Traveling from Puno to Colca Canyon is one of the most complete routes in southern Peru: you cross the high plateau, natural reserves, and Andean passes that exceed 4,800 m a.s.l. before descending into the Chivay valley, the gateway to Colca.
Below you’ll find a clear overview of the transportation options and the most recommended route for your passengers.
Distance and travel time between Puno and Colca
- Approximate distance by road Puno – Chivay: 260–280 km, depending on the route chosen.
- Direct travel time on a tourist bus: about 6 hours, including short stops for photos and viewpoints.
- Highest point on the route: Andean viewpoints near 4,800–4,950 m a.s.l., with views of volcanoes and the high plateau.
Option 1: Direct tourist bus Puno – Chivay (Colca)
This is the most comfortable and recommended option for most travelers, especially for those visiting Colca only once and looking for safety, scenery, and a guide on board.
General features of the direct tourist service:
- Departure: early in the morning, around 06:00–06:40 a.m. from hotels in downtown Puno.
- Duration: approximately 6–6.5 hours to Chivay.
- Type of route: scenic journey across the high plateau with several short stops:
- Lagunillas, to see lagoons and Andean birds.
- Pampa Cañahuas and reserve areas, where it is possible to spot vicuñas and other camelids.
- Mirador de los Andes / Patapampa, near 4,800–4,950 m, with views of volcanoes such as Misti, Chachani, and Ampato.
- Arrival: usually around midday, between 12:15 and 12:45 p.m., directly to Chivay’s main square or bus station.
Advantages for your passengers:
- No need to make transfers or go through large bus terminals.
- They have a bilingual guide, explanations about the landscape, and support in case of altitude sickness (depending on the operator).
- Strategic stops for photos, restrooms, and coca tea, without wasting time or compromising safety.
This is the ideal route for an itinerary such as “Puno – Colca – Arequipa” or “Puno – Colca – return to Puno” in 2 or more days.
Option 2: Public bus via Arequipa
For travelers on a tight budget or with extra time, there is the option of traveling in segments using regular buses.
- Section 1: Puno – Arequipa
- Approximate distance: 270–290 km.
- Travel time: 5–7 hours, depending on the bus company, traffic, and whether it is a direct service or with stops.
- There are daytime and nighttime departures; for international travelers, daytime buses are recommended for safety and for the high plateau views.
- Section 2: Arequipa – Chivay / Colca Canyon
- Distance: around 160–190 km, crossing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca reserve.
- Travel time: 3–4 hours by public bus or minivan.
Pros and cons of the route via Arequipa:
- ✔ Allows you to spend one or more nights in Arequipa, a Heritage city with a good range of hotels and restaurants.
- ✔ It can be cheaper if you choose standard buses.
- ✘ Involves changing terminals, waiting times, and buying tickets separately.
- ✘ It does not always include a guide or tourist stops at viewpoints; it is more of a point-to-point transfer.
Option 3: Private transport or your own car
If your passengers are traveling in a small group, as a family, or with a lot of luggage, a private service can be an excellent alternative.
- Puno – Chivay in a private car or van:
- Estimated time: 5–6 hours with short stops.
- Flexibility to choose stops at lagoons, viewpoints, and villages according to the group’s interests.
- More comfortable for those who want to control the pace of the trip or take photos without depending on the rest of the bus.
- Own or rented car:
- Same idea as the private service, but the traveler is the driver.
- It’s important to have experience driving at high altitude and on Andean roads, especially during the rainy season.
Recommended route for most travelers
For a standard traveler (international or national tourist visiting southern Peru once and wanting to optimize time and safety), the most balanced recommendation is:
Suggested route: Puno → Chivay (Colca) by direct tourist bus
- Early departure from Puno (06:00–06:40 a.m.) on a tourist bus to Chivay.
- Intermediate stops at Lagunillas, Pampa Cañahuas, and Mirador de los Andes / Patapampa for photos, restrooms, and coca tea.
- Arrival in Chivay at midday, with time for lunch, hotel check-in, and in the afternoon, a visit to the hot springs or a stroll around town.
- The next day, departure to Cruz del Cóndor and other viewpoints in Colca Canyon, then continuing on to Arequipa or returning to Puno, depending on the itinerary.
Practical tips for the Puno – Colca journey
- Altitude: the bus crosses passes near 4,800–4,950 m, so it’s recommended to spend at least one night in Puno or Arequipa before the journey, drink water, avoid alcohol, and eat light meals.
- Best time of day: daytime trips allow you to better enjoy the scenery and are safer due to visibility on the road.
- Luggage and clothing: bring a warm jacket at hand (it gets cold at higher passes), sunscreen, sunglasses, and keep your documents easily accessible.
- Advance booking: in high season and on holidays, it’s advisable to book seats in advance, both on tourist buses and private services.
