Arequipa Tours: Colca Canyon & the White City
Discover our Arequipa tours and experience Peru’s White City through its architecture, volcanic landscapes, history and Andean culture. Start by exploring the historic center and traditional neighborhoods on our Arequipa City Tour, discover the volcanic stone that shaped the city on the Full-Day Sillar Route Tour, or continue into one of southern Peru’s most impressive landscapes: the Colca Canyon. If you have limited time, the Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa lets you experience some of the valley’s main highlights in a single day. For a more relaxed journey, the 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour gives you more time to explore Chivay, traditional villages, scenic viewpoints and the famous Cruz del Cóndor. Our tours from Arequipa include half-day, full-day and multi-day experiences. Compare the options and choose between history, architecture, Andean culture, volcanic landscapes and the dramatic scenery of the Colca Valley to build an itinerary that fits your travel style and available time.
The Arequipa City Tour reveals the scenic and architectural beauty of Arequipa, as well as some of the city’s most outstanding viewpoints. We will visit different tourist attractions in Arequipa, including the Plaza de Armas, considered one of the most beautiful in Peru; the Jesuit Church of La Compañía, whose beautiful façade reflects the so-called mestizo architecture; its cloisters and dome; and the Tristán del Pozo Mansion. To complete the experience, we will enjoy a magnificent view of the city and visit the traditional districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara, including its viewpoint and church. Want to make the most of your visit to Arequipa? Join our city tour!
- Service Type
- Group Private
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- Half Day
Discover the Colca Canyon on a full-day tour from Arequipa. Explore one of the deepest canyons in the world, admire the flight of the Andean condors at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, and travel through the Colca Valley, a paradise for ecotourism in South America. Visit charming towns such as Chivay and Yanque. Book your Colca Canyon tour and enjoy an unforgettable adventure! Enjoy a buffet lunch with Andean flavors and explore breathtaking landscapes on this perfect Arequipa day trip for every traveler. With passionate guides and a comfortable route, the Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour takes you to the best viewpoints in the Colca Valley. Join one of the best ecotourism tours in South America and take home unique memories!
- Service Type
- Group Private
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- Full Day
Discover the Sillar Route, a fun adventure full of history in Arequipa, a city known as the White City because of the special volcanic stone used to build its houses and temples: sillar. On this tour, you will learn how this stone is extracted and carved in the sillar quarries, such as Añashuayco, and visit the Culebrillas Gorge, where you can walk between rock walls and see ancient drawings made by a culture known as the Wari. With the help of our guide, you will learn how the stonemasons work, how they cut the sillar, and how this stone was used to build Arequipa’s churches, houses, and important monuments. You will also enjoy a delicious traditional lunch, visit the Volcanoes Viewpoint, where you can see the highest mountains in the region, and finish with a tour along the Arequipa Countryside Route, surrounded by impressive landscapes and places full of tradition.
- Service Type
- Group Private
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- Full Day
Some journeys are meant to be experienced only once, and the Colca Canyon is one of them. With Dreamy Tours, you can enjoy a 2-day, 1-night tour from Arequipa, perfect for those who want to discover breathtaking landscapes without losing the calm pace of the journey. The route takes you through small villages, natural viewpoints, and unforgettable Andean scenery. From the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, you will enjoy a unique view as the Andean condor soars across the sky. It is a moment that leaves you speechless. After a day filled with nature and high-altitude landscapes, there is nothing better than relaxing in the La Calera hot springs while watching the sunset over the valley. The Colca Canyon has something truly special: its people, its pure air, and its endless views. If you are looking for a different kind of journey, this route is for you.
- Service Type
- Group Private
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 Days / 1 Night
Ready to discover the Colca Canyon? On this 3-day tour from Arequipa, you will walk through the Colca Valley, home to one of the deepest canyons on the planet. You will see condors soaring over the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint and explore charming towns such as Chivay and Yanque. Book your Colca Canyon tour now! Take a relaxing break in the La Calera hot springs and enjoy stunning views from viewpoints such as Antahuilque. With passionate guides who share every detail and an easy route, this tour is perfect for any traveler. Come to the Colca Canyon and take home unforgettable memories from an incredible journey! Learn more now!
