What is the weather like in Colca Canyon during March?

During March Colca Canyon experiences its wet season with temperatures at Chivay town (3,600m) ranging between 50-70°F (10-21°C). The Cruz del Condor viewpoint (4,160m) typically sees clear mornings perfect for wildlife viewing followed by afternoon rain showers. A TourRadar traveler noted "The weather was perfect for morning wildlife viewing at Cruz del Condor though we experienced some rain later in the day." Visitors can stay comfortable at places like the Colca Lodge which provides heated rooms to counter the variable weather.

What are the best viewing times to spot condors in Colca Canyon during March?

Optimal condor viewing occurs between 6:00-9:00 AM at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. March provides strong thermal conditions as the birds soar on morning air currents above the canyon according to PVTravels tour participants. Tours usually leave Chivay around 6:00 AM to reach the 3287-meter viewpoint when condors are most active in their morning flight patterns.

How many days should I plan to spend in Colca Canyon in March?

A 2-3 day visit allows enough time to properly explore Colca Canyon in March. Tour operators like PVTravels recommend two nights at accommodations such as Hotel Colca Inn in Chivay. This timeline covers essential experiences: morning condor viewing visits to traditional villages like Yanque and Maca hot spring soaks and flexibility for weather-related changes.

What cultural events take place in Colca Canyon during March?

March brings agricultural ceremonies and celebrations to Colca Canyon particularly in the villages of Chivay and Yanque. Local festivals honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) before harvest time with traditional music and dance performances. Visitors staying at Casa Andina Standard Colca can easily access these events. One TourRadar traveler shared "The cultural experience was incredible with local people in traditional dress and hats with typical sewing showing their customs and traditional embroidered clothing."

Is March a good time to visit the hot springs in Colca Canyon?

The La Calera hot springs near Chivay maintain 40°C (104°F) temperatures making them particularly appealing during March's cooler weather. Visitors can also access private thermal pools at the Colca Lodge spa positioned along the Colca River. A TourRadar traveler commented "The optional visit to the hot springs of La Calera was a perfect way to relax after exploring the canyon especially during the cooler March weather."

How are road conditions to Colca Canyon in March?

The 3-4 hour drive from Arequipa to Chivay requires extra attention during March's rainy season. The route includes stops at viewpoints like Patapampa at 4800 meters. Tour operators use vehicles designed for wet conditions ensuring safe passage. A TourRadar traveler reported "Despite March being in the wet season our transfer from the Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa to Colca Canyon was smooth and included amazing stops at volcanic viewpoints."

