Chivay is the main town of the Colca Valley and the gateway to Colca Canyon. If you are in Puno, you can travel there directly across the altiplano without going through Arequipa first. This guide explains how to get from Puno to Chivay, how long it takes, what you see on the way and how to travel back from Chivay to Puno. If you prefer to have everything organized, our Colca Canyon tour from Puno covers the whole route with a guide.
Puno to Chivay at a Glance
| Distance | About 270 to 300 km |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 5 to 7 hours, depending on stops |
| Departures | Few each day, early in the morning (around 6:00 am) |
| Main option | Tourist bus with stops and a guide |
| Highest point | Volcanoes Lookout, about 4,950 m |
| Altitude of Chivay | About 3,635 m |
How to Get from Puno to Chivay
There is no frequent public bus between Puno and Chivay. Most travelers go by tourist bus, which leaves Puno early in the morning, stops at the best viewpoints along the way and arrives in Chivay around midday. Private transport is also possible but costs more. The other option is to travel to Arequipa first and then take a bus to Chivay, which adds most of a day.
The simplest way is to book a tour that includes the transport, a guide, the night in Chivay and the visit to Cruz del Condor. Our 2-day Colca Canyon tour from Puno to Arequipa picks you up at your hotel in Puno at 6:15 am and ends in Arequipa the next afternoon, so you see Colca on your way.
The Route from Puno to Chivay
From Puno the road crosses the high plains of the altiplano, covered in ichu grass, and climbs over the western Andes.
- Lagunillas lagoon: a high-altitude lake where you can see Andean geese, giant coots and sometimes flamingos.
- Pampa Cañahuas: open plains where wild vicuñas graze close to the road.
- Volcanoes Lookout: the highest point of the route, at about 4,950 meters, with views of a line of snow-capped volcanoes.
- Descent to the Colca Valley: the road drops toward Chivay, with pre-Inca terraces covering the slopes.
What to Do in Chivay
Chivay is a small town with a colonial church, a busy market and a main square surrounded by restaurants. Most visitors spend the afternoon at the La Calera hot springs, a few kilometers from town, and the night in Chivay or nearby Yanque. Close by you can also visit the pre-Inca site of Uyo Uyo and the terraced villages of the valley.
The next morning, the main reason to come: Cruz del Condor, the viewpoint over Colca Canyon where Andean condors fly on the morning air currents. It is about an hour's drive from Chivay, so tours leave early to arrive while the condors are active.
Chivay to Puno
The trip back follows the same road across the altiplano. Tourist buses usually leave Chivay around midday, after the morning visit to Cruz del Condor, and arrive in Puno in the early evening. Our Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa to Puno follows this route: after the condors and lunch in Chivay, it continues past the Lagunillas lakes and arrives in Puno at around 6:30 pm.
Tips for the Puno to Chivay Trip
- Dress in layers. The early morning is very cold on the altiplano, and the day warms up quickly.
- Prepare for the altitude. The road goes above 4,900 meters. If you have spent a few days in Puno, you will already be adjusted.
- Bring sun protection, water and snacks for the road.
- Carry cash in soles for the Colca tourist ticket, the hot springs and meals.
- Bring your passport, which is checked with the Colca tourist ticket.
Best Time to Travel
The dry season, from May to November, brings clear skies for the views along the road and the best conditions at Cruz del Condor. From December to March, rain and clouds can hide the volcanoes, but the valley is green and quieter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the bus from Puno to Chivay?
About 5 to 7 hours, depending on the stops. Tourist buses leave Puno early in the morning and arrive in Chivay around midday.
Is there a direct bus from Puno to Chivay?
There are only a few departures a day, mainly tourist buses with stops along the way. There is no frequent public bus on this route.
How far is Chivay from Puno?
About 270 to 300 km by road, across the altiplano.
Can I visit Colca Canyon from Puno without going to Arequipa?
Yes. Our 2-day Colca Canyon tour from Puno goes directly to Chivay, visits Cruz del Condor and ends in Arequipa.
How do I get from Chivay to Puno?
By tourist bus, leaving Chivay around midday and arriving in Puno in the early evening, or on our Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa to Puno.
Visit Colca Canyon from Puno
If you want to see Colca Canyon on your way from Lake Titicaca to Arequipa, our Colca Canyon tour from Puno includes hotel pickup, the guided tourist bus, the night in Chivay and Cruz del Condor. For more active travelers, the 3-day Colca Canyon trek from Puno hikes down into the canyon. Compare all options on our Colca Canyon tours page.