Chivay Travel Guide

City Gateway to Colca Canyon and hot springs

High terraces and thermal pools frame Chivay, the Colca Valley’s main town. Trekkers use it for condor‑watching at Cruz del Condor, hot springs, market stalls and multi‑day canyon routes.

Costs

Cheap to moderate; tour-driven expenses

Budget travellers $30-70 per day; tours to Colca Canyon increase costs.

Safety

Generally safe, watch altitude effects

Safe for tourists, but altitude and cold are the main risks-dress warm.

Best Time

Dry season (May-September)

Dry season May-September offers clear skies and best trekking conditions.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

2:05 PM

GMT-5

Weather

61°F

Mostly Clear

Population

4,543

Infrastructure & Convenience

Tourist-oriented services, daily buses from Arequipa, many guided tour operators.

Popularity

Very popular with international and domestic tourists visiting Colca Canyon.

Known For

Colca Canyon gateway, condor watching at Cruz del Condor, hot springs, highland markets, terraced agriculture, trekking, traditional Andean culture, scenic viewpoints

Chivay is the main gateway to Colca Canyon and close to Cruz del Condor condor-viewing site.

Why Visit Chivay? #

Gateway to Colca Canyon, Chivay draws travelers eager to see condors soar and to explore highland villages and terraced fields. The town sits near Cruz del Condor viewpoints and mineral hot springs at La Calera, and local kitchens serve Arequipeño dishes like rocoto relleno and hearty stews. Festivals, traditional dress and nearby trekking routes make Chivay a cultural as well as outdoor launching point for the Colca Valley.

Best Things to Do in Chivay

All Attractions ›

Colca Canyon

Deep Andean canyon famous for Andean condor sightings

Canyon

Mismi

Peruvian mountain identified as Amazon River source

Mountain

Ampato

Andean stratovolcano near Arequipa, site of Inca mummy.

Volcano

Chivay Bucket List

Don't Miss

Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint - Watch Andean condors wheel over Colca Canyon at dawn from this famous viewpoint.
Colca hot springs (La Calera) - Soak in La Calera's mineral pools to relax after canyon trekking and cold mornings.
Mercado de Chivay - Explore the bustling Mercado de Chivay for local produce, alpaca textiles, and snacks.
Plaza de Armas de Chivay - Stroll the central plaza to see colonial architecture, local vendors, and church façade.

Hidden Gems

Maca village - Visit Maca's small church and terraces to learn traditional farming and weaving techniques.
Yanque village - Walk Yanque's quiet streets and admire its 18th-century church and scenic viewpoints.
Uyo Uyo archaeological site - Explore pre-Inca Uyo Uyo terraces and stone foundations above the Colca valley trails.

Day Trips

Cabanaconde and Colca Canyon trek - Take a day trek to Cabanaconde for deep canyon views and Andean villages.
Arequipa (Santa Catalina Convent and Plaza) - Visit Arequipa's Santa Catalina Convent and Plaza de Armas on a long day trip.

Best Time to Visit Chivay #

Chivay in the Colca Valley is best during the dry season (May-September) for clear skies, trekking and condor sightings. The wet season brings afternoon storms and muddy trails, though landscapes become very green.

Dry Season

May - September · -5°C to 20°C (23°F to 68°F)

Dry season yields crisp, sunny days and freezing nights - ideal for condor-watching and trekking on firm trails; bring warm layers for cold evenings.

Wet Season

December - March · 7°C to 17°C (45°F to 63°F)

Wet months mean afternoon storms, muddy tracks and limited visibility, but terraces glow green and fewer tourists make for intimate local encounters.

Transitional Season

October - April · 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F)

Short transitional periods can be unpredictable: rain showers alternate with clear mornings, perfect for flexible itineraries and quieter nearby hotels.

Best Time to Visit Chivay #

Climate

Chivay's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -5°C to 19°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit

JuneJulyMay

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

21°

Warmest Month

-6°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

3° – 17°

64%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

105 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

3.1

UV Index

Extreme

12.8h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

3° – 17°

69%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

3.1

UV Index

Extreme

12.5h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cold

10°C

Temperature

3° – 17°

70%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

88 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.9

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

1° – 18°

63%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

25 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.6

UV Index

Extreme

11.6h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

-2° – 17°

53%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

7 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

11.3h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of -3°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

-3° – 16°

49%

Humidity

Comfortable

Weather

1 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.0

UV Index

Very High

11.1h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of -5°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

-5° – 16°

47%

Humidity

Comfortable

Weather

2 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.1

UV Index

Extreme

11.2h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of -5°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

-5° – 17°

45%

Humidity

Comfortable

Weather

5 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

11.5h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

-2° – 18°

47%

Humidity

Comfortable

Weather

12 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.8

UV Index

Extreme

11.9h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

81 Excellent

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

-1° – 19°

46%

Humidity

Comfortable

Weather

14 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

3.2

UV Index

Extreme

12.3h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.

79 Very Good

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cold

10°C

Temperature

0° – 19°

46%

Humidity

Comfortable

Weather

20 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

3.4

UV Index

Extreme

12.7h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

2° – 18°

56%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

54 mm

Rainfall

2.5 m/s

Wind

Calm

3.2

UV Index

Extreme

12.9h daylight

How to Get to Chivay

Chivay (gateway to the Colca Canyon) is reached by road from Arequipa (AQP) or by coach from regional hubs. Organized tourist buses and private transfers are the standard methods for most visitors; road travel involves mountain roads and altitude changes.

By Air

Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP): The nearest major airport serving the Arequipa region. From Arequipa city to Chivay (Colca Valley) the road journey is about 3.5-4.5 hours by car or tourist bus; many travellers take organized tourist transfers or bus services from the airport or city centre.

Juliaca (JUL): Closer for some northern approaches, Juliaca is another regional airport; onward travel to Chivay requires a road transfer of several hours and is less commonly used by international visitors unless routing through Puno.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no direct passenger rail to Chivay; rail travel in the region is limited and not a practical option for reaching the Colca Valley.

Bus / Tourist coach: Regular tourist buses and local coaches run from Arequipa to Chivay (Colca Valley). Tourist buses often include stops at viewpoints and are comfortable - fares typically range from PEN 40-80 for organized day or overnight tours and take about 3.5-5 hours depending on stops.

How to Get Around Chivay #

Chivay is a small mountain town and the usual base for Colca Canyon excursions; the centre is easy to walk and most guesthouses are within a short stroll of the plaza. Shared vans and minibuses connect Chivay with Arequipa and nearby villages. Local colectivos and tour operators run day trips into the canyon-book return transport in advance during busy season. Short taxi rides in town are inexpensive.

Where to Stay in Chivay #

Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

Where to Eat in Chivay #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Chivay's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Peruvian

Local

Cafe

Pizza

Chicken

Regional

Latin American

Nightlife in Chivay #

Nightlife in Chivay is low‑key. Evenings are oriented around the main square’s restaurants and a few bars where travellers swap stories after day trips. There are no big clubs; social life is relaxed and often centered in family‑run eateries and hostel common rooms.

Shopping in Chivay #

Chivay’s main shopping draw is its traditional market where you can buy fresh produce, regional cheeses, textiles and alpaca goods. Small shops near the plaza sell souvenirs and basic supplies. Markets are a good place to find locally made crafts and foodstuffs before heading into the Colca Canyon.