The Puno to Chivay Tour is a scenic excursion departing from Puno at 6:00 AM, continuing towards Chivay. This 6-hour journey crosses spectacular high-Andean landscapes, with guided tourist stops at unique panoramic viewpoints.
Along the route, the transport stops at:
Lagunillas Lake (habitat of flamingos and other Andean birds) – approx. 10 min visit
Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve (home to vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural environment) – approx. 25 min visit
Patapampa Viewpoint at 4,950 meters above sea level, where you can admire majestic volcanoes such as Misti, Chachani, and Ampato – approx. 10 min visit
A bilingual guide (Spanish/English) provides cultural and natural insights about each location, enhancing the travel experience. This direct and scenic route is the best way to travel from Puno to Chivay, avoiding the detour through Arequipa and optimizing travel time. The journey concludes at Chivay's main square.
Transportation Options:
Seats | Vehicle Type | Passengers |
---|---|---|
06 seats | Hyundai H1, Starex | 01 - 04 |
13 seats | Mercedes Benz Sprinter | 05 - 08 |
19 seats | Mercedes Benz Sprinter | 09 - 14 |
25 seats | Minibus | 15 - 22 |
41 seats | Bus | 23 - 41 |
06:00 – 06:15 AM: Pick-up from central hotels in Puno.
06:30 AM: Departure towards Chivay.
08:30 AM: Stop at Lagunillas Lake – Observation of high-altitude Andean lakes inhabited by flamingos, Andean gulls, and wild ducks (approx. 10 min).
10:15 AM: Stop at Pampa Cañahuas – Located inside the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve – Restroom break (approx. 25 min). Observe rock formations and South American camelids (vicuñas, llamas, alpacas) in their natural habitat.
11:15 AM: Stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint – Patapampa (4,950 m altitude) – Panoramic view of Misti, Chachani, and Ampato volcanoes (approx. 10–15 min).
12:00 PM: Arrival in Chivay, capital of the Colca Valley, half a block from the Main Square. End of the bus tour.
Note: The journey covers approximately 275 km in total and lasts about 6 hours, including stops. Schedules may vary slightly due to weather conditions or traffic, with an estimated arrival between 12:00 and 12:30 PM.
Includes:
Tourist transportation from Puno to Chivay with guided stops along the route.
Pick-up from central hotels in Puno.
Bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English) throughout the journey, providing information and assistance.
Three tourist stops en route (Lagunillas, Pampa Cañahuas, Patapampa) with time for photos and brief exploration.
Onboard assistance: Professional driver and support staff, with a first aid kit available.
Luggage space: Ample compartment for suitcases, allowing you to bring all your travel baggage at no extra cost.
Not Included:
Main meals: Breakfast and lunch are not included.
Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC): Mandatory entrance fee to Colca Valley (Approx. S/70 for foreigners, S/40 for Latin Americans, S/20 for Peruvians), payable in cash (Peruvian soles).
Optional tours/activities in Colca: Excursions such as a visit to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint or other tours in Colca Valley (can be booked separately).
Additional transfers: Does not include transportation to nearby towns (e.g., Yanque) or outside Chivay after arrival.
Personal expenses: Shopping, extra snacks.
Does this tour operate every day?
Yes, but advance booking is recommended, especially during high season, to secure your spot.
How long is the journey, and what time do we arrive?
The total travel time is approximately 6 hours, departing around 6:30 am and arriving in Chivay around noon (12:00 – 12:30 pm). Tourist stops are included within this timeframe.
Can I bring large luggage or suitcases?
Yes, the vehicle has ample and secure luggage compartments for passengers’ suitcases and backpacks.
Does this tour include a visit to the Colca Canyon (Cruz del Cóndor)?
No. This is a tourist transportation service with scenic stops en route to Chivay, the gateway to Colca. The classic Colca Canyon excursion (Cruz del Cóndor) is usually done separately, typically the next morning from Chivay, by booking an additional local tour.
Are there restrooms along the route?
Yes, planned stops include restroom facilities.
Can I do the reverse route (Chivay to Puno)?
