A waterfall day that starts with wading and ends in warm pools. This half-day style outing packs a Capua Canyon trek, a refreshing stop at El Tigre hot springs, and a look at local life in Yura Viejo. It is a very practical way to see more of Arequipa beyond the usual viewpoints.

Two things I really like: the canyon hike itself, with its playful puddles and streams, and the way the experience keeps you moving with snack breaks and helpful guidance. One guide, Pablo, is mentioned as being extra hands-on, taking lots of photos along the way and helping people stay comfortable.

One thing to plan for: the hot springs entrance is not included, so you will want cash ready for the day. Also, the tour requires good weather, so expect changes if skies are not cooperating.

Key highlights you should care about

• Capua Canyon trek with river crossings that feel more adventurous than a typical waterfall walk
• El Tigre thermal pools for a short 40-minute soak to warm up without eating your whole day
• Yura Viejo church and town pass-through for a more everyday Arequipa stop
• Small group size (max 8 travelers), which usually means less crowding on the trail
• Snack-and-water support included, so you are not relying on vending machines out in the countryside

Capua Canyon waterfall trek: why this hike feels different

The best part of this tour is the build-up to the waterfall. You do not just walk to a view, you work your way through Capua Canyon, where the path includes puddles and little streams. It is the kind of route that makes you pay attention to your footing and feel the day happening under your shoes.

For me, that is what makes it feel authentic. Instead of a single straight trail, the canyon forces you to move like a local walking around a water system. And because it is about getting to the base of the falls, you end up in the right spot to really experience the water, not just photograph it from above.

Timing it right: a 4-hour hike with real momentum

You have about 4 hours for the canyon walk and reaching the waterfall base. That is enough time to enjoy the scenery and still have enough energy for the hot springs afterward. The day is paced so you are not exhausted before your soak, which matters because the return travel eats into the full 8 hours 30 minutes.

If you are the type who gets restless on long, slow sightseeing tours, this one is good. You are walking, then you are pausing, then you are walking again. Short rests and the snacks included at the right moments help keep the effort from turning into a chore.

What the Capua Waterfall walk is really like

Expect a hike that includes wading. One of the most useful tips from real experience here is footwear planning: wearing hiking shoes through the water is totally doable. The trick is to think about your “after” moment too, because your feet will be wet at least for part of the route.

I like the way the route adds fun without needing any special climbing gear. You are jumping puddles and stepping through streams as you go, and that keeps the hike from feeling monotonous. If you are someone who enjoys that hands-on, feet-on-the-ground travel style, this is your kind of day.

Footwear tip that can save your comfort

Bring sandals or an easy-change option for after. Even if you hike in shoes, you will appreciate something to slip into once you are done with the water crossing. You can also see why some travelers prefer strap-style footwear during parts of the trek, since it can handle water better while still feeling secure.

The guide makes the difference on canyon days

On a canyon hike, the guide is not just there for directions. They help you feel safe, keep the pacing comfortable, and handle the little logistics you do not think about until you need them.

A guide named Pablo is specifically highlighted for being very helpful, including stopping to take photos during the hike. That matters because on a trail like this, you are busy looking down at your footing. Having someone who can point, reposition, and keep the group moving makes the photo part feel easy instead of stressful.

The emotional payoff: reaching the base of the waterfall

Getting to the base changes the whole experience. From up high, you get an image. At the base, you get scale, sound, and that cool misty feeling. Your body notices the temperature shift, and you understand why people come back to waterfall spots.

This stop is also a nice breather. Admission to this waterfall area is free, which is a small but real cost saver. More importantly, it is free time to linger and soak it in without feeling like you are rushing to beat a ticket window.

Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre: how to use your 40 minutes

After the hike, you get a hot springs break at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre. The pools are volcanic in origin, and the idea is that they can be beneficial for bones and skin. Even if you do not take the “healing qualities” angle literally, a warm soak after wading through streams is still a big quality-of-life win.

You only have about 40 minutes here, so treat it like a mini reset. Get in, let your legs and lower body warm up, and keep an eye on your energy so you do not feel sluggish on the ride back. This is not the kind of thermal experience where you should plan to socialize for hours. It is a quick, functional soak.

