These three Arequipa options suit very different trip styles: a short private city experience, a two-day canyon journey, or a private full-day Colca outing. Choose based on how much time you have, whether you want city sightseeing or a canyon route, and how much structure you prefer.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching Arequipa tours. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and Peru tours and experiences.
Compare the 3 Tour Options
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Private city transfer tour | Travelers who want a private, adjustable introduction to Arequipa on the same day as an airport transfer. | ★ 5.0/5 | 10 reviews | Approx. 4 hr–5 hr | Private tour with a choose-your-own starting time | View on Viator |
 Two-day canyon trip | Travelers who want a broader Colca Canyon visit and prefer a multi-day itinerary without trekking-heavy plans. | ★ 5.0/5 | 10 reviews | Approx. 48 hr | Spreads the canyon trip over two days | View on Viator |
 Private full-day canyon trip | Travelers who want a private Colca day trip with a set route, included meals, and a possible short hike. | ★ 5.0/5 | 10 reviews | Approx. 13 hr | Private vehicle transport with hotel pickup and drop-off | View on Viator |
Explore Each Tour in Detail
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Shortest city-based option with transfer flexibility
Airport pick up and City Tour (PRIVATE TOUR)
Best for: Travelers who want a private, adjustable introduction to Arequipa on the same day as an airport transfer.
This private option is built for travelers who want a compact Arequipa experience without committing a full day. It can begin with an airport transfer and continue as a city tour, or work in the reverse direction, as long as the transfer and tour happen on the same day. The format is flexible, so the pace can be adjusted to suit your schedule. The route combines Yanahuara with a walking visit in the historic center, giving you a city-focused experience with private transport and a professional guide.
Airport pick up and City Tour (PRIVATE TOUR)
- Private tour with a choose-your-own starting time
- Includes airport-to-hotel or hotel-to-airport transfer on the same day
- Uses private transportation with a guide
Best for travelers planning an overnight Colca route
Colca Canyon Tour 2 Days
Best for: Travelers who want a broader Colca Canyon visit and prefer a multi-day itinerary without trekking-heavy plans.
This two-day trip is the most time-intensive of the three and stays focused on Colca Canyon rather than Arequipa city sightseeing. The route runs from Arequipa toward Pampa Cañahuas, Patapampa, and Chivay, then returns via Cruz del Condor to Arequipa. It includes an English- and Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, a second breakfast, air-conditioned vehicle transport, and an overnight in a basic hostel with a private bathroom. The tour description says it is a good fit for travelers who do not want trekking-oriented activities, so it works well if you prefer a slower canyon itinerary.
Colca Canyon Tour 2 Days
- Spreads the canyon trip over two days
- Includes breakfast and one overnight stay in a basic hostel with private bathroom
- Described as suitable for travelers who do not want trekking activities
Private day trip with the most included activities
Private Colca Full-Day Tour from Arequipa
Best for: Travelers who want a private Colca day trip with a set route, included meals, and a possible short hike.
This private full-day option is the most structured Colca trip in the set, with an early start and a same-day return to Arequipa. The itinerary combines Cruz del Condor with several stops tied to the canyon route, including Wayrapunko, Choquetico hanging tombs, Amtahuilque, Maca, Yanque, and the hot springs at La Calera. It also allows for a short hike between Cruz del Condor and Cruz del Cura if you want a walking element. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private vehicle transport, breakfast, buffet lunch, and a professional guide.
Private Colca Full-Day Tour from Arequipa
- Private vehicle transport with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Includes breakfast, buffet lunch, and all listed activities
- Allows a short hike from Cruz del Condor to Cruz del Cura
How to choose the right Arequipa itinerary
If you want to stay close to the city and keep plans flexible, the private transfer-and-city tour is the simplest format. If your priority is Colca Canyon, choose between the slower two-day itinerary and the more compact private full-day route based on how much time you want to spend on the road.
City center and Yanahuara
Private transport connects Yanahuara and the historic center, where the tour continues on foot.
Arequipa to Chivay to Cruz del Condor
A two-day overland route with an overnight stop before returning to Arequipa.
Colca viewpoints, towns, and hot springs
A private canyon circuit with viewpoint stops, village visits, and a return to Arequipa the same day.
Travel planning tip
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Booking notes
- Confirm whether your preferred timing fits the same-day transfer condition on the city tour.
- Check which meals and fees are included before booking, since the canyon tours differ in what is covered.
- If you want a private experience, note that only the city tour and the full-day Colca tour are listed as private.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option is best if I only have part of a day in Arequipa?
The private airport pick up and city tour is the most time-efficient choice because it is designed around a short city visit and transfer on the same day.
Which tour is better for staying overnight in the canyon area?
The two-day Colca Canyon tour is the only option that includes an overnight stay.
Which tour includes the most meals and activities?
The private full-day Colca tour includes breakfast, buffet lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, and all listed activities.