Trekking Colca Canyon is undoubtedly one of Peru’s highlights. It offers everything you could want from a hiking experience, with jaw-dropping scenery, a knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to spot rare and impressive wildlife. Colca Canyon is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon which cements its status as the second deepest canyon in the world!
Please note: Visitors will need to carry their own bags throughout the trek (applies to both the 3D/2N and 2D/1N options).
3 Day / 2 Night Option
Day 1
If you are staying in the downtown area, prepare to be picked up from your accommodation in Arequipa between 3.00am and 3.30am. All other visitors will meet in front of the Cathedral in the Main Square at 3.00am.
You will meet your guide and fellow trekkers and then your transport will depart for the town of Chivay. Here you will have breakfast before you depart to the Cruz del Condor (Cross of the Condor). This is one of the best places to see the flight of the mighty Andean Condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world.
You will travel to Cabanaconde for around 10am, where there will be a short break before you embark on the trek into the Canyon. The day’s trekking will take around four hours. Once you and your group arrive at San Juan de Chuccho village, you will have lunch. The afternoon is free time that you can spend however you wish.
Dinner will be provided that evening as well as accommodation in the village.
Day 2
After breakfast, you will trek to the Sangalle Oasis which will take around three hours. During the journey, you will pass through small villages including Cosรฑirhua and Malata. This is a great opportunity to see how the local people live and tend to their crops. After arriving in Sangalle Oasis, you will have lunch, followed by a free afternoon. In this time, it is recommended that you enjoy the refreshing pools at the lodge. You will stay overnight in Sangalle Oasis where you will eat dinner that evening.
Day 3
The trek begins at 5am towards Cabanaconde. This hike should take around three hours and it is uphill all the way along a zigzag path. Upon your arrival, breakfast will be served.
At 9.30am, your transport will take you to Chivay, taking regular stops to enjoy the viewpoints over the canyon and other areas of interest. Upon arriving, You will have 45 minutes here to enjoy the hot springs which are ideal for relaxing your legs after the previous days of hiking.
Lunch will be served in Chivay before you begin the return journey to Arequipa. Along the way, you will make additional stops at the volcano viewpoint and also at a National Park.
Drop off is one block from the main square.
Meals included: 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 3 breakfasts.
Not included:
- Entrance fee into Colca – 70 soles per person
- Last lunch in Chivay
- Entrance into hot springs
2 Day / 1 Night Option
Day 1
Pick up will be from your accommodation if you are staying in the downtown area between 3.00am – 3.30am. If you are staying elsewhere, please meet at the Cathedral in the Main Square at 3.00am. After pick-up, you will head to the town of Chivay for breakfast before heading to the Cross of the Condor. Here you will get the opportunity to see some of the largest flying birds in the world as they soar around the Canyon.
You will then depart for Cabanaconde which is where your trek will begin from. Expect to walk for around four hours before reaching San Juan de Chuccho where lunch will be served. In the afternoon, you will trek for an additional three hours to the villages of Cosรฑirhua and Malata before reaching the famous Sangalle Oasis. There will be free time to enjoy the pools there prior to dinner. Accommodation will be dorm beds in rustic bungalows.
Day 2
You will start the trek to Cabanaconde at 5am. The path ascends for the three hours that it will take you to reach the destination. To reward your efforts, breakfast will be served upon arrival. After breakfast is finished, you will be transported back to Chivay to enjoy the hot springs (40 minutes) and have lunch. Stops will be made at villages of interest and viewpoints along the route.
The transport will take you back to Arequipa where you will aim to arrive at roughly 5pm. Stops will be taken along the journey to take in the views of the volcanoes and also give travellers the opportunity to spot vicuรฑas and alpacas.
Drop off is one block from the main square.
Meals included: 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 2 breakfasts.
Not included:
- Entrance fee into Colca – 70 soles per person
- Last lunch in Chivay
- Entrance into hot springs – 15 soles per person
What should I bring on my Colca Canyon Trekking Trip?
- Cash for extras, e.g. hot springs, extra meals
- Hiking specific clothing and footwear
- Rain jacket
- Suncream
- Mosquito repellent
- Swimwear for hot springs
- Toilet paper
- Towel
- Daypack
- Head Torch
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