Bring cash for the thermal pools

The thermal entrance is not included. A practical tip: plan for 5 to 10 soles depending on the day. Keep some small bills or coins if you can. This is the most likely “surprise cost” in an otherwise straightforward tour price.

Yura Viejo church stop: culture without the pressure

The final stop is the Iglesia de Yura Viejo area, with about 1 hour to pass through the traditional town and take in the church plus local culture and economy. This part is valuable because it balances the physical day with something more human.

Instead of just staring at buildings, you get a short, guided-style walk through a place that feels lived in. It is not a museum, it is a town with a church at the center of daily life. That kind of stop can make the whole day feel more connected to the region, not just its natural attractions.

One extra plus: admission for this church stop is included, so you do not need to scramble for a ticket right at the end of the tour.

Price and logistics: what you are paying for, and what you are not

At $62 per person, this tour is good value for a day that includes transportation, a guided trek, snacks, and admissions for the waterfall and church stop. You also get bottled water, which sounds minor until you are halfway through a hike and suddenly realize you have been drinking nothing but morning coffee.

The trade-off is simple: the thermal pool entrance ticket is not included. That is why bringing cash is smart. If you budget for that extra cost up front, the rest of the day stays predictable.

Group size is also part of the value. The tour caps at 8 travelers, which usually means less waiting around at the waterfall area and fewer bottlenecks on the route. On a day with water crossings, being able to move without crowd pressure makes a difference.

Included snacks, water, and why that matters on a water day

You get snacks like cookies, a cereal bar, and fruit, plus bottled water. This is the kind of inclusion that makes the tour feel thoughtful, not just “we drove you somewhere.”

When you are hiking in and around streams, you burn energy faster than you expect. Having food breaks built into the day keeps your mood up and helps you enjoy the waterfall stop instead of starting to feel shaky before the hot springs.

Where you start, and how to plan your morning

The tour begins at 8:00 am at C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, and it ends back at the meeting point. Hotel pickup is included, so you should not need to figure out a last-minute ride across town if your hotel is in the pickup zone.

For the best experience, arrive ready for a real walk. Start your day with sunscreen and light bug spray if you tend to get bothered outdoors. Those are not “nice to have” extras here, because you are outside for a good chunk of time, with stretches where you are standing still and letting the canyon do its thing.

Weather matters more than you think

This experience requires good weather. If the tour is canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

On canyon routes, rain can turn a fun wet-wading hike into a less comfortable one. The good news is that because the operator is making the weather call, you are more likely to get conditions that match the plan, not a risky shortcut.

Who should book this tour in Arequipa?

This tour fits best if you want a day that mixes nature and real local texture without feeling like a full-day marathon.

You will especially like it if:

• You enjoy walking routes where the ground matters, not just viewpoint hopping
• You want a guided experience with help for photos and pacing
• You like the idea of a quick thermal soak as a reward, not a long half-day spa plan
• You prefer smaller groups, with space to move on the trail

It may not be ideal if you want a totally dry, flat, easy stroll. This is a canyon day with water crossings, so expect wet shoes at least at some point.

Also note: service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate. The tour is near public transportation, but since pickup is included, you likely will not rely on transit unless you are customizing your schedule.

Should you book Trekking, Waterfalls and Thermal Baths?

I would book it if your Arequipa trip needs one active, off-the-main-track day that still feels practical and comfortable. The mix of Capua Canyon walking, a real waterfall payoff, and a quick thermal warm-down is a smart formula, especially at this price point.

Book it with the one caveat in mind: bring cash for the El Tigre hot springs entrance, and be ready for weather-dependent scheduling. If you do that, you get a day that feels more like a local route and less like a checklist.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included.

What food and drinks are included?

You get snacks (cookies, cereal bar, and fruit) and bottled water.

Are tickets included for every stop?

The waterfall stop has free admission, and the church stop includes admission. The thermal pools entrance ticket is not included.

How much does the thermal pools entrance cost?

The entrance is typically 5 to 10 soles, depending on the day.

What should I bring for the hike?

Plan for footwear that can handle puddles and streams, and bring sandals for after. Also bring sunscreen and bug spray.

What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any other reason.