A waterfall hike plus hot springs, same day. I like how this 8.5-hour outing strings together three different textures: Capua Canyon walking, a warm volcanic soak, and a stop in Yura Viejo to slow down and see local life. It is the kind of plan that feels active without turning into a full-day suffer-fest.

I especially enjoy two things here. First, the trek route is made for feet and calves to work: you’ll be moving through puddles and stream crossings as you head to the waterfall base. Second, the hot springs at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre are built into the day, so you’re not hunting for a separate experience later. One possible drawback: the thermal baths entrance isn’t included, so you’ll need extra cash on the spot.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Capua Canyon to the waterfall base: expect a real walk through puddles and streams.
• El Tigre hot springs stop: a focused 40 minutes to warm up after the hike.
• Small group size (max 8): more space to move and a calmer vibe on the trail.
• Free waterfall admission + church ticket included: you’re covered for two of the three main stops.
• Thermal pools cost extra: plan for 5–10 soles entrance on the day.

A Small-Group Arequipa Day That Blends Water, Warmth, and Local Culture

This is a straightforward day trip from Arequipa with a clear rhythm. You start early (8:00 am) and you’ll end back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out separate rides. The group is kept small, with a maximum of 8 people, which matters because it makes the hike feel more personal and less like you’re shepherded along.

The price is also pretty fair for what you get. At $62 per person, you’re not just paying for scenery. You’re covering the logistics—hotel pickup, a guided day, and the food basics (snacks plus bottled water). And because the Capua waterfall admission is free and the church admission is included, you avoid a lot of the usual “surprise add-ons” that happen on day tours.

Capua Canyon Trek to Capua Waterfall: Expect Stream Crossings

Your first stop is Capua waterfall, reached by a trek through Capua Canyon. The route is described as a wonderful walk through puddles and streams, and that’s exactly the point. This is not a dry, paved-out viewpoint hike. You’ll be moving over uneven ground, and you may get your shoes damp on the way to the base of the waterfall.

The good news: the time block is generous. You’ll spend about 4 hours here, which gives you enough room to pace yourself without feeling rushed. It also helps you soak in the canyon atmosphere—when you’re walking, you notice details you miss when you only arrive for photos.

What I’d watch for:

• Footwear matters. If you have hiking shoes that can handle wet ground, great. If you prefer open sandals, you’ll likely want a back-up plan because you’re also dealing with puddles and stream crossings.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray. The hike nature is outdoors, and the canyon setting is the kind of place where sun and insects can both show up.
• Expect that getting wet can be part of the deal. One practical tip from real on-the-ground experience: pack sandals for after. You’ll thank yourself when the walking is done and you want your feet to breathe.

If your guide is the kind of person who keeps the group moving and still finds moments to help you enjoy the day, you’ll feel it here. One guide named Pablo was praised for being very helpful and for taking lots of photos during the hike, which is ideal if you want real-looking travel shots without constantly asking strangers.

Timing reality check

Four hours sounds long until you’re doing it. That’s the difference between a quick photo stop and a true trek. You’re likely to spend some of that time walking, some pausing, and some adjusting your footing.

Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre Hot Springs: Warm Up the Right Way

After the hike, you shift gears to Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre. This part is built for recovery. You’ll enter hot springs of volcanic origin to refresh your body, and the pools are described as having healing qualities for bones and skin.

You only spend about 40 minutes here, which is short enough to keep the day moving but long enough to feel the temperature change on your body. Think of it as a reset button, not a full-day spa session.

The one cost you must plan for

Thermal entrance is not included in the $62 price. The entrance fee runs about 5–10 soles depending on the day, so bring cash. This is the main “gotcha” in the whole plan, and it’s easy to avoid if you’re prepared.

How to make the soak more comfortable

Even without any extra assumptions, hot springs have a rhythm: you rinse, you soak, you dry off, you head back out. So do yourself a favor:

• Bring a small towel if you can. The tour doesn’t list towels as included.
• If you packed sandals, this is where you’ll use them again when you’re done.
• Keep your valuables secured. You’re in and around water, so don’t rely on dry pockets alone.

