If you’re traveling through southern Peru, you’ve probably heard about Colca Canyon – one of the deepest canyons in the world, home to majestic Andean condors, dramatic landscapes, and charming highland villages. And after visiting on my Peru trip, I can confirm… it is all of that and so much more.
There are day trips available from Arequipa, but if you have the time to spare on your itinerary, an overnight tour to Colca Canyon gives you more time to explore, soak in the scenery, and truly appreciate this natural wonder without the “hurry up and get back on the bus” rush. (though to be honest… if I could do it again I would have loved to slow it down and enjoy it even more!)
Here’s your complete guide to visiting Colca Canyon on an overnight tour from Arequipa – what to expect, the stops along the way, and why it 100% lives up to the hype.
Why Visit Colca Canyon?
Colca Canyon is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon – but it’s not just about bragging rights. This part of Peru is all about epic contrasts: snow-capped volcanoes, pre-Inca agricultural terraces, and colorful villages where locals still wear traditional embroidered clothing.
And then there’s the star of the show – the Andean condor. With a wingspan of over 3 meters (10 feet!), these giant birds glide effortlessly over the canyon walls, and spotting them in their natural habitat is nothing short of unforgettable.
What to Expect on an Overnight Tour to Colca Canyon
Most Colca Canyon overnight tours from Arequipa follow a similar route – but the extra day gives you more time for scenic stops (and a whole stop dedicated to visiting free roaming llamas!!), short hikes, and cultural encounters that day trips can’t fit in.
Day 1: Arequipa to Chivay
Your adventure kicks off early in the morning. As you leave Arequipa behind, the landscape shifts from dusty plains to rolling hills dotted with vicuñas, llamas and alpacas grazing in the high-altitude puna grasslands.
Top stops along the way:
Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve
Spot wild vicuñas against a backdrop of volcanoes with a rest stop for Coca tea and ‘Inca tea’
Llama Visit
Stop at a llama farm where locals gather their llamas together for a few hours so tourists can get that perfect ‘llama selfie’ shot.
Patapampa Pass
At 4,910m (16,108 ft) above sea level, this viewpoint offers jaw-dropping panoramas of Misti, Ampato, and Chachani volcanoes. (Just be careful to take the altitude seriously – I thought I was acclimatized but I ended up fainting at this stop! #embarrassing #chewthosecocaleaves)
Chivay + Hot Springs
By midday, you’ll arrive in Chivay, the gateway to Colca Canyon. After lunch, you can relax in the La Calera hot springs or explore the local market before enjoying a traditional dinner. Most tours include an overnight stay in Chivay or nearby Yanque.
Where to Stay in Colca Canyon
Some tour companies include accommodation in the price, however if you opt for a tour where you choose your own accommodation, here are some recommendations:
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs
Mid-Range: Casa Andina Standard Colca
Budget: Colca Canyon Hotel by PERU HTL
Day 2: Colca Canyon & the Condors
Rise early – this is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Your guide will take you to Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, the most famous viewpoint for condor spotting. With any luck, you’ll see these magnificent birds soaring above the canyon, riding the morning thermal currents. If you choose to, you can take a small hike (around 40mins) with the guide along the top of the canyon to the viewpoint.
On your way back, expect stops at smaller viewpoints, charming villages like Maca and Yanque, and endless views of the patchwork terraces that have been farmed for centuries. By late afternoon, you’ll be back in Arequipa — tired but grinning from ear to ear – what an adventure!
What to Pack
Unless you’ve chosen a tour that continues on to Puno instead of returning to Arequipa (some tour companies offer this), you will only need to pack a small overnight bag. Here’s a guide for what to pack (check out the full version here!):
- 1x change of clothes – pack light, you’ll only need an extra set of clothes for the next day but be sure to have plenty of layers as it can get quite cold at night and in the early morning
- Cute Poncho – if you’re wanting the iconic tourist-in-a-poncho vibe, be sure to pack a poncho (or you can always buy one from the many vendors on the stops throughout the trip!)
- Pjs and overnight toiletries – you won’t need to bring everything, just the essentials
- Hiking shoes – or shoes you don’t mind getting dirty as the paths at the canyon are very dusty
- Hat – beanie for the cold and hat for the sun
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit and towel – if you plan to join the visit to the natural hot springs (well worth it!)
- Water – it can get hot during the day
- Powerbank – there will be opportunities to charge your electronics at the hotel but bring a powerbank just in case
Tips for Your Colca Canyon Overnight Trip
- Acclimatize first – Spend at least 1–2 days in Arequipa to adjust to the altitude.
- Pack layers – Mornings and evenings are chilly, even if the days are sunny.
- Bring cash – Small towns don’t always take cards, and you’ll want snacks or souvenirs.
- Bring a powerbank – You’ll be snapping pictures non-stop between condors, landscapes, and cute towns.
Is the Colca Canyon Overnight Tour Worth It?
Absolutely! While a day trip to Colca Canyon is doable if you don’t have extra time in your itinerary, spending the night lets you travel at a relaxed pace, enjoy sunrise in the Andes, and connect more with the local culture. You also increase your chances of seeing condors in their full morning glory.
If you’re already in Arequipa, dedicating two days to Colca Canyon is one of the best things to do in southern Peru. 10/10 would recommend. This is the tour that I took and it was very well organised – would recommend!
The Colca Canyon Trek — An Active Alternative
If you’re craving a more adventurous experience, consider the 2-day trek into the canyon itself. Instead of just admiring the views from above, you’ll descend deep into the valley, staying overnight in a rustic oasis at the canyon floor. The next day, you’ll tackle the challenging climb back out — a tough but rewarding journey that offers incredible perspectives of the canyon’s scale and beauty.
This was my original choice for visiting the canyon, but I changed my mind as I didn’t want to wear myself out before the Inca Trail and I had researched that this hike was very challenging. If I were to do it again however, I would choose this option as I feel like you would get more time to soak in the scenery and the canyon itself.
Final Thoughts
Colca Canyon is one of those rare places that makes you feel small – in the best way. Whether you’re watching a condor soar over a 3,000-meter drop or sipping coca tea in a quiet highland village, the experience is pure magic.
Be sure to pack your layers, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for one of the most epic views in Peru!
Check out my full 3-Week Peru Itinerary here!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.
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Jess at Sea 
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