Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths

Capua Canyon is the star here. You walk through puddles and shallow streams, sometimes keeping your hiking shoes on as the route leads to the base of Capua Waterfall. That river walk gives this Arequipa outing a more active feel than a simple viewpoint stop.

I like the small group, capped at eight people, and the thoughtful snack pack of fruit, cookies, a cereal bar, crackers, candy, and water. I also like the hot-spring stop after the hike, when a warm soak makes sense rather than feeling tacked onto the day. The main drawback is the trek’s length and wet footing, plus the thermal-pool entrance fee is extra.

Key Points

• Capua Canyon trek: Expect about four hours of walking through puddles, streams, and canyon scenery to reach the waterfall.
• Guide Pablo: He is named as the guide for this experience and helps with the route and photographs.
• El Tigre hot springs: Spend about 40 minutes in volcanic pools after the hike, with admission paid separately.
• Yura Viejo church: Visit this traditional town and its church for a look at local culture and daily life.
• Small-group format: The tour accepts no more than eight participants, which suits a less crowded outing.
• Useful packing tip: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and sandals or other dry footwear for after the river section.

Why Capua Canyon Makes This Arequipa Day Trip Different

Many Arequipa outings focus on grand plazas, colonial buildings, or high mountain views. This one takes you into Capua Canyon, where the route itself is part of the fun. You are not simply walking toward a waterfall on a dry path. You are crossing puddles and streams, with the canyon closing around you as you continue toward the falls.

The walk takes about four hours, so you should think of this as a proper half-day trek, not a brief nature stop. The route reaches the base of Capua Waterfall, giving you a closer view than a roadside lookout would. The exact condition of the trail can change with the weather, and the tour requires good weather to operate, so flexibility matters.

I like the way the outing combines effort with a clear reward. The waterfall gives you a goal, while the canyon provides changing scenery along the way. You might find the wet sections amusing and memorable, but they also call for sensible footwear and a willingness to get a little messy.

Walking Through Water to Capua Waterfall

The Capua section takes about four hours and is the physical center of the day. You make your way through Capua Canyon, jumping puddles and crossing streams before reaching the waterfall’s base. That wording is worth taking seriously: this is not a polished boardwalk walk.

Hiking shoes can work for the river crossings. A practical tip is to bring sandals or secure water-friendly shoes for the wet sections and a dry pair for afterward. The guide named for this experience, Pablo, used strapped sandals such as Teva-style or Chaco-style footwear, showing that you have more than one workable option. Whatever you choose, prioritize a firm fit and good grip.

You should also pack sunscreen and insect repellent. These are small items, but they matter on a long outdoor walk. The tour provides bottled water and snacks, yet you should not treat the supplied food as a full lunch. The included food is better understood as trail fuel: fruit, cookies, a cereal bar, crackers, and candy.

The waterfall and canyon are the payoff, but the trail may be the part you remember most. Walking in or beside the water adds a playful quality that you will not get on a standard dry trail. At the same time, anyone uncomfortable with slippery footing, wet shoes, or several hours of walking should consider a different Arequipa activity.

Pablo also helps with photographs during the outing. That is useful on a route where you may not want to stop and manage your own phone every few minutes. Still, protect your camera or phone from splashes, since the route includes streams and puddles.

A Warm Soak at El Tigre

After the canyon walk, the tour moves to Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre. The stop lasts about 40 minutes, giving you time to sit in hot volcanic pools and let your legs recover.

The springs are described as having qualities that may benefit bones and skin. I would treat that as a traditional wellness claim rather than a medical promise, but the practical appeal is clear: warm water feels welcome after a long trek. This pairing gives the day a sensible rhythm, with exercise first and rest afterward.

Admission to the pools is not included. The fee is reported as about 5 to 10 Peruvian soles, depending on the day, so bring cash. This is the one extra cost that can catch you off guard if you arrive without local currency.

Do not expect the thermal baths to be the main event. You receive around 40 minutes there, not an entire spa day. The value comes from the contrast with the hike and from having a comfortable pause before the final cultural stop.

Yura Viejo and Its Traditional Church

The last major stop is Iglesia de Yura Viejo, reached through the traditional town of Yura Viejo. You spend about one hour learning about the church, local culture, the town’s economy, and its attractions.