Colca Canyon Tours in March 2027

16 Colca Canyon tours

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Ancient Wonders
Premium Peru in Depth (21 destinations)
4.6 (1 review)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Lima, Arequipa, Canon del Colca, Chivay, Cruz del Cóndor,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Taquile Island,Ruinas Rajchi,Cusco,Sacred Valley,Urubamba,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Puerto Maldonado+11 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu PicchuLake TiticacaPeruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinPeruvian CoastAmazonasAmazon Rainforest+8 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
From
US$9,195per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Mar, 2027
10 spaces left
22 Mar, 2027
10 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Peru Essentials
4.2 (14 reviews)
"We loved the trip."
Margret, traveled in March
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Paracas, Ballestas Islands,Paracas National Reserve,Nazca,Arequipa,Chivay,Canon del Colca,Cusco,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Runkuraqay Mountain,Sayacmarca,Winay Wayna,Sacred Valley,Pucara,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Llachon,Taquile Island,Desaguadero,La Paz+20 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Mountain
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu Picchu+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$2,495per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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13 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
The Peru of the Incas
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Lima, Arequipa,Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve,Chivay,Canon del Colca,Cruz del Cóndor,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Amantani Island,Taquile Island,Pucara,Ruinas Rajchi,Andahuaylillas,Cusco,Saqsaywaman,Pisac,Chinchero,Moray,Maras,Urubamba,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Rainbow Mountain+22 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Mountain
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu PicchuRainbow Mountain+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Terres des Incas
From
US$4,850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Mar, 2027
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City & Culture
4 days Arequipa & Colca Canyon & Sillar Stone
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Arequipa, Canon del Colca
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonArequipa+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
PVTravels
From
US$361per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes
4.8 (48 reviews)
"Fantastic tour. The tour was a great experience."
Katherine, traveled in August
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Lima, Nazca, Arequipa, Canon del Colca, Chivay, Cusco,Sacred Valley,Pisac,Ollantaytambo,Inca Trail,Patallacta,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Mountain
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu Picchu+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $2,299
US$1,954per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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7 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
21 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
5 days - Arequipa & Colca Canyon & Sillar Stone
4.5 (4 reviews)
"The tour was excellent. Overall, it was fantastic."
Cara, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Arequipa, Chivay, Canon del Colca
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonArequipa+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
PVTravels
15% Off
From
US$412per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Peru Encompassed
4.8 (139 reviews)
"This tour was truly an adventure of a lifetime. We met some great friends among our group of 13."
Rose, traveled in May
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Lima, Paracas, Ballestas Islands,Paracas National Reserve,Huacachina,Nazca,Arequipa,Misti Volcano,Chivay,Canon del Colca,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Llachon,Taquile Island,Cusco,Saqsaywaman,Pisac,Ollantaytambo,Inca Trail,Pachar,Huarocondo,Pacaymayo Valley,Sacred Valley,Winay Wayna,Aguas Calientes,Urubamba,Machu Picchu,Puerto Maldonado+25 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonPeruvian AltiplanoMachu PicchuLake TiticacaPeruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinPeruvian CoastAmazonasAmazon Rainforest+9 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $5,760
US$4,608per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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14 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
28 Mar, 2027
6 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Crossing the Andes and the Amazon
5.0 (1 review)
"This is a very complete tour with incredible landscapes."
Laurence, traveled in April
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Lima, Arequipa,Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve,Chivay,Canon del Colca,Cruz del Cóndor,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Taquile Island,Pucara,Ruinas Rajchi,Andahuaylillas,Cusco,Saqsaywaman,Chinchero,Moray,Maras,Urubamba,Ollantaytambo,Piscacucho,Llaqtapata,Wayllabamba,Pacaymayo Valley,Sayacmarca,Cerro Chaquicocha,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Huayna Picchu,Aguas Calientes,Rainbow Mountain,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata National Reserve+30 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu PicchuRainbow MountainAmazonian Basin+4 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Terres des Incas
20% Off
From
US$5,699per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Absolute Peru
4.9 (92 reviews)
"The experience was enhanced by our CEO Karina, she made the trip memorable and enjoyable."
Graeme, traveled in August
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Lima, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Huacachina, Nazca,Arequipa,Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve,Chivay,Canon del Colca,Puno,Taquile Island,Uros Reed Islands,Cusco,Rainbow Mountain,Sacred Valley,Ollantaytambo,Inca Trail,Llaqtapata,Runkuraqay Mountain,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata National Reserve+18 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonPeruvian AltiplanoMachu PicchuRainbow MountainAmazonian Basin+5 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$4,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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6 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
13 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
4.6 (20 reviews)
"The Inca Trail is challenging but worth while. Explore schedules it to start at midday."
AvishaiBenDavidandElizabethBurin, traveled in September
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Lima, Pachacamac, Paracas National Reserve,Ballestas Islands,Huacachina,Nazca,Puerto Chala,Arequipa,Chivay,Canon del Colca,Yanque,Cruz del Cóndor,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Taquile Island,Ruinas Rajchi,Cusco,Ollantaytambo,Sacred Valley,Pisac,Moray,Llaqtapata,Wayllabamba,Llulluchapampa,Runkuraqay Mountain,Sayacmarca,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes,Huayna Picchu,Saqsaywaman+28 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu PicchuLake TiticacaPeruvian Coast+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
6% Off
From $4,220
US$3,950per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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24 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
31 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Upgraded - Discover Peru
4.8 (8 reviews)
"Explore ensured that the itinerary helped members acclimatize to the high altitudes. Overall 10 out of 10 for the trip."
Andrew, traveled in April
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Uros Reed Islands,Taquile Island,Cusco,Saqsaywaman,Sacred Valley,Moray,Maras,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Huayna Picchu,Rainbow Mountain+11 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Mountain
Andes MountainsColca CanyonPeruvian AltiplanoMachu PicchuRainbow Mountain+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
6% Off
From
US$4,770per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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27 Mar, 2027
8 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Peru, Bolivia & Argentina Adventure (46 destinations)
Duration
35 days
Destinations
Peru Bolivia Argentina
Age Range
Ages 15+
Mountain
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu Picchu+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
6% Off
From
US$6,250per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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13 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Peru & Galapagos Explorer
Duration
30 days
Destinations
Lima, Paracas, Ballestas Islands,Paracas National Reserve,Huacachina,Nazca,Arequipa,Chivay,Canon del Colca,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Llachon,Taquile Island,Cusco,Saqsaywaman,Pisac,Ollantaytambo,Pachar,Huarocondo,Pacaymayo Valley,Sacred Valley,Runkuraqay Mountain,Winay Wayna,Aguas Calientes,Urubamba,Machu Picchu,Puerto Maldonado,Quito,San Cristóbal Island,Leon Dormido,Floreana Island,Isabela Island,Las Tintoreras Islet,Puerto Villamil,Santa Cruz Island+32 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Colca CanyonPeruvian AltiplanoMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
6% Off
From
US$9,780per person
+$220 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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14 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
28 Mar, 2027
6 spaces left
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City & Culture
3 days Arequipa & Colca Canyon & Sillar Stone Route
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Arequipa, Canon del Colca
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonArequipa+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
PVTravels
6% Off
From
US$285per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Premium 4days - Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Arequipa, Canon del Colca
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonArequipa+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
PVTravels
6% Off
From
US$799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Mar, 2027
10+ spaces left
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