Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths

Capua Canyon gives this Arequipa day trip its character. You walk through puddles and shallow streams for about four hours to reach the base of Capua Waterfall, then warm up in volcanic hot springs at El Tigre. It is a more active outing than a standard sightseeing loop, with a small group capped at eight people.

I like the locals-only feel of the canyon route and the way the day combines exercise with a soak. I also like the practical touches: hotel pickup, bottled water, snacks, and a guide such as Pablo, who helps with photos and keeps the walk moving. The main catch is simple: the trek is wet and long, and the thermal pool entrance fee is extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Four hours on foot: Expect puddles, streams, and wet footwear while walking through Capua Canyon.
• Capua Waterfall is the day’s main prize: The trail leads to the base of the falls rather than only offering a distant viewpoint.
• Bring cash for El Tigre: The thermal pool fee is not included and may be 5 to 10 soles.
• A small group matters: The maximum is eight people, useful on a route that involves water crossings.
• Pack spare footwear: Hiking shoes work for the trek, but sandals or other dry shoes help afterward.
• The day ends in Yura Viejo: You get time to see the church, local culture, economy, and nearby attractions.

Why this Arequipa outing feels different

Arequipa is famous for its white volcanic-stone buildings, grand churches, and nearby highland sights. This trip takes you away from the city center and into a quieter day of walking, water, and hot springs.

That change of pace is the main appeal. You are not spending the whole day stepping off a bus for ten-minute photo stops. The Capua portion asks you to move through the canyon, deal with wet ground, and earn the waterfall at the end.

The route also has a useful rhythm. First comes the physical effort. Then comes a warm soak. The final stop in Yura Viejo adds a human and cultural element, so the outing is not only about scenery.

The tour costs $62 per person. That price includes hotel pickup, bottled water, cookies, a cereal bar, fruit, and the guided outing, but not the thermal bath entrance. For a full-day trip with a maximum of eight people, it can be fair value if you want an active day outside Arequipa rather than a large coach excursion.

Four hours through Capua Canyon

The trek is the heart of the day. You walk through Capua Canyon, crossing puddles and streams as you make your way to Capua Waterfall.

This is not a dry overlook walk. Your shoes may go into the water, and the condition of the trail can make the route feel more like a small adventure than a casual stroll. One useful detail comes from the footwear experience shared for this outing: hiking shoes worked well, while the guide, Pablo, completed the walk in strapped sandals. That does not mean every pair of sandals will be suitable, but it does show that secure water-friendly footwear can be practical.

I would still choose sturdy shoes with good grip unless you already know you are comfortable walking on wet ground in sandals. Pack a second pair for after the hike. Dry socks are also a sensible addition, even though they are not specifically provided.

The four-hour duration deserves attention. It includes the walk through the canyon and should be treated as the main physical commitment of the day. If you are looking for a short nature stop with little effort, this is not the right fit. If you like a proper walk and do not mind getting your feet wet, the route offers a stronger sense of place than a quick viewpoint.

The canyon itself is part of the reward. You are moving through rock and water rather than simply arriving at a waterfall by vehicle. The route can feel quiet and removed from the city, especially with a group of only a few people. A small group also makes it easier to pause, take photos, and adjust the pace.

Pablo is specifically associated with this outing, and his role appears practical as well as friendly. He helps with photos and carries snacks for the stop at the waterfall. Those details matter on a four-hour walk. You get a guide who can help you focus on the route instead of worrying about documenting every moment yourself.

Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Also carry the bottled water supplied by the tour, and use the snacks as a useful boost rather than expecting a full meal. The food provided includes cookies, a cereal bar, and fruit.

Reaching Capua Waterfall on foot

Capua Waterfall is reached at the base of the falls, after the canyon walk. That makes the arrival more satisfying than a roadside photo stop, though it also means the waterfall depends on your willingness to complete the route.

The supplied description does not give the height or flow of the falls, so I would not book this expecting a huge South American cascade. Think of it as the endpoint of a scenic canyon walk, with the water, rock, and route working together.

You may have time for photos and a rest once you arrive. The guide can help take pictures, which is useful when the group wants more than quick snapshots. Snacks are also available at this point.

The route’s wet conditions are both its charm and its inconvenience. Walking through streams is unusual for a day trip from Arequipa and gives the outing a playful edge. It also means you should protect anything in your bag from splashes. Use a waterproof pouch for a phone, passport, or other items you cannot afford to wet.

Soaking at El Tigre hot springs

After the hike, the tour goes to Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre. These are volcanic-origin hot springs, and the scheduled visit lasts about 40 minutes.

This stop is well placed. A hot soak after four hours on foot can feel like a genuine reward, especially if your shoes and socks are damp. The pools are described as having qualities associated with soothing bones and skin. Treat that as part of the local appeal, not as medical advice or a guaranteed treatment.

