can you see condors all year?
Usually, yes, but they are most active and reliable from about June to October. Arrive early in the morning.
How many days do you need in Arequipa?
Two nights for the city, plus two days for the Colca Canyon.
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