- Service Type
- Group Private
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
Which Arequipa tour should you choose?
Arequipa offers very different experiences, from historical sightseeing in the White City to volcanic landscapes and adventures through the Colca Canyon. Here are four recommended tours based on how much time you have and the type of experience you want from your stay.
First visit
Discover the White City
An excellent way to begin your stay in Arequipa. Explore the historic center, important landmarks and traditional neighborhoods while discovering how white volcanic sillar stone became an essential part of the city’s architecture and identity.
View tourIdeal for:
- First visit
- History
- Architecture
Limited time
Experience Colca Canyon in one day
Designed for travelers with a tight itinerary who still want to experience some of the Colca Valley’s most representative landscapes. The journey includes Andean scenery, traditional villages and the Cruz del Cóndor area.
View tourIdeal for:
- Limited time
- Nature
- Condor watching
Complete Colca experience
Explore Colca Canyon in 2 days
A more balanced way to experience the Colca Valley. Spend a night in the region, visit Chivay and traditional villages, enjoy scenic viewpoints and reach the Cruz del Cóndor without concentrating the entire journey into a single day.
View tourIdeal for:
- First Colca visit
- Landscapes
- 2 days
Culture and landscapes
Discover the Sillar Route
Visit the quarries that supplied the white volcanic stone used in much of Arequipa’s traditional architecture. Learn how local stonemasons extract and carve sillar while exploring Añashuayco, Culebrillas and the volcanic landscapes surrounding the city.
View tourIdeal for:
- Culture
- Photography
- Local heritage
Useful information for visiting Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Before choosing your Arequipa tours, it is useful to consider altitude, weather, how long you want to spend in the Colca Canyon and how Arequipa fits into a wider southern Peru itinerary. These practical details can help you organize each stage of your trip more comfortably.
AltitudeAltitude and acclimatization in Arequipa and Colca
Altitude and acclimatization in Arequipa and Colca
Arequipa sits at approximately 2,335 meters above sea level, which is moderate compared with several other destinations in southern Peru. However, routes toward the Colca Valley cross high-Andean areas above 4,000 meters.
This change in elevation can be noticeable, particularly for travelers arriving directly from Lima or another destination close to sea level. We recommend staying hydrated, eating light meals and avoiding unnecessary physical exertion while your body adjusts.
If your itinerary continues to Puno or Cusco, Arequipa can also work as a useful first stage in a gradual journey toward higher elevations.
Colca CanyonColca Canyon: 1, 2 or 3 days?
Colca Canyon: 1, 2 or 3 days?
The length of your Colca Canyon tour can significantly change the experience. The Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour works well if you have limited time and want to see the main highlights in one day, although it requires a very early start and several hours of travel.
The 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour offers a more relaxed pace, allowing you to stay overnight in the region and distribute visits to Chivay, traditional villages, scenic viewpoints and the Cruz del Cóndor across two days.
With the 3-Day Colca Canyon Tour, you can spend additional time in the valley and enjoy the landscapes at a slower pace.
For most first-time visitors, we consider two days an excellent balance between travel time, comfort and the number of places you can experience.
WeatherWeather and best time to visit Arequipa
Weather and best time to visit Arequipa
Arequipa has relatively dry conditions during much of the year, with sunny days and cooler temperatures after sunset.
From approximately April through November, rainfall is generally lower. Between December and March, precipitation becomes more frequent, particularly in higher areas around the Colca Valley.
Because temperatures in the Andes can change considerably between daytime, nighttime and early morning, we recommend dressing in layers when visiting Colca Canyon, carrying sun protection and bringing a warm outer layer even when daytime conditions are pleasant.
ConnectionsHow to combine Arequipa, Colca, Puno and Cusco
How to combine Arequipa, Colca, Puno and Cusco
Arequipa fits naturally into a journey through southern Peru and can be combined with the Colca Canyon, Puno, Lake Titicaca and Cusco.
One practical itinerary is Lima → Arequipa → Colca Canyon → Puno → Cusco. This route gradually introduces higher-altitude destinations while reducing unnecessary backtracking.
Depending on the time available, you can also travel directly from Arequipa toward Cusco. If your Peru trip includes several destinations, we recommend organizing the main transportation connections first and then adding excursions around them to avoid overly long travel days.
