Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths

Capua Canyon gives this Arequipa outing its character. You walk through shallow streams and puddles to reach the foot of Capua Waterfall, making the route feel more like a real little expedition than a standard sightseeing stop. I like the small maximum group of eight and the chance to see a quieter side of the region.

I also like the smart finish: hot springs after the hike, followed by time in Yura Viejo. The main caution is the trail itself. You may be walking in water, so good grip and spare footwear matter. The thermal pool entrance fee is also extra, and the tour depends on good weather.

Key points

• Capua Canyon involves wet-foot trekking: Expect streams, puddles, and a route to the waterfall base rather than a simple roadside viewpoint.
• Guide Pablo has earned special praise: He is described as helpful with the walk and willing to take photos along the way.
• The thermal baths are a practical reward: El Tigre’s volcanic pools offer a warm rest after four hours on the trail.
• Yura Viejo adds local context: You get time to see the church, town, culture, economy, and nearby attractions.
• Snacks and water are included: Packaged fruit, cookies, cereal bars, crackers, candy, and bottled water help during the long morning.
• Bring cash for the hot springs: The entrance fee is not included and has been reported at about 5 to 10 Peruvian soles, depending on the day.

Capua Canyon Is the Main Event

The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. from C. Zela 301 in central Arequipa, with pickup from your hotel included. From there, the day is built around an active outing to Capua Waterfall, followed by a soak and a short cultural stop in Yura Viejo.

The waterfall visit takes about four hours. That time matters because this is not a quick walk to a lookout. You make your way through Capua Canyon, crossing puddles and streams as you work toward the base of the falls.

I like this kind of route because the walk itself becomes part of the attraction. Water underfoot, canyon walls around you, and the changing path give the outing a more hands-on feel than a typical coach excursion. You are not simply arriving, taking a picture, and leaving.

The walk does require a sensible approach. Wear hiking shoes with a good grip, and expect them to get wet. One useful tip is to pack sandals or other spare shoes for the ride and the later stops. A pair of strapped sandals can work for some people, but you should choose footwear that feels secure on uneven, wet ground.

Bring sunscreen and bug spray, too. These are small items, but they can make a long outdoor morning much more comfortable. A hat and a light layer are also sensible additions, though the provided information does not specify the day’s temperatures or exact trail conditions.

Reaching Capua Waterfall on Foot

The waterfall is reached at the end of the canyon walk, so the reward comes after some effort. You should expect a route that feels active rather than polished, with water crossings and puddles forming part of the experience.

At the base of Capua Waterfall, you get time to appreciate both the falls and the canyon around them. The setting is the sort of place where the surroundings matter as much as the final viewpoint. Your guide can also help with photos, which is especially useful when you are managing wet shoes, a day bag, and a camera at the same time.

Guide Pablo is specifically praised for being helpful during the hike and for taking plenty of pictures. That can be a real advantage on a small-group outing. You can concentrate on the route and the scenery instead of trying to balance your phone on a rock or asking strangers to take group shots.

The four-hour hiking portion is the biggest factor in deciding if this trip suits you. The activity information says most people can participate, but you should still be comfortable with a lengthy walk through a canyon and water. It is not the right choice if you want a mostly seated day or a quick nature stop.

The small group also changes the feel of the walk. With a maximum of eight people, the guide has more room to help with footing, answer questions, and keep the pace manageable. A small group can also make the canyon feel quieter than a large organized outing.

Snacks Make the Long Walk Easier

The tour includes bottled water and snacks. The food has been described as fruit, cookies, a cereal bar, crackers, and candy, giving you a useful mix of quick energy and something refreshing.

This is not a full meal, so you should not treat the snacks as a substitute for breakfast or lunch. Eat before pickup, especially since the waterfall section lasts several hours. Still, having food and water provided is convenient and means you do not need to carry a full supply for the morning.

The snacks also arrive at a useful point, around the waterfall stop. After walking through the canyon, a small package of food and water can feel like thoughtful planning rather than a minor extra.

Soaking at El Tigre After the Hike

After Capua Waterfall, the tour continues to Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre. You spend about 40 minutes in hot pools of volcanic origin, with the water intended to refresh your body after the walk.

This is a well-chosen second stop. A warm soak gives your legs a break and changes the pace of the day. After several hours on foot, you can sit, relax, and enjoy a quieter period before moving on to Yura Viejo.

The pools are described as having qualities associated with comfort for bones and skin. You should treat that as part of the local appeal, not as a medical promise. The most certain benefit is simple: warm water can be a pleasant way to rest after an active morning.

The thermal entrance fee is not included. Bring cash, with the expected amount reported at roughly 5 to 10 soles depending on the day. Since the exact charge can vary, it is wise to carry enough local currency rather than assume the tour price covers admission.

You should also remember that the hot springs are not the main reason to book this outing. The best way to view them is as a relaxing addition to the waterfall trek. If you want a long spa session, 40 minutes may feel brief. If you want a warm break before continuing, the timing makes sense.

