The “one day tour” would be pointless as you would spend the whole day just getting there and back but if in a rush would at least allow you to see the countryside and learn a little about the surrounding area.

The two typical tours that can be found at any of the numerous tour agencies in Arequipa are the 2-day tour starting at around 7.30am and the 3-day tours starting at around 6am. They are both quite different.

The 2 day trip ends up in the town of Chivay on the first day after a few stops to take photos of llamas and the general scenery on the way there. At Chivay you will visit the local thermal pools “La Calera” where you can soak in the outdoor hot pool and enjoy a nice cold beer in the evening. An early start on the second day entails a journey to the Cruz del Condor to be amazed by Condors (hopefully) soaring gracefully above your head on the rising air currents. On the way you may stop off at the Maca village for a colourful performance of local dancing in the Main Square by local students. After watching and probably photographing the condors, you make the journey back to Arequipa stopping for lunch at Chivay on the way. This tour costs between US$18 and US$35 (depending on the agency).

The 3 day tour takes you deeper into the canyon where you normally hike down to stay at one of the local villages on the first night. The second day involves hiking to other villages at the bottom of the canyon. Different tours stop for the night in different places ranging from a village at the bottom of the canyon entailing a 2am hike up the canyon or staying at the hot spring half way up the canyon for a 5am hike to catch the bus to Cruz del Condor or staying at the top of the canyon at Huambo where you get up at 6am. It is defiantly best to make it all the way to the top on the second day not only because you get some what of a sleep-in, but also you get spectacular views of the canyon which you do not get to see at 2am – 5am. The third day includes a stop at Cruz del Condor and the journey back to Arequipa. This tour costs between US$30 and US$50 (depending on the agency).

When visiting Cruz del Condor (and not rushed on a tour) it is worth hanging around till it warms up a little after 9am; the Condors become a lot more active around this time since its when they hunt.

These are generally two days, and include some of the attractions on the route to Chivay, the thermal baths in Chivay, the Cruz del Condor and visits to some of the towns. This is a very good way of seeing the main attractions in the canyon, although obviously does not allow any scope for exploration.

Almost every agency in Arequipa organises two – day tours, charging around $20 – $25 per person, including basic transport, accommodation and entrance to the Cruz del Condor. It is possible to vary certain items.

If you want to stay in better accommodation, price rises accordingly. It is also possible to go on a private tour.

The big advantage of a private tour is that you can decide exactly where to go and how long to spend at each place. It is also possible to go on a one-day tour, although few agencies now offer this, as it is too far to go in one day. The one – day tour does not allow you to see the condors.

Some of these are quite easy, although obviously the scope for more challenging riding is high.

Mountain bikes can be hired from the agencies that are located in the Plaza de Armas in Chivay.

The agencies also organize guided half-day tours around Chivay.