TransportationTourist transportation in Peru for your trip
Tourist transportation in Peru for your trip
At Dreamy Tours, we coordinate tourist transportation options with Viamed Perú to complement your itinerary. Ask us about airport transfers, half-day or full-day excursions, and trips between destinations, depending on your planned route.
Each service is arranged according to your travel date, route, and group size. Availability and vehicle type are confirmed while planning your trip.
Stories from our travelers
Experiences shared on TripAdvisor, Google and Trustpilot.
4.9/ 5164 reviews
Dreamy Tours4.9Out of 5 starsBased on 164 reviewsArropados en Peru
Nos hemos sentido muy a gusto durante toda nuestra estancia y visitas, un 5 con asterisco para esta empresa, de volver repetiremos con ellos
Excelente experiencia en Camino Inka
Experiencia muy gratificante
Fue una experiencia unica, la atencion fue genial, muy amigables y cumplieron con todo. Me voy satisfecho.
5.0/ 53 reviews
Viagem em família pelo Peru
Perfecto para viajar con niños
Muy recomendado desde inicio a fin
Muy recomendado desde inicio a fin, compre mi paquete Lima - Puno - Arequipa y Cusco. Todo una experiencia inolvidable muy recomendado al 100%
4.9/ 5552 reviews
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
Contratamos la agencia desde Argentina, y de principio a fin la experiencia fue excelente. Muy buena atencion, siempre estan en contacto para lo que necesites.
Google Reviews
Me gusto mucho el tour, pude disfrutar hermosos paisajes y aprender sobre la forma de vida local. Excelente guia y buen manejo de los horarios.
Frequently asked questions about Arequipa tours
What are the best tours in Arequipa?
Some of the most popular Arequipa tours include the Arequipa City Tour, the Sillar Route and excursions to the Colca Canyon.
For a first visit, you can begin by exploring the White City and its surroundings before continuing into the Colca Valley. The best combination will depend on how many days you have and whether you are more interested in history, architecture, nature or high-Andean landscapes.
How many days do you need in Arequipa?
One or two days are enough to explore the main attractions in Arequipa city, including the historic center, Santa Catalina Monastery, Yanahuara and nearby cultural sites.
If you also want to visit the Colca Canyon, we recommend allowing at least three or four days for the region. With additional time, you can combine the city, the Sillar Route and a two or three-day Colca experience without packing too many activities into the same day.
Is it better to visit Colca Canyon in 1, 2 or 3 days?
The Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour is a good choice for travelers with limited time, although it involves a very early departure and a long day on the road.
The 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour from Arequipa offers a more balanced experience, with an overnight stay in the valley and more time for Chivay, traditional villages, scenic viewpoints and the Cruz del Cóndor.
Travelers who prefer a slower itinerary can choose the 3-Day Colca Canyon Tour and spend additional time enjoying the landscapes and atmosphere of the Colca Valley.
What is the best time to visit Arequipa and Colca Canyon?
Arequipa can be visited throughout the year. The period from approximately April to November generally brings drier conditions, making it particularly attractive for city sightseeing and outdoor excursions into the Colca Valley.
From December through March, rainfall becomes more frequent in the Andean regions. The landscapes can become greener during this period, although weather conditions and road travel may be more variable.
The best season ultimately depends on the experiences you want to include and the other destinations on your Peru itinerary.
What is the altitude of Arequipa and Colca Canyon?
Arequipa sits at approximately 2,335 meters above sea level. However, journeys from Arequipa to the Colca Valley cross much higher sections of the Andes, with some road passes rising above 4,000 meters.
For this reason, we recommend staying hydrated, keeping your first activities relatively easy and considering altitude when planning your itinerary, particularly if you arrive directly from Lima or another destination close to sea level.
Can you travel from Arequipa to Puno after visiting Colca Canyon?
Yes. Arequipa, the Colca Valley and Puno can be combined naturally as part of a southern Peru itinerary.
Depending on your travel plan, you can continue from Arequipa toward Puno or arrange a connection after visiting the Colca region. This route makes it possible to combine the White City and Colca Canyon with Lake Titicaca before continuing to Cusco and Machu Picchu.