Iglesia de Yura Viejo: A Church Stop That’s More Than a Photo

The third stop is Iglesia de Yura Viejo, with about 1 hour set aside. This isn’t presented as a museum-style visit. You pass through the traditional Yura Viejo town to see its church, culture, economy, and attractions.

That hour is valuable because it gives your day balance. After hiking and soaking, you get a chance to slow down and look at how people actually live nearby. A church stop can feel predictable on paper, but in this format it works because it’s paired with the surrounding town context. You’re not just looking at a building—you’re being shown a snapshot of local routines and everyday places.

Also, the admission ticket here is included. So you’re not paying extra for this part of the day, and you can spend the hour focused on what’s in front of you.

What You Pay For: Value Breakdown and Extra Costs

Let’s talk money in a practical way.

Included in the tour price

• Hotel pickup from Arequipa (so you’re not sorting transport)
• Snacks: cookies, cereal bar, and fruit
• Bottled water
• Admission for Yura Viejo’s church (included)
• Capua waterfall stop admission (free)
• A full guided day lasting about 8 hours 30 minutes total (including transitions)

Not included

• Entrance ticket to the thermal pools at Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre
• You’ll want to bring cash for that, since it’s typically 5–10 soles on the day

Is $62 worth it?

For me, the value comes from the mix. You’re getting an active canyon hike plus a structured hot springs stop plus an included cultural stop, all with pickup and basic snacks. If you tried to piece these together alone, you’d spend time coordinating rides and probably end up spending similar money once transport and admissions add up.

Getting Ready: Footwear, Sunscreen, and Cash for the Pools

This tour rewards you for being ready.

Footwear

You’ll be trekking through puddles and streams. Hiking shoes are a safe bet. If you’re the sandals-everywhere type, consider packing footwear with traction for the walking, then swap into sandals after the hike. One on-the-ground detail shared by a guide-led experience: Pablo demonstrated footwear options like Tivas/Chacos with a strap, which can work for some people when water is part of the route.

Bring cash

Thermal entrance is the only listed add-on cost, and it’s small, but you need cash in hand.

Bring sun and bug protection

Sunscreen and bug spray are worth it. It’s outdoors, and insects can be a factor in canyon areas.

Bring a simple dry plan

Because you may step through water, think about how you’ll manage damp clothes and wet shoes. A small plastic bag for wet items can make the rest of the day more comfortable.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Re-think It)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A non-rushed day that still includes real movement
• A waterfall experience that happens on foot, not just from a roadside viewpoint
• A hot springs stop that is built into the schedule
• A small group day (max 8)

It’s also a nice choice if you like local-scale travel. The itinerary keeps you away from the “one place, one photo, next van” rhythm. And with fewer people, you may find the trail feels more personal.

You might want to skip or adjust if…

• You don’t want to deal with wet ground or stream crossings
• You hate additional cash costs for activities (because the pools require an entrance fee)
• You’re planning around tight time windows, since the full day is about 8.5 hours

Should You Book This Capua + El Tigre Day?

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes variety in one day—walking to a waterfall, then warming up in hot springs, then seeing a town church—this is an easy yes. The logistics are clean: pickup, snacks, water, included church admission, and free waterfall admission. The only extra step is cash for the thermal pools.

One more reason I’d lean toward booking: the pace. Four hours for the trek plus a separate hot springs block means you’re not rushed through the parts that actually matter.

If you want a day that feels active but not punishing, and you enjoy off-center local routes around Arequipa, this tour fits the bill.

FAQ

How long is the trekking, waterfalls and thermal baths tour?

It runs for about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

The tour starts at C. Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru at 8:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes hotel pickup, snacks (cookies, cereal bar, and fruit), bottled water, Capua waterfall access, and admission to Iglesia de Yura Viejo.

Are the thermal baths tickets included?

No. The entrance ticket for Pozo de Aguas Termales El Tigre is not included. The entrance fee is typically 5–10 soles depending on the day.

How much time do we spend at the hot springs?

You’ll have about 40 minutes at the thermal pools.

What should I wear for the Capua waterfall trek?

Wear footwear suitable for trekking through puddles and streams. It can be a wet route, so hiking shoes are a practical choice, and sandals for after can help.

What snacks and drinks are provided?

You’ll get snacks including cookies, a cereal bar, and fruit, plus bottled water.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience 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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