Hot springs after a canyon hike.

This trip mixes Capua Canyon stream-wading with a classic Arequipa reset in El Tigre thermal pools. You get a waterfall walk that feels local and a short town stop that explains how Yura Viejo lives, shops, and worships.

I love the way the hike leads you right to the base of the Capua Waterfall. I also like the small group size (max 8) and the fact that your guide helps with the practical stuff, like photos and footwear options. The one drawback: the thermal pool entrance costs extra, so bring cash and plan for only about 40 minutes in the hot springs.

Capua Canyon to Capua Waterfall: the wet-foot hike that actually feels local

The morning starts with a pickup and a run of hours that focuses on one thing: moving through Capua Canyon until you reach the waterfall’s base. Expect a trek that includes puddles and streams. This is not a dry, sit-on-a-trail kind of day. It’s active, and it keeps you focused—watch your step, balance, and keep going.

One detail I’m grateful for is how the walk is described as jumping puddles and crossing streams to reach the waterfall. That tells you the experience isn’t just sightseeing from a distance. You’re getting close enough to feel the humidity and hear the water. And because the waterfall stop is listed with free admission, you’re not paying extra to access the payoff of the hike.

Footwear matters here. In one example from the field, the guide Pablo used Tevas/Chacos-style sandals with a strap as an option, while still making it practical for getting around on the trail. Another tip that’s worth copying: plan to walk in your hiking shoes, then keep something like sandals for after. You’ll likely want an easy change once you’re done with the wet section.

How long is this part? About 4 hours. That’s a sweet spot. It gives you time to enjoy the canyon and waterfall arrival without turning the whole day into a grinding march.

What can slow you down

If you’re not comfortable stepping through water and uneven ground, this stop will feel more challenging. Also, this experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the whole plan changes (or you get a refund—see FAQ).

El Tigre thermal pools: volcanic heat for bones and skin

After the hike, you switch from cool canyon motion to warm stillness. At Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre, you enter hot springs of volcanic origin to refresh your body. The tour notes healing qualities for bones and skin, so the experience is framed as more than just relaxation. It’s a post-hike recovery stop.

Time is short: about 40 minutes. That sounds brief, but it’s actually smart for the day’s pacing. You’re not forced into a long soak. You can get warm, reset your legs, and still make it to the final town visit without feeling rushed.

The important practical catch: the thermal pool admission ticket is not included. The tour price covers your time and the pickup, but the hot spring entrance is something you pay separately. From the guidance you may hear in the field, plan on paying about 5–10 soles depending on the day. Bring cash so you don’t spend your recovery window hunting for a payment option.

How to make the most of your 40 minutes

• Go in once you’re dry enough to be comfortable.
• If you have a choice, choose the pool that feels right for your body, not the fanciest one.
• Bring or wear what you need to avoid getting stuck in wet clothing afterward.

Yura Viejo church stop: the town version of Arequipa life

Between nature and hot springs, you get a cultural breather at Iglesia de Yura Viejo. This is a 1-hour stop where you pass through the traditional Yura Viejo town to see its church and learn about local culture, economy, and attractions.

This section works because it doesn’t try to cram everything into one stop. It’s just enough time to shift gears. After walking through streams, you’ll likely appreciate seeing a real community space—one that’s tied to daily life, not just a photo angle.

Admission for the church stop is included, so you don’t need to budget an extra ticket here. The value is in the context: you’re not just seeing a building. You’re getting a sense of how the town operates and what people consider important.

What to expect from the pace

Because the earlier parts of the day are physical, this 1-hour visit is the kind of pace that helps you recover without turning the day into a slow slog. If you like your tours balanced—movement, reward, then culture—this stop fits the pattern.

Price and value: what you pay for (and what you should budget)

The tour costs $62 per person for an almost 9-hour day (about 8 hours 30 minutes). That price is easier to justify when you see what’s included beyond the hike itself.

Here’s what you get in the price:

• Hotel pickup
• Snacks: cookies, a cereal bar, and fruit
• Bottled water
• Admission included for the Iglesia de Yura Viejo stop

Also important: the waterfall access itself is listed with admission free. So the big variable expense is the thermal pool entrance at El Tigre.

The real value equation

Your money is mostly covering:

• Your transport pickup
• The guided experience and timing
• Food and water during the day
• Included admission for the church stop

Then you add your on-the-spot cost for the hot springs. If the entrance is around 5–10 soles, you’ll likely find this tour still feels fair for a full day with multiple highlights.

For reference on how the snacks can show up at the right time: one guide approach included having extra snack items ready at the waterfall—fruit, water, candy, and crackers—so you can arrive hungry, not stressed. Even if you don’t get that exact setup, the listed snacks are part of what makes this tour feel complete after a wet hike.

Timing and logistics: a full day that starts at 8:00 am

This tour starts at 8:00 am and runs about 8 hours 30 minutes total. Your meeting point is C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Why this matters: a morning start helps with weather and light, and it also means you reach the waterfall before the day’s heat (and before your energy dips). The thermal pools then become a reward, not a chore.

Group size is capped at 8, which keeps the hike feeling less like a bus tour. You’re more likely to move at a human pace and get attention when you need it—especially when the trail includes streams and puddles.

What to pack: footwear, sun, bugs, and a spare plan

Because this is a canyon hike with water features, your packing should be practical, not fancy.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes you don’t mind getting a little wet
• Sandals or something easy to slip on after the stream section
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray

One small but useful detail from real-world tips: sandals with straps can be a workable footwear approach during parts of the hike, especially if your guide uses similar gear. The goal isn’t to match a specific model—it’s to have a plan that keeps your feet safe and comfortable through wet ground.

If you’re tempted to wear brand-new footwear, think again. This is the kind of day that punishes optimism.

Weather check: when the plan changes

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right and the tour is canceled for weather reasons, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So don’t panic—just pay attention as the day approaches and treat weather as part of the itinerary.

Should you book this Arequipa hike + thermal baths?

I’d book this if you want a day that feels less like a checklist and more like a real sequence: hike, waterfall payoff, then hot springs recovery, plus a town stop that adds texture.

Book it especially if:

• You’re comfortable walking through puddles/streams for a few hours
• You want a small group experience (max 8)
• You like tours with practical included extras like snacks and bottled water
• You’re okay paying the thermal entrance separately (cash helps)

Skip it if:

• You dislike wet footing or stepping over uneven ground
• You know you’ll struggle in variable weather conditions

If you’re good with that mix, this is the kind of Arequipa day that reminds you why people plan more than just the main landmarks.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

What time does it start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks (cookies, cereal bar, and fruit), bottled water, hotel pickup, and admission for the Iglesia de Yura Viejo stop.

What is not included?

Entrance ticket to the thermal pools.

Do I need cash for the hot springs?

Yes. The thermal pool entrance is not included, and you should expect to pay on-site (around 5–10 soles depending on the day).

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes, it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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