Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths

Follow the river to a hidden waterfall. This 8-hour-30-minute outing pairs a lively trek through Capua Canyon with a soak in volcanic hot springs, giving you two things I especially like: real time outdoors and a look at rural Yura beyond Arequipa’s usual sights. The small group, capped at eight people, also makes the day feel more personal. The main drawback is the wet, uneven walk, so this is not a good pick if you want a gentle sightseeing trip.

The tour costs $62 per person, including hotel pickup, water, and snacks, but not the thermal-pool entrance fee. I like the local feel, especially the stop in Yura Viejo and the chance to walk through streams instead of simply viewing the waterfall from a roadside lookout. You should also bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for the hot springs.

Key points to know before you go

• Capua Canyon requires a real trek: Expect puddles, streams, and wet footwear on the way to the waterfall.
• The waterfall is reached on foot: The walk takes about four hours and is the main event, not a short photo stop.
• The thermal baths are a welcome reset: You get around 40 minutes in volcanic hot springs after the hike.
• Yura Viejo adds local character: The one-hour stop includes the traditional church, local culture, economy, and nearby attractions.
• The group stays small: A maximum of eight people can make guiding and conversation easier.
• Pack a second pair of shoes: A previous participant found sandals useful after walking in the river, and cash is needed for the thermal pools.

Why this Arequipa day trip feels different

Arequipa is famous for its white volcanic-stone buildings, grand churches, and dramatic setting, but this excursion takes you outside the city’s standard sightseeing circuit. The day is built around movement: a canyon walk, a waterfall, a hot soak, and a visit to a small traditional town.

I like that mix. You are not spending the whole day inside a vehicle or moving from one polished attraction to another. You get a physical outing, a chance to see a quieter side of the region, and a simple cultural stop that helps connect the countryside with everyday life.

The experience begins at 8:00 a.m. from C. Zela 301 in Arequipa, with hotel pickup included. It ends back at the meeting point. The small-group limit of eight people is useful here because the canyon walk may require more attention than a normal city tour. On one outing, guide Pablo was praised for helping with the route and taking photos along the way. Your assigned guide may differ, but the format is suited to personal guidance rather than a large crowd.

The four-hour walk through Capua Canyon

The Capua section is the heart of the day. You walk through the canyon toward the base of Capua Waterfall, crossing puddles and streams as the route unfolds. This is not a quick path from a parking area to a viewpoint. The walk takes about four hours, so you should treat it as a proper half-day trek.

That detail matters when you pack. Hiking shoes can work, but they may get wet. One participant completed the route in hiking shoes while walking through the river, then recommended bringing sandals for afterward. Another useful detail is that the guide on that outing managed the route in strapped sandals, showing that footwear options exist, though sturdy shoes are still the sensible choice for most people.

You may find the wet sections enjoyable if you like a bit of outdoor adventure. Walking through shallow water makes the route feel more active than a standard trail, and it puts you closer to the canyon itself. It also means you should not wear shoes or clothes that you need to keep pristine.

The canyon and waterfall provide the visual payoff. Capua Waterfall is reached at the end of the walk, where you can pause at its base and take photos. Guide Pablo was particularly helpful with pictures on one outing, a practical bonus if you are traveling without a companion who can take them.

The tour includes snacks, including cookies, a cereal bar, fruit, and bottled water. These are useful after several hours of walking, though you should not think of them as a full lunch. If you need a substantial midday meal, check your own plans before departure, since no lunch is listed among the inclusions.

What to pack for the Capua route

A little preparation will make a large difference. I would pack:

• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking shoes
• Sandals or another dry option for after the stream crossings
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Extra cash
• A small bag for wet footwear or clothing
• Clothes that can handle splashes

The supplied water and snacks reduce the amount you need to carry, but you still need to dress for the walk rather than the hot springs. The four-hour trek is the part that sets the physical level of the day.

The activity information says most people can participate, but it does not describe the route as easy or suitable for every ability. If you have trouble with uneven ground, water crossings, or several hours of walking, ask for route details before booking. Service animals are allowed, and public transportation is nearby, but the tour itself includes hotel pickup.

Capua Waterfall is more than a photo stop

The waterfall works because you earn it. After walking along the canyon and crossing water, reaching the base feels like a genuine destination rather than a roadside pause.

You can expect time to enjoy the setting and take pictures before moving on. The surrounding canyon is part of the appeal, not just the falling water. This is also where the included snacks can be most welcome, giving you a chance to rest before the thermal baths.

