Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths

Capua Canyon gives this Arequipa outing its real character. You walk through shallow streams and puddles to reach Capua Waterfall, rather than simply stepping off a bus at a viewpoint. The route feels local and lightly visited, with the canyon itself providing much of the scenery.

I like the small maximum group of eight, which should make the river crossings and photo stops easier to manage. I also like the simple finish: warm volcanic pools at El Tigre after four hours on foot. The main catch is that the hike requires suitable footwear, and the thermal pool entrance fee, usually 5 to 10 soles, is extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Capua Canyon is a wet-foot hike: Expect puddles and stream crossings on the way to the waterfall.
• Guide Pablo may lead the outing: He has been especially helpful with photos, pacing, and the river route.
• El Tigre hot springs are not included: Bring cash for the separate entrance fee.
• The group stays small: No more than eight people are booked for the activity.
• The tour takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes: Pickup starts at 8:00 am from C. Zela 301 in central Arequipa.
• Pack for sun, insects, and wet shoes: Sunscreen, bug spray, and sandals for afterward will make the day easier.

Why Capua Canyon is the heart of the day

The first stop takes about four hours, making it the main event rather than a short nature walk. You trek through Capua Canyon, jumping puddles and crossing streams until you reach the base of Capua Waterfall.

That route matters. Many waterfall outings give you a quick view and a few photographs. Here, the approach is part of the attraction. Water underfoot, canyon walls around you, and the changing path give the outing a more active feel. You need to pay attention to each step, but that is also what makes the walk memorable.

The waterfall itself is free to visit as part of the excursion. Snacks are provided at the stop, including fruit, cookies, a cereal bar, crackers, candy, and bottled water. That is a useful touch after several hours outside, especially since the walk is long enough to leave you hungry.

The canyon can feel quiet and local rather than built up for sightseeing. The route described by the operator is not a standard city attraction, so you should not expect paved paths, handrails, or a polished visitor center. That lack of infrastructure is part of its appeal, but it also means you should be ready for uneven ground and wet footwear.

I would wear shoes with dependable grip and a secure fit. Hiking shoes work, though you should expect them to get wet. A practical tip is to pack sandals or another dry pair for after the hike. Guide Pablo reportedly completed the route in strapped sandals, so there is no single correct footwear choice, but loose flip-flops would be a poor idea.

Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Those items are not supplied, and you will spend a large part of the day outdoors. A small bag that can handle snacks and water is also useful, though you should keep your hands free for balance in the stream sections.

A waterfall walk that rewards patience

Four hours on foot can sound modest on paper, but the creek crossings change the pace. You are not simply walking a flat road from one point to another. You may stop to choose a route through the water, take photographs, or wait for others in the group.

That is where a small party helps. With a maximum of eight people, the guide can keep an eye on the group and help with the trickier parts of the trail. Pablo has been singled out for being helpful and for taking photos, which is valuable if you want pictures of the walk without handing your phone to a stranger.

The experience suits you best if you enjoy a little mud and movement. It is less suitable if you want a dry, easy stroll with guaranteed smooth footing. The description says most people can participate, but good walking ability is still important because the route involves streams and puddles.

Weather also matters. The activity requires good weather, and the provider may cancel in poor conditions. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. The standard booking itself is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons, so check the forecast before committing.

Cooling off at El Tigre hot springs

After the canyon walk, the group spends about 40 minutes at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre. These are volcanic hot springs, and the warm pools provide a clear change of pace after the wet, active first stop.

The pools are described as having qualities that may benefit bones and skin. Treat that as part of the local appeal rather than a medical promise. The practical benefit is simpler: warm water gives your legs a chance to relax before the final stop.

The entrance fee is not included in the tour price. Bring cash, since the cost is generally 5 to 10 soles depending on the day. This is a small extra, but it is exactly the kind of detail that can cause trouble if you arrive without local currency.

Your time here is about 40 minutes, so this is a refreshment stop rather than a full spa visit. You will have enough time to get into the pools and enjoy the warmth, but the schedule does not suggest a long, leisurely afternoon. If you prefer a long soak, you may find this portion brief.

The order makes good sense. A hot spring before a wet canyon hike would be less useful. After the waterfall, El Tigre feels like a reward and helps break up the day before the cultural stop.

Yura Viejo and its traditional church

The final stop lasts about an hour in Yura Viejo. You pass through the traditional town to see Iglesia de Yura Viejo and learn about the area’s culture, economy, and local attractions.