This stop gives the day more shape than a waterfall-and-hot-springs excursion alone. The church provides a focal point, while the town offers a look at how people live and work beyond Arequipa’s main tourist center. The visit is included in the tour price, so there is no separate admission charge listed for this part.

You should keep your expectations grounded. This is a one-hour introduction, not a full cultural study or a long free period in town. Its value lies in the change of pace and the chance to connect the natural stops with a local community.

I especially like that Yura Viejo comes after the hike and hot springs. By then, you are not rushing from one scenic stop to another. The day moves from active outdoor travel to rest, then to a quieter cultural visit.

What $62 Includes and What It Does Not

At $62 per person, the tour offers a full 8-hour-30-minute day, hotel pickup, a small group, bottled water, and snacks. You also receive the guiding and transport arrangement needed to connect Capua, El Tigre, and Yura Viejo without planning each leg yourself.

The price makes the most sense if you value convenience and variety. Organizing a canyon walk, a remote-feeling waterfall stop, a hot-spring visit, and a town excursion on your own could take more time and transport planning. The group limit of eight also helps keep the outing from feeling like a large coach excursion.

The included snacks are a nice practical touch, especially during a four-hour walk. You still need to budget for the thermal pools, since that admission is separate. Bring cash for the 5 to 10 soles fee, and remember that the supplied snacks do not replace a substantial meal.

The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. from C. Zela 301 in Arequipa and returns to the same meeting point. Hotel pickup is included, so confirm the pickup details when booking if you plan to use that option. The early start gives you a useful full day, but you should avoid scheduling another fixed activity too closely afterward because the stated duration is approximate.

Group Size, Difficulty, and Who Should Book

With a maximum of eight participants, this is a good fit if you prefer a more personal outing. A small group can make it easier to move through wet sections, ask questions, and pause for photos without holding up a large crowd.

The description says most participants can take part, but the four-hour canyon walk still requires reasonable fitness and comfort outdoors. You should be ready for puddles, streams, and uneven footing. The route is not presented as an accessible paved walk, so people who need a smooth, dry surface should check carefully before booking.

This experience suits you best if you enjoy active sightseeing and do not mind trading polished facilities for a more local-feeling route. It is also a good choice if you want a day outside Arequipa with more variety than a single attraction can offer.

You may want to skip it if you prefer short walks, dry shoes, or a tightly controlled schedule. The weather requirement is important, too. Poor weather can lead to cancellation, with the option of another date or a full refund, but that flexibility may not help if your Arequipa stay is brief.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Those details may help you plan the morning, though the wet canyon route itself remains the key practical concern.

What to Pack for the Wet Trail

Your packing list should focus on the first stop, since that is where comfort can make or break the day.

• Wear secure hiking shoes or strapped sandals with reliable grip.
• Bring sandals or dry footwear for after the stream crossings.
• Pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Carry cash for the El Tigre entrance fee.
• Protect electronics from water.
• Bring any extra food you may want beyond the supplied snacks.

The tour provides bottled water and a snack selection, so you do not need to carry all your food for the day. Still, the four-hour walk is long enough that you should pack according to your own appetite and energy needs.

Booking and Cancellation Details

Confirmation is provided when you book. The activity ends back at the original meeting point, C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru.

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason once booked. That makes it important to check your date, meeting arrangements, and weather outlook before paying. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

The stated rating is 4.7 from 47 reviews, and 94 percent of participants recommend the experience. Those numbers suggest a strong overall response, especially for the combination of the canyon walk, personal guiding, and hot springs, but they do not remove the need to match the tour to your walking ability.

Should You Book Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths?

I would book this tour if you want an active, unusual day near Arequipa and like the idea of walking through water to reach a waterfall. The small group, included pickup, snacks, and guide Pablo’s help with photos add real value to the $62 price.

I would not book it if you want an easy sightseeing day or dislike wet trails. Pack the right shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for the hot springs, and you will be prepared for the main surprises.

For the right person, this is a nicely balanced day: a four-hour canyon trek, a short volcanic hot-spring soak, and a visit to Yura Viejo. It offers nature, rest, and local culture without packing the schedule with standard Arequipa stops.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru, at 8:00 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup from your hotel is included.

How long is the Capua Waterfall trek?

The Capua Canyon trek takes about four hours.

Is admission to the thermal pools included?

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

What food and drinks are provided?

The tour provides bottled water, cookies, a cereal bar, fruit, crackers, and candy.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of eight participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.