How to get from Arequipa to Colca Canyon

Arequipa to Colca Canyon is a classic Andean journey. Choose between a guided day tour (easiest), public bus or shared minivan (cheapest), a private car/driver (door-to-door), or a self-drive (most flexible). Base yourself in Chivay/Yanque (east rim, hot springs) or Cabanaconde (west rim, best hiking near Cruz del Cóndor).

At A Glance (Arequipa to Colca Canyon)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Small-Group Tour (Hotel Pickup)	Full day ~12–14h (or 2D/1N)	Hassle-free, first-timers
🏷️ Cost: ~PEN 120–300 day tour (extras vary) » compare tours | Klook picks | Trip.com
🚌 Public Bus (Arequipa → Chivay/Cabanaconde)	~3.5–4.5h Arequipa→Chivay; ~5–6h to Cabanaconde	Budget travelers, DIY
🏷️ Cost: ~PEN 20–60 one-way (company/route)
🚐 Shared Van/Colectivo	~3–4h to Chivay (when full)	Quicker than bus, still cheap
🏷️ Cost: ~PEN 30–50 one-way (cash)
🚐 Private Transfer / Driver	~3–4h to Chivay; ~5–6h to Cabanaconde	Families, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~PEN 450–1,000 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes
🚘 Self-Drive Rental Car	Similar to private: ~3–6h depending on stopovers	Maximum flexibility & photo stops
🏷️ Cost: ~PEN 120–300/day + fuel » compare rentals | Trip.com car hire

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & easiest: Small-group tour with hotel pickup and condor viewpoint stop.
• Cheapest: Public bus to Chivay or Cabanaconde (longer but very economical).
• Best balance of time & cost: Shared van (colectivo) to Chivay, then local transport in the valley.
• Most comfortable/door-to-door: Private transfer (ideal with kids/gear).
• Most flexible itinerary: Self-drive—add hot springs/miradors and small towns en route.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Acclimatization: Colca passes 4,000–4,900 m; spend a day in Arequipa before traveling, hydrate, and carry coca tea/snacks.
• Cash & tickets: Bring soles for village buses, baños, and Colca Valley entrance (often checked near Chivay).
• Luggage & storage: If leaving bags in Arequipa, check hotel storage or use Radical Storage Arequipa.
• Where to base: Chivay/Yanque (hot springs, easier logistics) vs. Cabanaconde (trailheads, condors). Find stays on Booking.com Chivay or Cabanaconde.
• Apps & rides: Uber/Cabify work in Arequipa. For long distances in English with fixed pricing, compare GetTransfer.
• Gear: Sun protection, layers, 2 L water pp, small bills, and motion-sickness tabs for curvy roads.

🚌 Option #1 — Small-Group Tour (Most Popular, Hassle-Free)

Hotel pickup Condor viewpoints Fixed schedule

• Overview: Early departure from Arequipa with guide, breakfast stop near the high pass, viewpoints (e.g., Cruz del Cóndor), short walks, optional hot springs, then back to Arequipa (or overnight in the valley on 2D tours).
• How to book (with price): ~PEN 120–300 pp depending on inclusions (entrance/lunch/hot springs). Compare itineraries and reviews on GetYourGuide, Klook, and Trip.com.
• Pros: No logistics; stories from a local guide; guaranteed condor stop. Cons: Less time for long hikes; early start.

Step-by-step: Small-Group Tour

1. Choose a tour (day vs. 2D/1N; check inclusions like Colca entrance and hot springs).
2. Enter your Arequipa hotel pickup; if outside the center, the operator may give a downtown meeting spot.
3. Be ready ~03:00–03:30; carry layers, water, and small bills for stops.
4. After the valley loop and condor viewpoint, return to Arequipa or stay overnight if booked.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel pickup & downtown meet spots)

• Pickup zone: Most hotels in the historic center; some provide a central meeting point if your stay is outside the zone.
• Return: Usually hotel drop or the main plaza area—confirm with the guide.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Public Bus to Chivay or Cabanaconde (Cheapest)

Budget Frequent daily Longer travel

• Overview: From Arequipa’s Terminal Terrestre, take a bus to Chivay (hub for Yanque/Coporaque) or directly to Cabanaconde (best for trekking). Services start early; expect scenic mountain roads and a high pass.
• How to book (with price): Pay at the counter (cash) or via operator sites/agents. Expect ~PEN 20–60 one-way depending on route and comfort class. For curated options and updates, browse Trip.com activities.
• Pros: Inexpensive, many departures. Cons: Luggage space varies, longer than tours/charters, limited English.

Step-by-step: Public Bus

1. Go to Terminal Terrestre Arequipa (ask for Colca buses to Chivay or Cabanaconde).
2. Buy the next departure; keep small bills and your passport/ID handy.
3. Store big bags below; keep valuables with you. The bus will stop for tickets/controls near the reserve.
4. Alight at Chivay (connect to Yanque/Coporaque or hot springs) or continue to Cabanaconde for trails/condors.