This stop adds context to a day that could otherwise be only about scenery and physical activity. A village church and a look at local life give you something different from the canyon and pools. The admission ticket is included, so there is no second surprise charge at this stop.

The information provided does not promise a long museum visit or a formal cultural program. Expect a town visit centered on the church and the character of Yura Viejo. That makes it a useful addition for you if you want a little more connection to the area, but less important if you are booking only for hiking and hot springs.

The hour should be enough for a measured visit, photographs, and an explanation of what makes the town worth seeing. Since the activity returns to the starting point, the stop also fits neatly into the day without requiring separate transport.

What the $62 price really covers

At $62 per person, this is a reasonably structured full-day outing rather than a single attraction ticket. The price includes hotel pickup, transport during the activity, the guide, snacks, bottled water, the Capua Canyon outing, and the Yura Viejo visit.

It does not include the El Tigre pool entrance fee. At 5 to 10 soles, that extra is modest, but you should add it to your budget before deciding how good the value is.

The strongest value comes from combining three different experiences in one day: an active canyon walk, volcanic hot springs, and a traditional town visit. Booking separate transport for each would take more planning and could make the day less efficient.

The tradeoff is that the schedule is fairly full. About four hours go to the hike, 40 minutes to the hot springs, and an hour to Yura Viejo. The total outing lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes, so transport and transitions fill the rest of the day. You get variety, but not much spare time for lingering.

A maximum of eight people also improves the value. Small groups usually make outdoor logistics easier, particularly when the route includes water. It is a better fit for you than a large coach excursion if you care about personal attention and a less crowded feel.

Meeting point, timing, and what to pack

The listed start point is C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, and the start time is 8:00 am. Hotel pickup is included, so confirm the pickup arrangement when booking rather than assuming you should make your own way to the street address.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. That makes planning easier if you have evening plans in Arequipa, though you should leave some flexibility because the duration is approximate.

A sensible packing list includes:

• Secure hiking shoes or strapped sandals
• Dry sandals or spare footwear for after the canyon
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Cash for the thermal pool entrance
• A small bag for personal items
• Comfortable clothes that can handle splashes

Water and food are supplied, including bottled water, fruit, cookies, a cereal bar, crackers, and candy. You may still want extra water if you normally drink a lot during exercise, but the included supplies cover the basics stated for the outing.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. The provider says most people can participate, but you should judge your own comfort with a four-hour walk through water and uneven ground.

Who will enjoy this Arequipa day trip

I would choose this outing if you want to see a quieter side of the Arequipa area and prefer an active day to a standard sightseeing loop. It is especially suitable for people who enjoy light adventure, natural scenery, and a soak afterward.

It also works well for you if you value a guide who can help with photographs and the practical details of a wet trail. Pablo has been noted as particularly helpful, though the guide assigned to your date may vary.

You may want to skip it if you dislike getting your shoes wet, need a fully accessible path, or prefer to control the pace of every stop. The tour has a set schedule, and the canyon section is long enough that turning it into a quick casual walk is unlikely.

Families and mixed-ability groups should think carefully about the water crossings. The operator says most people can participate, but that does not remove the need for balance, stamina, and sensible footwear.

The experience is also a good match for repeat visitors to Arequipa who have already seen the main city sights. It offers a different day outside the usual urban circuit, with a local town and a natural route rather than a list of major monuments.

Should you book Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths?

Book it if you want a small-group day with real walking, a waterfall reached on foot, and hot springs afterward. The combination is the main strength, and the $62 price includes the key practical pieces, including pickup, food, water, and guiding.

Think twice if you want a gentle excursion or dislike uncertain weather. Pack for wet conditions, bring 5 to 10 soles for El Tigre, and allow the full 8 hours and 30 minutes. If that sounds like a fair trade for a quieter canyon route and a warm finish, this is a strong choice for an active day near Arequipa.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru. Hotel pickup is included.

What time does the activity begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $62 per person.

Is the thermal pool entrance included?

No. The entrance to Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre is not included. The fee is generally 5 to 10 soles depending on the day.

How long is the Capua Waterfall stop?

The Capua Canyon trek takes about four hours.

How long is the hot springs stop?

The visit to El Tigre hot springs lasts about 40 minutes.

Is food and water provided?

Yes. The tour includes bottled water and snacks such as cookies, a cereal bar, fruit, crackers, and candy.

How many people can join the tour?

The group has a maximum of eight people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Personal cancellations and amendments are non-refundable.