The Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s hidden wonders. This canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but it’s still off the radar for most travelers. During this tour you’ll spend 3 days and 2 nights exploring the Colca Canyon.

The first day of this tour you’ll be picked up and driven to Chivay, a town that acts as a jumping off point for trips into the Colca Canyon. You’ll stop at several attractions along the way. The first is at the lookout of Pampa Cañahuas in the national reserve of Salinas y Aguada Blanca. You’ll enjoy your first looks at the canyon from here.

The next stop is at the Mirador de los Andes—the view from here is stunning and includes eight volcanoes. After you’ve had your fill you’ll descend to Chivay, but will stop at yet another viewpoint that looks out over the town. From here you can see beautiful pre-Columbian terraces that are still cultivated by native people. The highest point on the road to Chivay is 14,270 feet (4,350 m).

Once you arrive in Chivay you’ll check in at your hotel. Afterwards you’ll continue your trip into the surrounding area, passing the village of Coporaque, the amphitheater of Ocoll, and the hot springs of La Calera. Soaking in these springs is a perfect way to end your first day.

The next day is a journey to La Cruz del Cóndor. Your guide will pick you up in the morning and drive towards La Cruz del Cóndor, which takes about an hour and a half. Once you reach the Cruz del Cóndor, you’ll get fantastic views of the canyon and have a chance to see the Andean condor, a huge vulture that lives nearby.

You’ll then head back to Chivay but will make a few stops along the way, the first of which is at the Mirador of Wayrapunko. From here you’ll enjoy yet another view of the Colca Valley.

The next stop is at the viewpoint of Antahuilque, where you can see amphitheater-shaped terraces and lagoons. You’ll then visit the town of Maca, which hosts a charming church and the Choquetico Stone, a carved model of the Colca Canyon that was made by the native Collagua people.

The final stop is at Yanque to visit Inmaculada Concepción—this baroque church dates back to 1702 and is the most beautiful church in the valley. You’ll then reach Chivay and have the evening free to do as you please.

The third day includes a visit to Puno, a city that’s set along the shores of Lake Titicaca. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and begin the drive to Puno.

Along the way you’ll see the Stone Forest. Set near the town of Imata, these oddly shaped rock formations resemble animals, faces, silhouettes, and birds. After Imata, you’ll continue on towards Puno, stopping at the villages of Santa Lucia and Juliaca, as well as Laguna Lagunillas, where you may be able to see birds and other animals hanging out along the edge of the water. You’ll get to Puno or Arequipa around 6:30 PM and will head to your hotel to relax. The tour can end in Puno or in Arequipa.

Swimsuit, comfortable shoes and clothing, camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat.

Transportation, guide, entrance fee to Colca Canyon. Does Not Include: Hotel, meals (breakfast, lunch, or dinner), and entrance fee to La Calera hot springs.