Arequipa to Puno: Colca Canyon & Chivay Community Homestay
ID: GYG1372276-2094631
Category:
Country: Peru
Duration:
2 days
Description
Experience a 2-day journey from Arequipa to Puno via Colca Canyon. Stay in a Chivay community house, cook Chicha with Quechua hosts, and spot condors at the Cruz del Cóndor.
Sleep inside a Chivay community house — not a hotel — and spend an afternoon preparing Chicha Andina and working the fields alongside Quechua-speaking hosts who share their meals and stories with you. This 2-day route connects Arequipa to Puno through the Colca Canyon, so you keep moving toward Lake Titicaca instead of doubling back.
Day 1 leaves Arequipa at 7 a.m. with stops at Pampa Cañahuas to spot vicuñas and at the Mirador de los Volcanes (4,910 m) for views of Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya and Ampato. You arrive in Chivay for lunch, then join the community for hands-on agricultural work and traditional Chicha preparation. The evening is yours — soak at La Calera hot springs or explore the town before dinner.
Day 2 follows the canyon route through Yanque and the Cruz del Cóndor, the prime viewpoint for the Andean condor, with a final stop at the Maca lookout. After lunch in Chivay, we drive to Puno (around 6 hours) via Patahuasi and Laguna de Lagunillas, arriving by 9 p.m.
Groups are capped at 10 per house. Guiding in Spanish or English included; French and Portuguese on request.
Highlights
- Sleep in a partnered community house in Chivay (max 10 guests)
- Prepare Chicha Andina and join real farm work with Quechua hosts
- Watch Andean condors soar at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the Colca Canyon to Puno
- Benefit from a local Quechua-speaking guide and shared meals
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Colca Valley ticket (S/70 foreign adult) must be paid directly on-site in cash
High altitude route — Mirador de los Volcanes reaches 4,910 m. Travelers with heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions should consult a doctor before booking
Nights in Chivay are cold — warm clothing essential
Tour ends in Puno (not Arequipa) — plan onward accommodation accordingly
Good For
Cultural travelers
Couples
Small groups
Backpackers continuing to Puno / Lake Titicaca / Bolivia
Travelers seeking authentic community tourism
INCLUDED
- Tourist transport: Arequipa → Chivay → Puno
- Hotel pickup in central Arequipa
- Group guiding in Spanish or English (Arequipa to Puno)
- 1 night in a partnered community house in Chivay
- Community activities: agricultural work + Chicha Andina preparation
- 1 typical breakfast
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals not mentioned (lunches and dinners)
- Colca Valley tourist ticket: S/70 per foreign adult (paid on-site)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Any service not listed above
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