Yura Viejo Adds a Local Stop

The final scheduled stop is Iglesia de Yura Viejo, with about one hour spent in the traditional town of Yura Viejo. This part of the day shifts attention away from nature and toward local life.

The visit includes the church, the town’s culture and economy, and the attractions in the area. That gives the excursion a little more range than a hike and hot-spring visit alone. You get a chance to see how the place is presented through its church and community, rather than treating Yura only as a stop on the way to the pools.

The church visit is included, so there is no separate admission listed for this portion. The activity ends back at the original meeting point in Arequipa, making the day straightforward for anyone staying in the city.

One hour is long enough for a useful introduction, but not enough for an extensive town visit. Keep your expectations in line with that schedule. This is a compact cultural stop that rounds out the day, not a dedicated Yura tour.

Is the $62 Price Good Value?

At $62 per person, the price is reasonable if you want several elements handled in one day: pickup from your hotel, a guided canyon hike, snacks, bottled water, the waterfall visit, the thermal-bath stop, and time in Yura Viejo.

The strongest value comes from the combination. Booking each part separately could be less convenient, especially when transport and a guide are involved. You also get a small group, capped at eight people, which is more personal than a large bus trip.

The price does not include the thermal-pool admission. That is a small extra cost, but it is worth planning for. You should also budget for any meals or drinks beyond the provided snacks, since the included food is designed to support the hike rather than replace a full meal.

I would call this good value for an active day with varied stops. It is less compelling if you mainly want a comfortable sightseeing ride or a long stay at the hot springs. The hike is the core of the experience, and the other stops work best as additions to that walk.

Timing, Pickup, and Group Size

The activity starts at 8:00 a.m. and lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes. The long duration reflects the time needed to travel out, complete the four-hour waterfall walk, enjoy the hot springs, visit Yura Viejo, and return to Arequipa.

Hotel pickup is included, while the listed meeting point is C. Zela 301 in Arequipa. The tour finishes at the same meeting point. That makes the start and end easy to understand, though you should confirm the exact pickup arrangement when booking if you are not planning to meet at C. Zela 301.

A maximum of eight people is one of the tour’s better features. It gives the outing a more flexible feel and suits a route where the group may need to move carefully through water. The small size should also make it easier to hear the guide and ask questions.

The tour is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate according to the provided activity information, but the wet canyon route still calls for reasonable fitness, steady footing, and comfort with a four-hour walk.

What to Pack for the Canyon and Pools

Your packing choices can make a noticeable difference. I would bring:

• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Sandals or spare shoes for after the wet walk
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Cash for the thermal-pool entrance
• A small bag for wet footwear
• Extra water if you prefer more than the included bottle
• A swimsuit and towel if you plan to use the hot springs

The last two items are practical suggestions for using the pools, but the provided information does not specify whether towels or changing facilities are supplied. Pack accordingly rather than counting on them.

Keep your belongings light. You will be walking for several hours, and a small day bag is easier to manage than a heavy pack. A waterproof pouch for your phone and money is also sensible when streams and puddles are part of the route.

Weather Matters More Than Usual

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

That policy is important because the waterfall trek depends on outdoor conditions and water crossings. A rainy day may change the trail, footing, and overall comfort. I would avoid locking this tour into the last possible day of your Arequipa stay if you have other scheduling options.

The cancellation terms are strict for personal changes: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. Check your schedule carefully before booking, and consider the weather forecast as the date approaches.

Who Should Book This Arequipa Day Trip?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a more active outing outside Arequipa and like the idea of combining nature, hot springs, and a small town in one day.

It suits people who enjoy:

• Walking through streams and canyon paths
• Small-group excursions
• A waterfall reached by foot rather than by road
• A warm soak after exercise
• Local cultural stops alongside outdoor activities
• A guided day with transport and snacks arranged

I would be more cautious if you dislike wet footwear, uneven walking, or long outdoor stretches. The Capua section is not a token stroll. It takes about four hours and is the part that determines how enjoyable the day will be.

Families and mixed-age groups may find the small group helpful, but each person should be comfortable with the walking conditions. The activity says most people can participate, yet that does not remove the need for sensible shoes and basic stamina.

Should You Book Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths?

Book it if Capua Waterfall sounds more appealing than another standard city excursion. The combination of stream crossings, a canyon walk, volcanic hot springs, and Yura Viejo gives you a full day with several distinct parts.

The best reasons to choose it are the off-the-main-route feel, the small group, and the chance to finish a demanding walk in warm water. Guide Pablo’s helpful approach and willingness to take photos are useful bonuses.

Skip it if you want a relaxed sightseeing day, dislike getting your shoes wet, or need a flexible cancellation policy. For the right kind of visitor, though, $62 buys a well-rounded day beyond central Arequipa, with only the modest thermal-pool fee to add.

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 tour starts at 8:00 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

How long is the Capua Waterfall trek?

The Capua Waterfall stop takes about four hours, including the walk through Capua Canyon.

Will I walk through water?

Yes. The route includes puddles and streams, and you walk through the canyon to reach the base of Capua Waterfall.

Is the thermal-pool entrance included?

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

What food and drinks are provided?

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

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is eight people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

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