Waterfalls, hot springs, and one small canyon trek. In Arequipa, this day pairs a Capua Canyon walk with a soak at El Tigre thermal pools, plus a simple town stop that feels real. It’s the kind of outing that lets you see more than just the usual photos.

I love the practical, friendly guiding. Pablo keeps the hike moving, helps with footing, and even captured lots of photos while you’re on the way to the falls. I also love that you finish by easing into hot springs after you’ve earned it with a wet, bouncy canyon route.

One thing to consider is the thermal pool entrance fee, which is not included, and you’ll want cash on hand. Also, the whole experience needs good weather, so plan flexibility.

Key highlights at a glance

• Capua Canyon approach to the waterfall with puddles and stream crossings that make it feel local and active
• Small group size (max 8), which helps the guide tailor pace and photos
• Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre: volcanic hot springs, about 40 minutes of soak time
• Yura Viejo church stop included, with a look at town life beyond the main sights
• Snacks and water included before and during the day, plus extra nibbles at the waterfall
• Bring cash for thermal entry (typically 5–10 soles depending on the day)

Capua Canyon waterfall hike: the part you’ll remember

The morning starts strong, with a trek into Capua Canyon on a route that’s more hands-on than “pretty trail.” You’ll be walking along and across puddles, small streams, and rocky spots to reach the base of the Capua Waterfall. It’s not a super technical climb, but it is wet, so treat it like a hike with splash potential.

What I like most here is the way the hike breaks the usual rhythm of a tour. Instead of just walking a paved path, you’re moving through a more natural, uneven setting. You’ll likely get moments where the trail feels calm and uncrowded, which gives your guide room to talk, point out the route, and help you settle in for photos.

Footing matters. The best plan is to wear shoes you’re happy to get a little waterlogged. One review shared that Pablo did the hike using sandals with a strap (like Tevas/Chacos style), which hints that the route can be handled in different ways. If you want options, pack a pair of sandals for after—your feet will thank you once you’re done with the wet approach.

You’ll spend around 4 hours on this first segment. The waterfall itself is the payoff: standing near the base, watching the water run, and finally having that moment where your whole group breathes out and says okay, that was worth getting wet for.

A few practical tips before you hit the canyon

• Bring sunscreen and bug spray. The day is outdoors, and you’ll be exposed during the hike.
• Wear footwear that won’t wreck your day if it gets damp.
• If you’re unsure about stream crossings, tell your guide early so they can steer your pace.

Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre: volcanic soak time (and cash)

After the hike, you go straight to Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre—hot springs of volcanic origin meant to help you refresh. The stop is short on purpose (about 40 minutes), so you’ll treat it like a reset button, not an all-day spa.

The pools are described as having healing qualities for bones and skin. Even if you’re not chasing medical claims, it’s still the right kind of recovery after walking in wet terrain: heat relaxes your legs, and the change of pace feels immediate.

Here’s the main budgeting piece: the thermal pool entrance ticket is not included. Bring cash. Based on real-world day-to-day pricing, it can run around 5–10 soles depending on the day. If you forget, you’re stuck negotiating your way through the situation instead of enjoying the soak.

Also, plan your timing in your head. With only 40 minutes, you’ll want to find a comfortable spot early, get in, and enjoy the heat without overthinking it. Think of it as a good, focused soak: enough time to feel better, not so much that you feel rushed leaving the pools.

Yura Viejo church stop: culture in an everyday town setting

Between the canyon and the baths, you’ll pass through Yura Viejo, a traditional town area where the pace feels different from the hills and water. You’ll spend about 1 hour on the church visit at Iglesia de Yura Viejo.

This stop isn’t framed as a grand monument tour. Instead, it’s a chance to see the church, culture, economy, and local attractions that shape daily life there. That’s the value: it gives you a bit of context for what you’re looking at around Arequipa, beyond the big-name viewpoints.

Admission for this stop is included, so you don’t have to add another ticket step to your day. And because it’s short, you won’t feel like you’re losing time—more like you’re filling the gaps between two physical experiences (hike, then soak).

