Colca Canyon Tours

Few agencies operate in Colca Canyon: two that do are Colca AVC Turismo (Av. Salaverry 321, Chivay. Tel: 503-368, E-mail: zacariasocsa@hotmail.com) and Ampato Adventure Sports (Av. Siglo XX 417, Chivay. Tel: 489-156/958-034-023, E-mail: pedroscolca@hotmail.com / ampatoadventures@hotmail.com, URL: www.colcaserviciosturisticos.com/detalleagencia.php).

Most travelers go with an Arequipa-based agency. All tours make the requisite visit to Cruz del Cóndor. One-day visits, while convenient, are not advised: travelers spend very little actual time in the canyon, and are introduced to high altitude very quickly. Two- to 10-day excursions allow time for trekking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Those travelers wanting to tackle the region’s many volcanoes should check out the Arequipa operators that are certified alpine guides. See Arequipa Tours to plan your adventures into Colca Canyon. By law, tour operators must reveal all that is included in a tour package. Ask very pointedly what will and will not be included.