canyon colca trek

Hiking the Colca Canyon, Peru: The Complete Travel Guide

By Author Arakita Rimbayana

Posted on Last updated: 22nd October 2023

Move over the Grand Canyon: there’s a much more impressive canyon in town. Peru’s Colca Canyon is the world’s second deepest, measuring in at around 3,400m at its deepest point – twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

Epic it most certainly is, and a hike into the depths of this colossal fissure is a fascinating – and physically challenging – experience.

The landscape here is remarkably diverse and offers new perspectives at each turn of the trail. You’ll hike from the terraced farmlands on the rim of the canyon down into a sparkling oasis at its heart as condors soar above.

Unlike the far more famous Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu , the Colca Canyon hike doesn’t have an official start or end point, with various different routes to choose from.

Due to the sheer number of potential paths, it’s nearly impossible to discuss all the available options, but all of them generally share one thing in common: they start with a long, winding path down toward the oasis – a place of lush vegetation and refreshing pools – at the bottom of the canyon and end with a challenging climb back out again.

Ready to hike? Before you do, this nuts-and-bolts guide will talk you through routes spanning one day to three days, as well as bus timetables, a recommended accommodation, packing list and pre-departure considerations to ensure you put your best foot forward.

Here’s how to hike Peru’s spectacular Colca Canyon.

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Preparing to hike the Colca Canyon

Before we begin, it’s worth understanding a little more about treks in the Colca Canyon. While the going here is tough, it’s very rewarding, although you’ll definitely want to be prepared before you leave.

1. How long does it take to visit the Colca Canyon?

It really depends on how much time you have and how you’d like to explore the canyon. Most travellers choose to do the two-day Colca Canyon hike – one night in the oasis – which involves an early morning bus from Arequipa on day one. Alternatively, the three-day/two-night trek gives you a chance to explore more of the canyon’s epic scenery.

With that said, you can also do the one-day hike without an overnight stay in the oasis. This option is, of course, one of the most challenging as you don’t have much time to rest and day tours start at 4am from Arequipa.

For inexperienced and beginner hikers, we recommend signing up with a Colca Canyon private tour if a one-day trip is what you prefer.

A private guide will arrange your transport and meals and ensure you don’t get behind schedule and drop you back at your accommodation in Arequipa at the end of a long but .

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2. Where does the trek into the Colca Canyon start?

The Colca Canyon trek does not have a specific starting point, as there are a variety of different routes and trailheads, depending on how far you wish to hike (see our Colca Canyon map above for more details).

However, the common starting points are located in Cabanaconde. The most popular one is located north of Plaza de Armas , which leads straight to Sangalle.

Another starting point in Cabanaconde is located west of the Plaza de Armas. This one leads to Llahuar, through the western loop of the oasis. The other starting point, Mirador de San Miguel, is located a 30-minute walk from the town.

3. When is the best time to do the Colca Canyon trek?

April and May are the best months to visit the Colca Canyon as the valley turns green following the seasonal rains but the mountains are still capped with snow.

That said, the Colca Canyon weather is generally warm and dry all year long – except for January through March when it rains almost every day. Because of the elevation, nights can be cold, especially if it’s been cloudy during the day.

Low pollution levels in the desert region mean a clear night sky. If you can time your trip, visit during the new moon in April or May. The views at night are majestic!

To know more about Peru and its weather conditions, read our guide on the best time to visit Peru next.

4. How fit do I need to be?

Overall, the Colca Canyon trek is challenging, whichever path you choose. Even though the hike down may be easy, you still need to hike your way out of the canyon, and, with Sangalle sitting at 2,100 metres of elevation and Cabanaconde at 3,300 metres, you’re facing the effects of altitude, too.

Another thing to consider is that it’s a high desert region where the sun is pretty intense, and there are not many trees to offer shade. Moreover, the paths are mostly dusty with small, loose rocks, which is physically demanding.

You don’t need to be super fit to do the Colca Canyon hike. But it’s definitely not for a first-timer or anyone with mobility issues. Since there’s no place to spend the nights other than in Cabanaconde or in the villages within the canyon, once you start your hike, there’s no stopping. So, good cardio, strong legs, and a sense of determination are a must.

5. How much does it cost to hike in the Colca Canyon?

If you travel on your own and without taking an organised Colca Canyon tour, the hike itself is free. All you need to budget for is transport, food, and accommodation.

On a non-guided three-day/two-night hike, you can exect to spend around $150 USD for two people in a double room. This cost includes a private room (one night each in Llahuar and Sangalle), colectivo fares from and to Arequipa, plus meals at the lodgings.

Signing up with tours may cost less as they put you up in dorm accommodation, while prices of Colca Canyon private tours vary – from $30 USD to $100 USD per person per day – depending on what the operator provides.