Getting to the main embarking points (Terminal Terrestre & valley towns)

• To Terminal Terrestre: Short taxi/Uber from the historic center; allow extra time at peaks.
• From Chivay/Cabanaconde stops: Use local taxis or hotel pickups to your lodging.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Shared Van (Colectivo) to Chivay (Fastest Budget)

Quicker than bus Frequent when full Less luggage space

• Overview: Colectivos leave when seats fill, generally to Chivay. From Chivay continue by local bus/taxi to Yanque/Coporaque or onwards toward Cabanaconde.
• How to book (with price): Buy in person; ~PEN 30–50 one-way. Luggage may be limited—pack light.
• Pros: Faster than big buses; many departures mornings. Cons: Tight seating; variable comfort.

Step-by-step: Colectivo

1. Head to the Terminal Terrestre / minivan bays and ask for colectivos to Chivay.
2. Pay the driver/desk; vans depart once full (often every 30–60 minutes mornings).
3. From Chivay, transfer to a local taxi/bus to your final village or lodge.
4. Confirm return times the day before if coming back the same day.

Getting to the main embarking points (Minivan bays & Chivay)

• In Arequipa: Use Uber/Cabify or a city taxi to reach the minivan area next to Terminal Terrestre.
• In Chivay: The plaza/market area has taxis and onward vans to valley villages.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Driver (Door-to-Door Comfort)

Direct Custom stops Higher cost

• Overview: A driver picks you up in Arequipa (hotel/airport) and drops you at your lodge in Chivay/Yanque/Cabanaconde with photo stops en route (miradors, vicuña reserve, hot springs).
• How to book (with price): ~PEN 450–1,000 per vehicle (sedan/van). Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer. In cities, Uber/Cabify are fine for short hops to the pickup point.
• Pros: Least stressful; perfect with kids/gear. Cons: Costlier than bus/colectivo.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Request a quote with your pickup address/time and destination (Chivay/Yanque/Cabanaconde) on GetTransfer.
2. Confirm luggage capacity, included waiting time for scenic stops, and payment method.
3. Share your live location or meet in the hotel lobby; carry cash for entrance fees and hot springs.
4. Coordinate return pickup if you plan a round trip.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel/Airport & lodges)

• Pickup: Any central hotel or Rodríguez Ballón (AQP) airport.
• Drop: Most lodges in Chivay/Yanque/Cabanaconde are accessible by paved/gravel roads—ask your host for the best drop point.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #5 — Self-Drive Rental Car (Most Flexibility)

Your schedule Photostops & hot springs High-altitude pass

• Overview: Paved highways from Arequipa through Salinas/Aguada Blanca reserve to Chivay; west-valley road continues to Cabanaconde. Roads are generally good; drive cautiously on curves and at altitude.
• How to book (with price): From ~PEN 120–300/day (manual/auto). Compare agencies on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com. Scooters/motorbikes are not recommended for the high pass, but you can browse BikesBooking for local availability.
• Pros: Stop at miradors and hot springs; easy detours. Cons: Altitude fatigue; occasional livestock on the road.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car in Arequipa (airport or downtown). Check spare tire, coolant, and fuel—stations thin out past Yura.
2. Set navigation to Chivay (for east rim stays) or Cabanaconde (for trekking). Leave early for calmer roads.
3. Drive via the high pass; take it slow if you feel altitude. Consider a stop at La Calera hot springs near Yanque.
4. For hikes, base in Cabanaconde; for hot springs and family stays, base in Chivay/Yanque.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & valley road)

• Pick-up points: Downtown counters and AQP airport; confirm Sunday/holiday hours.
• Parking: Many lodges have on-site lots; in villages, use marked areas and avoid narrow alleys.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Arequipa to Colca Canyon)

How long is the drive from Arequipa to Colca?
About 3–4 hours to Chivay and 5–6 hours to Cabanaconde, depending on stops and traffic.

Where do I see condors?
Early morning at viewpoints near Cruz del Cóndor (between Maca and Cabanaconde) offers the best chance.

Do I need to buy a Colca entrance ticket?
Yes, a valley entrance is usually checked near Chivay; bring soles and keep the ticket for multiple days.

Is there altitude sickness risk?
Yes. The route crosses above 4,000 m. Spend a night in Arequipa first, hydrate, avoid alcohol, and consider coca tea.

Is it better to stay in Chivay or Cabanaconde?
Chivay/Yanque for hot springs/easier logistics; Cabanaconde for trekking and condor viewpoints.

Can I store luggage in Arequipa?
Most hotels will store bags; you can also reserve space via Radical Storage Arequipa.

Are there ATMs in the valley?
A couple in Chivay, but they can run out—bring sufficient cash for tickets, taxis, meals, and tips.