Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths

Capua Canyon is the real draw here. You walk through puddles and shallow streams, following the canyon to the base of Capua Waterfall. It is a more active outing than a standard Arequipa sightseeing trip, and guide Pablo has been especially helpful with photos, route-finding, and the odd wet-foot crossing. I like the small group limit of eight and the way the day joins a rough trail with a relaxing soak.

I also like the simple extras: bottled water, fruit, cookies, and a cereal bar are included. The catch is the four-hour trek. You need shoes that can handle water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, and the thermal pool admission is extra, usually 5 to 10 soles depending on the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Capua Waterfall requires a four-hour canyon trek: Expect puddles, streams, and wet footwear rather than a short walk to a viewpoint.
• The route feels local and quiet: The small group size can make the outing feel more personal and less crowded.
• Guide Pablo has a helpful style: He has been praised for taking photos, assisting on the trail, and providing snacks at the waterfall.
• The thermal baths are a useful second act: Forty minutes in volcanic hot springs gives your legs a break after the hike.
• The price is $62 per person: Hotel pickup, water, snacks, the organized excursion, and the village visit are included, but pool entry is not.
• Plan for an 8:00 am start and an 8:30-hour day: You return to the starting meeting point in Arequipa.

Why Capua Canyon makes this day different

Many day trips from Arequipa are built around lookouts, ruins, or a bus ride through the countryside. This one asks you to get your feet wet. The path through Capua Canyon includes puddles and streams, so the walk itself becomes part of the attraction.

That matters because the waterfall is not treated as a roadside stop. You reach it after about four hours of trekking, with the canyon providing the setting along the way. The route ends at the base of Capua Waterfall, where you can take in the water and rock walls at close range rather than viewing everything from far away.

I like this kind of outing for people who want movement and scenery in the same package. It is also a good choice if you have already seen Arequipa’s main sights and want a day that feels less polished and more connected to the outdoors.

The tradeoff is clear: this is not a gentle stroll. You may be walking through water in your hiking shoes. One useful footwear tip comes from the experience itself: sandals with a secure strap can work, and the guide has even completed the hike in Tivas or similar strapped sandals. Still, you should choose footwear that stays firmly on your feet and can get wet.

Pack a dry change of socks, even though that specific item is not supplied. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also smart additions. The route is outdoors for several hours, and the supplied snacks do not replace a full meal.

Four hours beside the water

The Capua portion takes about four hours, making it the main event by a wide margin. You will jump or step around puddles and cross streams as you make your way through the canyon. The exact conditions can vary, so expect a route that is more rugged than a paved attraction.

The reward is the waterfall itself. The base of Capua Waterfall gives you a strong finish to the walk, and the canyon is part of the payoff. The setting is scenic without requiring a long list of formal sights or museum stops.

A guide can make a real difference here. Pablo has been singled out for being helpful and for taking plenty of photos during the hike. That is practical, not just friendly. On a wet, active route, it is useful to have someone paying attention to the group while also helping you get a few good pictures.

The group cap of eight should help keep the pace manageable. It also gives the guide a better chance to notice when someone needs assistance around a stream or a slippery patch. The tour does not promise a private departure, but a maximum of eight is small enough to avoid the feel of a large bus group.

The hike is best for people who are comfortable with several hours on foot. The supplied information says most visitors can participate, but the duration and water crossings still matter. If you are looking for a very easy nature stop, this is not the right fit. If you like a little mud and movement, it makes good use of the day.

Snacks at the waterfall, not a full lunch

The included food is modest but useful. You receive cookies, a cereal bar, fruit, and bottled water. These are the sort of supplies that help keep you going during a four-hour walk, especially when you are not stopping at a café along the trail.

The snack timing can also make the waterfall stop feel like a proper pause. Guide Pablo has provided bagged snacks at the waterfall, along with fruit, water, candy, and crackers. That is a small touch, but it means you can sit down and enjoy the setting instead of worrying about when you will next eat.

Do not mistake this for a full meal. The supplied information only lists snacks and water, so you should plan your own breakfast before the 8:00 am start. If you normally need more food on an active day, bring something extra.

Soaking at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre

After the trek, the tour moves to Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre. You get about 40 minutes in hot springs of volcanic origin. The timing is short enough to keep the full day moving, but long enough to sit, loosen up, and let your legs recover.

The pools are described as having qualities that may be helpful for bones and skin. Treat that as a traditional benefit rather than a medical promise. The practical value is simpler: warm water can feel good after a wet, demanding walk.

Pool admission is not included in the $62 price. Bring cash for roughly 5 to 10 soles, since the amount can vary by day. This is a minor additional cost, but it is the kind of detail that can cause trouble if you arrive without local currency.