Yes, there is also a Chivay to Puno tourist bus service with similar scenic stops (usually in the afternoon). If traveling from Colca to Puno, you can depart from Chivay around 1:00 pm and arrive in Puno by evening.
The vehicles include:
Cash in Hand: Carry Peruvian soles in small denominations. In Chivay, you will need cash to pay for the Colca Tourist Ticket.
The Puno to Chivay Tour is a scenic excursion departing from Puno at 6:00 AM, continuing towards Chivay. This 6-hour journey crosses spectacular high-Andean landscapes, with guided tourist stops at unique panoramic viewpoints.
Along the route, the transport stops at:
Lagunillas Lake (habitat of flamingos and other Andean birds) – approx. 10 min visit
Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve (home to vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural environment) – approx. 25 min visit
Patapampa Viewpoint at 4,950 meters above sea level, where you can admire majestic volcanoes such as Misti, Chachani, and Ampato – approx. 10 min visit
A bilingual guide (Spanish/English) provides cultural and natural insights about each location, enhancing the travel experience. This direct and scenic route is the best way to travel from Puno to Chivay, avoiding the detour through Arequipa and optimizing travel time. The journey concludes at Chivay's main square.
Transportation Options:
Seats | Vehicle Type | Passengers |
---|---|---|
06 seats | Hyundai H1, Starex | 01 - 04 |
13 seats | Mercedes Benz Sprinter | 05 - 08 |
19 seats | Mercedes Benz Sprinter | 09 - 14 |
25 seats | Minibus | 15 - 22 |
41 seats | Bus | 23 - 41 |
06:00 – 06:15 AM: Pick-up from central hotels in Puno.
06:30 AM: Departure towards Chivay.
08:30 AM: Stop at Lagunillas Lake – Observation of high-altitude Andean lakes inhabited by flamingos, Andean gulls, and wild ducks (approx. 10 min).
10:15 AM: Stop at Pampa Cañahuas – Located inside the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve – Restroom break (approx. 25 min). Observe rock formations and South American camelids (vicuñas, llamas, alpacas) in their natural habitat.
11:15 AM: Stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint – Patapampa (4,950 m altitude) – Panoramic view of Misti, Chachani, and Ampato volcanoes (approx. 10–15 min).
12:00 PM: Arrival in Chivay, capital of the Colca Valley, half a block from the Main Square. End of the bus tour.
Note: The journey covers approximately 275 km in total and lasts about 6 hours, including stops. Schedules may vary slightly due to weather conditions or traffic, with an estimated arrival between 12:00 and 12:30 PM.
Includes:
Tourist transportation from Puno to Chivay with guided stops along the route.
Pick-up from central hotels in Puno.
Bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English) throughout the journey, providing information and assistance.
Three tourist stops en route (Lagunillas, Pampa Cañahuas, Patapampa) with time for photos and brief exploration.
Onboard assistance: Professional driver and support staff, with a first aid kit available.
Luggage space: Ample compartment for suitcases, allowing you to bring all your travel baggage at no extra cost.
Not Included:
Main meals: Breakfast and lunch are not included.
Colca Tourist Ticket (BTC): Mandatory entrance fee to Colca Valley (Approx. S/70 for foreigners, S/40 for Latin Americans, S/20 for Peruvians), payable in cash (Peruvian soles).
Optional tours/activities in Colca: Excursions such as a visit to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint or other tours in Colca Valley (can be booked separately).
Additional transfers: Does not include transportation to nearby towns (e.g., Yanque) or outside Chivay after arrival.
Personal expenses: Shopping, extra snacks.
Does this tour operate every day?
Yes, but advance booking is recommended, especially during high season, to secure your spot.
How long is the journey, and what time do we arrive?
The total travel time is approximately 6 hours, departing around 6:30 am and arriving in Chivay around noon (12:00 – 12:30 pm). Tourist stops are included within this timeframe.
Can I bring large luggage or suitcases?
Yes, the vehicle has ample and secure luggage compartments for passengers’ suitcases and backpacks.
Does this tour include a visit to the Colca Canyon (Cruz del Cóndor)?
No. This is a tourist transportation service with scenic stops en route to Chivay, the gateway to Colca. The classic Colca Canyon excursion (Cruz del Cóndor) is usually done separately, typically the next morning from Chivay, by booking an additional local tour.