If you like tours that mix action with a human-scale moment, this church stop is a nice counterbalance. You’re not only collecting sights—you’re picking up a sense of place.

How the 8.5-hour schedule really works in Arequipa

This runs about 8 hours 30 minutes total, starting at 8:00 am. You’ll get picked up from your hotel, then meet at C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru as the activity’s start point. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

That matters because timing can make or break a day like this. You’re combining a 4-hour hike, a 40-minute hot springs stop, and 1 hour for the church, with travel time between them. An early start helps you avoid turning the day into a sweaty marathon.

Group size is kept to a maximum of 8 people, which usually makes for a calmer experience. Small groups mean the guide can manage pacing and help with photo moments without everyone feeling rushed.

The route also depends on conditions. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered either a different date or a full refund. So if you’re planning your trip tightly, it’s smart to keep this day a little flexible when you can.

Price and value: what $62 covers, and what to budget for

At $62 per person, this is a strong deal if you compare it to what you’d pay for a private guide, plus transport, plus entry fees. Here’s the breakdown of the costs you can control.

What’s included:

• Hotel pickup
• Snacks (cookies, cereal bar, fruit)
• Bottled water
• Capua waterfall admission (free)
• Yura Viejo church admission (included)

What’s not included:

• Thermal pool entrance ticket (commonly 5–10 soles, depending on the day)

One review noted that at the waterfall, the guide had bagged snacks too (fruit, water, candy, and crackers). That’s consistent with the idea that you won’t just arrive, snap a photo, and go. You’ll have a little fuel to keep you moving through the later parts of the day.

So your real budgeting task is simple: keep enough cash for the hot springs. If you show up ready for that, you can relax about the rest of the day knowing most key costs are already handled in the tour price.

Footwear, sun, bugs, and the wet-rock reality

This isn’t a dry, dusty stroll. You’ll walk through puddles and streams on the way to the waterfall, so your comfort strategy matters.

From what you’ll experience, here’s what I’d do:

• Wear hiking shoes you don’t mind getting wet. The route can require stepping through water.
• Bring sandals for after. You’ll want a quick comfort switch once you finish the canyon.
• Use sunscreen. Morning to midday sun adds up fast on an outdoor trek.
• Pack bug spray. You’ll be outside long enough that it’s worth not skipping this.

You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Just aim for footwear that protects your feet during the wet part and helps you relax afterward.

Who should book this and who should rethink it

This is best for you if you want:

• A moderate day outdoors with real walking and real payoff at the waterfall
• A quick recovery soak afterward, not an all-day thermal commitment
• A small group experience (max 8) where your guide has time for photos and guidance
• An outing that includes more than one kind of sight: waterfall hike, hot springs, then a town church visit

It might not be your best fit if:

• You hate wet feet or aren’t comfortable walking through puddles and shallow stream areas
• You can’t handle weather-related changes. Poor weather can cancel the experience, and you’ll need to be flexible with dates.

Should you book this Capua waterfall and El Tigre thermal day?

Yes, if you want a practical, active Arequipa half-day that turns into something relaxing without feeling like a production. The value is clear: most entrances are covered, snacks and water are provided, and the only true extra cost is the hot springs ticket you can plan for with cash.

Book it confidently if you’re excited by a canyon walk and you enjoy the idea of mixing that with a volcanic hot soak and a short cultural stop in Yura Viejo. If you’re the type who prefers dry boardwalks and long spa hours, you may prefer a different style of outing. But for a morning start, a moderate trek, and a simple local-town rhythm, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

It’s about 8 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru and ends back at the meeting point.

How much does it cost?

The price is $62.00 per person.

What’s included in the price?

Pickup from your hotel, bottled water, and snacks (cookies, cereal bar, and fruit), plus admission for the waterfall and the church stop.

What is not included?

Entrance ticket to the thermal pools is not included.

What should I bring for the thermal pools and the hike?

The thermal pool entrance requires cash. For the hike, plan for outdoor conditions and bring sunscreen and bug spray.

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