We arrived in Arequipa around 8 PM on September 2, 2024. The taxi from the airport to the city center cost approximately $20 USD and took about 25 minutes since traffic was light at night. Traffic in Arequipa can be hectic during the day, so I’d recommend traveling either early in the morning or later in the evening. For our first night, we stayed at La Plaza Arequipa Hotel Boutique, the cost was $96 for the night.
While the rooms were small, the hotel’s location was perfect—directly overlooking the Plaza de Armas. It was surprisingly quiet and offered a picturesque view of the square. The hotel’s restaurant shares a balcony with several other restaurants, allowing us to enjoy dinner while taking in views of the lively plaza below. The main reason I chose this hotel was its proximity to our tour pickup point for Colca Canyon, which was within walking distance and had an early start time.
The Colca Canyon Tour
Our tour to Colca Canyon required an early morning shuttle from Arequipa. You can opt for a same-day trip, leaving at 3:30 AM, or a 1- or 2-night trip. We decided on the 1-night option, which allowed us to leave at a more reasonable 7:00 AM. The tour, which cost 140 soles per person, included transportation, a guide, and hotel drop-off. Entrance into Colca Canyon requires an additional 70 soles, payable upon arrival in cash. We booked our tour through Puriy Peru Expeditions, and the experience was seamless.
The tour began on September 3, 2024, with a 7:00 AM pickup. The scenic drive to Colca Canyon took about four hours, with several stops along the way. Our first stop was at a small café near the canyon’s summit, where we had a chance to rest. The next stop was at the highest point of the canyon, nearly 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level. Breathing was a bit challenging at that altitude, and I developed a headache, but coca tea worked wonders in alleviating the symptoms.
Along the way, we saw wild alpacas and llamas grazing in the fields. From the peak, we also had stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. Our tour continued to the small town of Chivay, where we stopped for a buffet lunch (45 soles per person) before heading to our accommodation for the night.
Staying at Colca Spa Lodge & Hot Springs
While the tour company suggested staying in Chivay, I opted for Colca Spa Lodge & Hot Springs, located outside the main town. This choice proved to be perfect, as the hotel had private hot springs, excellent reviews, and a serene atmosphere. The cost for the night was $115 USD, and the hotel offered a range of spa treatments and meals at its restaurant. Though cell service was limited, the property had reliable Wi-Fi throughout.
The next morning, we were picked up at 6:30 AM and set off to explore the main viewpoint in Colca Canyon, famous for sightings of Andean condors. Along the way, we passed through charming villages and admired the many terraces carved into the canyon’s walls. Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons, almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and its breathtaking scenery did not disappoint.
Returning to Arequipa and Preparing for Cusco
We returned to Arequipa around 5 PM and spent the evening retrieving my dad’s phone, which he had left in a taxi in Lima. Despite that little hiccup, I had time to stroll through the historic center and the main plaza before heading to bed for an early morning flight to Cusco. We stayed the night at Casa Andina Select Arequipa Plaza, and the hotel staff recommended leaving by 6 AM to avoid traffic for our 8 AM flight.
Next up—Cusco and the highlight of our trip: Machu Picchu! Cheers!