The order of the day makes sense. You tackle the strenuous part first, then use the thermal baths as a rest stop. You will want to bring whatever personal items you need for the pool, but the supplied information does not specify changing facilities, towels, or swimwear rental. Do not assume those are provided.

The 40-minute visit also means the baths are a complement to the hike, not a full spa session. If hot springs are your main reason for booking, you may find the time brief. If you see them as a pleasant recovery stop, the balance works better.

A slower hour in Yura Viejo

The final listed stop is Iglesia de Yura Viejo, with about an hour in the traditional town of Yura Viejo. This part gives the day a cultural turn after the canyon and hot springs.

You will learn about the town’s church, culture, economy, and local attractions. That broad focus is valuable because it gives you a little context for the place instead of sending you straight back to Arequipa after the outdoor activity.

I would keep your expectations sensible. This is a one-hour visit, not an extended cultural program. The church is included, and the town stop helps round out the day, but the waterfall remains the main reason to choose this experience.

The combination is appealing because the stops are different. You get a physical route, a thermal pause, and a look at local life. None of the three parts has to carry the whole day by itself.

What $62 buys you

At $62 per person, this is not the cheapest possible way to spend a day outside Arequipa. The value depends on how much you want the organized transport and the mix of activities.

The listed price includes hotel pickup, bottled water, snacks, the guided outing, and the visit to Iglesia de Yura Viejo. You also avoid arranging separate transport to the canyon, thermal pools, and town. For a small group capped at eight, that can be worthwhile, especially if you prefer a planned route to piecing the day together yourself.

The waterfall access is listed without an admission charge. The only stated extra is the thermal pool ticket, which is usually 5 to 10 soles. That makes the additional cost easy to budget, as long as you carry cash.

Value is strongest for an active visitor who wants more than a scenic drive. You are paying for a long trek, not just a transfer to a viewpoint. If you would skip the hike and only want to soak in hot water, the price makes less sense. If you want all three elements, the package is more convincing.

Timing, pickup, and group size

The activity starts at 8:00 am from C. Zela 301 in Arequipa, postal code 04001, and ends back at the meeting point. The total duration is about 8 hours and 30 minutes, so reserve most of your day.

Hotel pickup is included, while the stated start point is C. Zela 301. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement when you book so you know if you should go directly to the meeting point or wait at your hotel.

A maximum of eight people is one of the better features here. Small groups are especially useful on a route with streams and uneven sections. You are less likely to spend the day waiting for a large group to regroup, though the pace can still depend on everyone’s ability.

The tour is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. The information also says most people can participate. Even so, the water crossings and four-hour walk should guide your decision more than the broad participation note.

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The standard cancellation policy is strict: the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment yourself.

What to pack for a wet canyon walk

Keep your packing simple but practical:

• Hiking shoes or secure strapped sandals that can get wet
• A spare pair of socks
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Cash for the thermal pool entrance
• Swimwear and personal items for the hot springs
• Extra food if snacks alone are not enough for you
• A small bag for wet footwear or clothing

The operator supplies water and snacks, so you do not need to carry a large food supply. Still, the wet route makes a little planning worthwhile. Protect anything that should stay dry.

Who should book this Arequipa outing?

I would choose this tour if you enjoy an active day, do not mind walking through water, and want to see a less familiar side of the Arequipa area. It suits people who prefer a small group, basic comforts, and a guide who stays involved rather than a large coach excursion.

It is also a good match if you like variety. The waterfall gives you the physical challenge, the thermal pools provide rest, and Yura Viejo adds a cultural stop. The day does not depend on a single monument.

I would hesitate if you want a short, easy excursion, dislike wet shoes, or need a flexible cancellation policy. The four-hour canyon walk is not a minor part of the schedule. Also remember that the $62 price does not cover the thermal pool ticket.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if Capua Waterfall is your priority and you like the idea of reaching it on foot through puddles and streams. The small group, included snacks, hotel pickup, and thermal bath stop add real value, while the extra pool fee is modest.

Skip it if you want a relaxed sightseeing day with little walking. For the right person, this is a practical way to pair an outdoor challenge with a warm soak and a short visit to Yura Viejo. Bring suitable footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash, and you will be prepared for the day’s main surprises.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

How long is the Capua Waterfall trek?

The Capua Canyon trek takes about four hours.

Will the trek involve walking through water?

Yes. The route includes puddles and streams, and you may walk through the water in your shoes.

Is admission to Capua Waterfall included?

Yes. Admission to the Capua Waterfall stop is listed as free.

Is the thermal pool entrance included?

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

How long do you spend at the thermal baths?

The thermal bath stop lasts about 40 minutes.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. The tour includes bottled water, cookies, a cereal bar, and fruit.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is eight people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup is included, although the stated meeting point is C. Zela 301 in Arequipa.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal cancellations or amendment requests.