Day Trips & Excursions: Arequipa

Nearby Destinations & Transport

Colca Canyon: Peru's third most visited destination. This stunning Andean landscape features traditional villages, ancient pre-Inca terraces, and the majestic Andean Condors. It is one of the world's deepest canyons.

Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve: On the way to Colca Canyon, this high-altitude reserve protects vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat. It offers a unique glimpse into Andean highland wildlife.

Transportation Options

Organized Tours: Most common. Includes transport, guide, often meals/accommodation. Colca Canyon fee usually extra.
Public Bus: From Arequipa's main terminal to Chivay. Offers flexibility but requires independent local planning.
Private Taxi/Car: Hire for a day. Maximum flexibility and comfort, but a more expensive choice.
Salinas y Aguada Blanca: Typically visited as part of Colca Canyon tours or by private vehicle.

Planning Your Excursion

Choose between structured tours or independent exploration, considering trip duration and desired experiences.

Organized Tour Considerations

Convenient and safe for first-timers, handling all logistics. Less flexible with schedules, and can feel rushed, especially on 1-day tours.

Benefits

Convenient transport and guide included.
Logistics are fully managed.
Often safer for those new to the region.

Independent Travel Points

Offers complete flexibility and opportunity for longer stays in local villages. Can be more cost-effective for budget travelers.

Aspects to Note

Requires more planning for transport and accommodation.
Potentially more challenging navigation.
Allows for immersion in villages.

Suggested Trip Itineraries

Colca Canyon Itineraries

1-Day Tour: Very early departure (3 AM), late return (8 PM). Focus on Cruz del Condor. Rushed.
2-Day/1-Night Trek: Trek into canyon, overnight in Sangalle. Recommended for hikers.
2-Day/1-Night Non-Trekking: Explores villages, stays overnight in Chivay. Relaxed option.
Check GetYourGuide for tour options.View Day Trips

Natural Escapes

Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca: High-altitude reserve for vicuñas, flamingos.
Cañón de Sihuay: Lesser-known canyon near Colca. Authentic, less touristy.
Mountains: El Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu. Challenging hikes, views.
Rural "Campiña": Farms and sillar buildings offer a peaceful escape.

Regional Highlights

Scenic Drives: Route to Colca Canyon.Continuous panorama.
Condor Sightings: Generally consistent.Clearer views in dry season.
Chili River Rafting:Adventure.
Toro Muerto Petroglyphs:Ancient rock carvings.

Colca Canyon Villages: Traditional life.Historic churches, markets.
Majes Valley: Vineyards and shrimp.Food tourism.
Santuario de la Virgen de Chapi:Pilgrimage site.
Southern Peru Loop:Comprehensive Andean experience.

Day Trip Planning Note

Always check weather conditions and tour availability before your trip, especially for high-altitude destinations. Acclimatization is important.

Cultural Experiences

Expand your cultural understanding by visiting historical sites and traditional villages outside Arequipa.

Ancient Rock Carvings

Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto: A fascinating archaeological site with thousands of ancient rock carvings by the Wari culture. Located in Majes Valley, approximately 3 hours from Arequipa. A full day trip for exploration.

Traditional Villages

Colca Canyon Villages: Chivay, Yanque, Coporaque, Maca offer glimpses into traditional Andean life. Historic churches, bustling local markets, and traditional dances.

Agricultural & Culinary Tours

Majes Valley: Known for vineyards and agriculture. Good for food tourism, especially famous for fresh shrimp (chupe de camarones). Some wineries offer tours and tastings.

Pilgrimage Site

Santuario de la Virgen de Chapi: A significant Catholic pilgrimage site, especially during the festival on May 1st. About an hour's drive southeast of Arequipa.

Visiting Notes

Respect local customs during visits.
Consider visiting during the May 1st festival for a experience.
Accessible by taxi or tour from Arequipa.

Immersive Experiences

Beyond the main sites, small villages and local markets provide authentic cultural encounters.

Local Insights

Explore local markets for crafts and goods.
Observe traditional farming methods in rural areas.
Witness Andean traditions and dances in canyon villages.

Longer Regional Travel

Colca Canyon:2-3 day trek or tour.

Puno & Lake Titicaca:1-2 days by bus (6-7 hrs).

Cusco & Machu Picchu:Overnight bus (10-12 hrs) or flight (1 hr).

Nazca Lines:On route to Lima, bus accessible.

Transportation:Comfortable long-distance buses.

Southern Peru Loop:Classic route combining sites.

Southern Peru Connectivity

Arequipa a convenient hub for continuing journeys.
Bus services from Terminal Terrestre connect to major cities.
Flights available to Cusco and Lima for faster travel.
Consider a multi-day Colca Canyon experience for full immersion.
Explore Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and Machu Picchu as logical next steps.

Multi-Day Journey Extensions

Arequipa serves as a strategic base for extending your journey to other magnificent parts of Southern Peru.

Colca Canyon Deep Dive

A 2 or 3-day trek or tour of Colca Canyon offers a complete experience of its beauty, condor sightings, and a potential homestay in a local village.

Extended Canyon Benefits

Fully experience canyon beauty.
Prime opportunities for condor viewing.
Chance for a local homestay immersion.

Puno & Lake Titicaca

A logical and popular extension, easily accessible by bus (6-7 hours) from Arequipa. Spend 1-2 days exploring Lake Titicaca and its unique islands.

Lake Titicaca Highlights

Explore the floating Uros Islands.
Visit serene Taquile Island.
Experience unique Altiplano culture.

Cusco & Machu Picchu

This is the most common next step for travelers. Reach Cusco easily by overnight bus (10-12 hours) or domestic flight (about 1 hour).

Journey to the Inca Heart

Direct flights from Arequipa to Cusco.
Comfortable overnight bus options available.
Access to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Nazca Lines Flyover

Located on the route between Arequipa and Lima, a stop in Nazca allows for a scenic flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines.

Ancient Geoglyphs

Accessible by bus.
Scenic flight options over the lines.
An unique archaeological experience.

Southern Peru Travel Loop

All these extensions are mainly connected by comfortable long-distance bus services from Arequipa's main bus terminal (Terminal Terrestre). Flights are also available to Cusco and Lima.

Starting Point

Begin in Lima or fly directly into Arequipa.

Classic Progression

Arequipa & Colca Canyon to Puno/Lake Titicaca to Cusco/Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu.

Coastal Add-on

Optional stop at Nazca before or after Lima.

Comprehensive Andean Journey

The Southern Peru Loop route delivers a comprehensive Andean experience, connecting diverse cultural sites and breathtaking landscapes.

Day Trips & Excursions