Are there restrooms along the route?
Yes, planned stops include restroom facilities.
Can I do the reverse route (Chivay to Puno)?
Yes, there is also a Chivay to Puno tourist bus service with similar scenic stops (usually in the afternoon). If traveling from Colca to Puno, you can depart from Chivay around 1:00 pm and arrive in Puno by evening.
The vehicles include:
Cash in Hand: Carry Peruvian soles in small denominations. In Chivay, you will need cash to pay for the Colca Tourist Ticket.
Passengers need to check in at 13:00 hours (we'll tell you where). The bus departs at 13:15 hours.
Our first stop will be at “Patapampa Viewpoint”, located at 4900 M.A.S.L, there is a majestic sight of our volcanoes (Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya and Ampato). Here, we can also find the “Apachetas” (hundreds of years ago, travelers used to build small towers of rock as an offering to the gods to ensure themselves a safe comeback).
The next stop will be at the Restaurant “El Chino” located in “Patawasi”, at this place we offer our passengers a snack and our traditional “Mate de Coca”, we can also rest for some minutes and buy souvenirs. It’s a good idea to use the bathroom at the restaurant.
Continuing our journey, if the weather is kind enough, an additional stop will be made to appreciate the panoramic view of the Andean plateau. Finally, our last stop will be at “Lagunillas”, groups of small lakes and Andean Flamingos wait for us at this point.
We will arrive to Puno bus station, gate #2, approximately between 19:15 – 19:45 hours.
APPROX TIME | ITINERARY | VISITING TIME |
1.00 PM | Presentation of passengers in Nativa Express Office | - |
1:15 PM | Departure point: Hotel la pascana (Corner of the Plaza de Armas of Chivay) | - |
02:00 PM | Patapampa Volcanos lookout (4950 m). | 10 minutes |
03:00 AM | Pampa Cañahuas: Coca tea and use SSHH at rest. "El Chino". | 25 minutes |
05:45 PM | Lagunillas: birdwatching and gaps. | 10 minutes |
7:30 PM | Arrives to Puno at the Bus Station. |
BORDING HOUR/PLACE
13:00 hours at Plaza principal 503 - stand 3
ARRIVAL HOUR/PLACE
19:15 – 19:45 hours, bus station in Puno or Plaza de armas
Passengers need to check in at 13:00 hours (we'll tell you where). The bus departs at 13:15 hours.
Our first stop will be at “Patapampa Viewpoint”, located at 4900 M.A.S.L, there is a majestic sight of our volcanoes (Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya and Ampato). Here, we can also find the “Apachetas” (hundreds of years ago, travelers used to build small towers of rock as an offering to the gods to ensure themselves a safe comeback).
The next stop will be at the Restaurant “El Chino” located in “Patawasi”, at this place we offer our passengers a snack and our traditional “Mate de Coca”, we can also rest for some minutes and buy souvenirs. It’s a good idea to use the bathroom at the restaurant.
Continuing our journey, if the weather is kind enough, an additional stop will be made to appreciate the panoramic view of the Andean plateau. Finally, our last stop will be at “Lagunillas”, groups of small lakes and Andean Flamingos wait for us at this point.
We will arrive to Puno bus station, gate #2, approximately between 19:15 – 19:45 hours.
APPROX TIME | ITINERARY | VISITING TIME |
1.00 PM | Presentation of passengers in Nativa Express Office | - |
1:15 PM | Departure point: Hotel la pascana (Corner of the Plaza de Armas of Chivay) | - |
02:00 PM | Patapampa Volcanos lookout (4950 m). | 10 minutes |
03:00 AM | Pampa Cañahuas: Coca tea and use SSHH at rest. "El Chino". | 25 minutes |
05:45 PM | Lagunillas: birdwatching and gaps. | 10 minutes |
7:30 PM | Arrives to Puno at the Bus Station. |
BORDING HOUR/PLACE
13:00 hours at Plaza principal 503 - stand 3
ARRIVAL HOUR/PLACE
19:15 – 19:45 hours, bus station in Puno or Plaza de armas
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