The entrance ticket is not included. The cost is reported as 5 to 10 soles, depending on the day, so carry Peruvian cash. This is a small extra, but it is exactly the kind of cost that can catch you unprepared if you assume every stop is covered by the tour price.

Forty minutes is enough time to enjoy the pools without turning the day into a long spa visit. It also means you should not expect a broad choice of pools or a private bathing experience from the information provided. The stop is a simple thermal break built into an active day.

If you prefer a dry, polished sightseeing day, the hot springs may feel basic. If you like local bathing places and the contrast between a cool canyon walk and warm volcanic water, this is one of the trip’s best features.

A short visit to Yura Viejo

The final major stop is Iglesia de Yura Viejo, with about an hour in the traditional town of Yura Viejo.

The purpose here is broader than taking a church photo. You are given time to see the church, learn about local culture and economy, and notice the attractions that make the town worth visiting. After the canyon and hot springs, this stop gives the day a more settled finish.

The description does not provide a detailed architectural history of the church, so I would approach this as a local town visit rather than a specialist heritage tour. The value is in seeing a community connected to the area, not in checking off a famous monument.

An hour is a useful amount of time. It gives you room to look around without making the stop feel like a second long walking tour. It also helps break up the return journey to Arequipa.

What the $62 price includes

At $62 per person, the tour’s value rests on three things: the small group, the length of the day, and the combination of activities.

You receive pickup from your hotel, bottled water, and a small food supply of cookies, a cereal bar, and fruit. The day begins at 8:00 am at C. Zela 301 in Arequipa, and the activity returns to that meeting point at the end.

The maximum group size is eight. That is a strong point for a water-based hike. A guide can pay closer attention to the group, help with photos, and respond more easily when people have different walking speeds.

The thermal baths cost extra, but the added fee is modest. Remember to budget for it in soles. No lunch is listed, so do not assume the supplied snacks replace a midday meal. The tour information only promises the stated snacks and water.

The overall schedule lasts about eight hours and thirty minutes. The listed stops add up to about five hours and forty minutes, which leaves time for transport, preparation, and movement between sites. It is a full day, not a quick half-day escape.

Fitness, clothing, and what to pack

Most people can participate according to the tour information, but the four-hour trek is the part to take seriously. You should be comfortable walking for several hours and stepping through puddles and streams.

I would pack:

• Sturdy hiking shoes or secure strapped sandals
• A dry change of socks and footwear
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Cash in soles for the thermal pool
• A waterproof pouch or sealed bag for electronics
• A small amount of extra food if you need more than the supplied snacks

The tour allows service animals and operates near public transportation, but those details do not remove the need to consider the wet route. A service animal may face the same stream and trail conditions as anyone else.

The tour is not described as wheelchair accessible, and the water crossings make it unsuitable to assume easy access. If you have mobility concerns, ask the provider before booking.

Weather and cancellation concerns

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

That weather policy makes sense for a canyon route involving puddles and streams. Rain can affect both comfort and trail conditions. Check the forecast before leaving, but also understand that the tour may be changed for safety even if the morning looks acceptable.

The standard booking terms are strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons after booking. If your schedule is uncertain, keep that in mind before paying.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want:

• A small-group outing rather than a large organized excursion
• A real walk with water crossings
• A waterfall reached by trail
• Hot springs after physical activity
• A short look at a traditional town
• A day that feels less standard than a city sightseeing route

I would think twice if you want dry shoes, a relaxed pace, a guaranteed large waterfall, or a long thermal spa session. The route is active, the baths are brief, and the extra entrance fee is not included.

The high rating of 4.7 from 47 ratings, along with a 94 percent recommendation rate, fits the tour’s strongest qualities: the small group, the unusual canyon walk, and the practical care from the guide. Still, those numbers should not obscure the basic tradeoff. You get a more personal outing by accepting wet conditions and a full day on the move.

Should you book the Capua waterfall tour?

Book it if you want an active day near Arequipa with three different experiences in one: canyon trekking, volcanic hot springs, and a traditional town visit.

The best reason to choose it is the Capua route. Walking through streams to reach the waterfall gives the day a sense of effort and discovery that a drive-up attraction cannot match. The hot springs then provide a welcome change of pace, while Yura Viejo adds a local dimension.

Skip it if you dislike wet footwear or need a flexible cancellation policy. Pack sandals or spare shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for the 5 to 10 sol bath fee. With those details handled, the $62 price offers a solid full-day outing for people who prefer active, less polished experiences.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the Capua Canyon trek?

The Capua Waterfall portion lasts about four hours.

Do you need to walk through water?

Yes. The route includes puddles and streams as you walk through Capua Canyon.

Is the thermal pool entrance included?

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

How long do you spend at the hot springs?

The scheduled visit to the thermal pools lasts about 40 minutes.

What food and drinks are included?

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.