The drawback is simple: the waterfall section takes up much of the day and requires physical effort. If you are mainly interested in taking a quick picture, a shorter excursion would suit you better. If you enjoy a route that includes a little mud, water, and uncertainty underfoot, this is the stronger choice.

A 40-minute soak at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre

After the walk, the tour continues to Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre. These are volcanic hot springs, and you get about 40 minutes to sit in the pools and rest your legs.

This timing is well judged for the overall day. You get enough time to relax after the canyon walk, but the stop does not take over the excursion. The pools are described as having benefits for bones and skin, though you should treat that as a local claim rather than a medical promise.

The hot springs are not included in the tour price. Bring cash for the entrance fee, which was reported as about 5 to 10 Peruvian soles depending on the day. Since the exact amount can vary, keeping a little extra on hand is wise.

The contrast between the two main activities is part of the appeal. First you work through the canyon, then you sit in warm water. I like that the day has a natural rhythm instead of packing several unrelated stops into the schedule.

Still, remember that the pools are a basic add-on, not a luxury spa visit. The available information does not promise changing facilities, towels, or other amenities. Pack accordingly and confirm any personal needs before setting out.

Yura Viejo and its traditional church

The final major stop is Yura Viejo, where you spend about one hour. The tour uses this visit to introduce the traditional church, local culture, economy, and attractions of the town.

This stop gives the day some balance. Capua is about nature and physical activity, while Yura Viejo offers a look at a local community. You can expect a more grounded experience than a procession of major monuments. The church provides a clear focal point, while the discussion of local life adds context to the area around the canyon and hot springs.

One hour is enough for an introduction, but not enough for an exhaustive town tour. That is not a problem if you see it as a short cultural window rather than the main purpose of the outing. The waterfall and hot springs remain the strongest reasons to book.

What the $62 price covers

At $62 per person, the value depends on how much you appreciate having the day organized. The price includes hotel pickup, bottled water, cookies, a cereal bar, fruit, and the guided experience. It also brings together three different settings: Capua Canyon, the El Tigre hot springs, and Yura Viejo.

The group limit helps the price feel more reasonable. With no more than eight people, the guide can give clearer instructions during the trek and help with photos or small questions. A larger group could make the stream crossings and canyon route less comfortable.

You still need to budget for the thermal-pool admission. The reported fee of 5 to 10 soles is modest, but it is easy to overlook because the main tour price is paid in advance. The outing is also non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons, so check your schedule and weather forecast before committing.

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience requires good weather, which makes sense for a route involving streams and outdoor walking.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend this day to you if you want more than city sightseeing and enjoy active outings with a local feel. It suits people who like:

• Several hours of walking
• Natural scenery reached by foot
• Water crossings and wet conditions
• A quiet, small-group setting
• A warm soak after exercise
• Short cultural visits outside the main city

It may not suit you if you want a relaxed bus tour, a guaranteed dry trail, or a long spa session. The four-hour canyon walk is too important to ignore when deciding.

Families and mixed-ability groups should think carefully about the route. The information says most people can participate, but the experience still includes uneven ground, streams, and sustained walking. If you are unsure, contact the provider before booking rather than relying only on the general participation note.

Practical timing and meeting details

The day begins at 8:00 a.m. from C. Zela 301 in Arequipa. Hotel pickup is included, so confirm how your pickup will be handled if you are not meeting at the listed address. The activity returns to the same meeting point at the end.

The total duration is about 8 hours and 30 minutes. That makes this a full day, not a spare morning activity. Leave room in your schedule for the return, especially if you have an evening bus, train, or reservation.

Confirmation is provided when you book. Public transportation is near the starting point, and service animals are allowed. Those details are useful, but the bigger planning issue remains your clothing and footwear. The canyon is the part most likely to affect your comfort.

Should you book Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths?

Book it if you want an active day that combines a real canyon walk, a waterfall, volcanic hot springs, and a small-town visit. The strongest features are the off-the-main-route setting, the group size of up to eight, and the satisfying switch from wet trail to warm pool.

Skip it if you want an easy outing or dislike getting your shoes wet. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, cash for the 5 to 10 sol hot-spring fee, and a second pair of shoes. With those details handled, the $62 price offers a useful mix of nature, exercise, and local culture beyond central Arequipa.

FAQ

Where does the experience start?

It starts at C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru, at 8:00 a.m. Hotel pickup is included.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

How long is the Capua Waterfall walk?

The Capua Canyon trek takes about four hours and includes puddles and stream crossings.

Is the thermal-pool entrance included?

No. Admission to Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre is not included. The entrance fee has been reported as about 5 to 10 Peruvian soles depending on the day.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to a maximum of eight people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the experience?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.