6. Do I need to take a tour or can I hike the Colca Canyon treks alone?

Not necessarily. With our Colca Canyon map, you can choose the route you like and hike without a tour or a guide. Besides, the locals are helpful when you ask them for directions. With that said, joining one helps avoid any unpleasant surprises such as missing the last bus!

Colca Canyon tour options

The most common options to trek the Colca Canyon are one-day, two-day, and three-day/two-nights trips. The Colca Canyon day trip will take you straight to Sangalle in the oasis, where you can have a short lunch break before going back up to Cabanaconde. If this is what you prefer, it’s best to have a guide with you.

With a guide, you’ll stay on track, which is important to make sure you get back safely and on time. Besides, you’ll have everything prearranged for you in the oasis.

Remember that Sangalle is not really a town as such, more of a spot to rest in the oasis. Even though it’s often visited by tourists, there are no restaurants or shops with walk-in services. Instead, you tend to request and eat all of your meals at your accommodation, so if you’re hiking for just the day, you might struggle to find somewhere to eat.

Paying for a guided tour is a good choice if you’re on a day trip as your meal will be ready, made according to your preferences!

Colca Canyon packing list

The weather in the Colca Canyon makes it a little tricky when it comes to what to pack and what to wear.

Though the temperature in the oasis stays around 15 o C (59 o F) during the day, it’s pretty hot in Cabanaconde, especially when you hike under the sun. So, wear something you can sweat in, but bring a jacket or an extra layer in case the sun decides to hide behind the cloud.

• Sunblock and a hat. The sun can be pretty intense even at seven o’clock in the morning! Put on sunblock before your hike and keep your head protected under a wide-brimmed hat.
• Insect repellent. Especially in the oasis, there will be insects wherever you go. Protect yourself with insect repellent that lasts a long time, so you don’t have to constantly stop to re-apply. Something like Sawyer’s insect repellent is great; put it on right before your hike, and it will protect you for up to eight hours.
• A trekking pole. Hiking down thousands of metres of the Colca Canyon elevation towards the oasis can be challenging. A trekking pole (or even a pair of them) helps prevent you from losing your balance and slipping down.
• A raincoat. Even if it’s not the rainy season (December through March), there’s still a chance of drizzle. We recommend Patagonia’s Storm 10 (find it on Backcountry | Patagonia | Amazon ), a lightweight, highly waterproof, and durable raincoat, or the North Face Alta Vista Jacket ( Amazon | REI ), which is significantly cheaper but offers good weather protection.
• One litre of water for every three hours of your hike (and more for the climb!). Having a sip of water every now and then during your trek is vital. The intense sun combined with the dryness of the high desert region means more effort is required to stay hydrated. Note that you cannot drink the tap water in the Colca Canyon and the water in the river is likely contaminated by mining waste. The only chance you’ll have to restock is to buy bottled water at your lodging or small shops you’ll find in the villages.
• Snacks. Some parts of the trek, especially between Cabanaconde and Llahuar, have no shops in between. To stop you running on empty, pack protein bars, energy drinks, and other types of sustenance that help curb your hunger while providing you extra energy.
• Warm clothes. Even though it’s not winter, nights in the oasis can get below freezing. Pack a jacket and nice warm socks to help you sleep better. You’ll need your zs before a challenging hike the next day!

Colca Canyon hiking routes

Now you’re fully prepared for the trek, it’s time to plan your route. When it comes to choosing your Colca Canyon hiking route, you’ve got a wealth of options.

Typically, you can opt to hike one route into the canyon (to one of the three settlements in the oasis at the bottom) and return the same way, or hike a full loop into and then around around the canyon (taking a circuit that heads east or west).

To help you decide, we’ve focused on three routes which differ according to their difficulty, the majesty of their scenery and the terrain they cross. The durations given are how long we would recommend in order for you to hike comfortable and have time to enjoy some relaxation when you arrive at the oasis towns for the evening.

And if you’re feeling like you need an extra day of rest before embarking on the steep climb out, you can always extend any one of these routes by including an additional night staying at the oasis.

Please note, hiking times have been calculated based on being fit, healthy and having experience of hiking, and they don’t include rest or stop times, so be sure to build these into your hiking plans.

Colca Canyon route maps

To help you understand the different routes, each has been marked onto this map.

These include the following:

• Red: Cabanaconde – Sangalle – Cabanaconde (one day; 9.2 kilometres; challenging)
• Purple and red: Cabanaconde – San Juan de Chuccho – Sangalle – Cabanaconde (or viceversa) (two days; 17 kilometres; challenging)
• Yellow, orange and red: Cabanaconde – Llahuar – Sangalle – Cabanaconde (or viceversa) (three days; 29.6 kilometres; very challenging).

One-day hike: Cabanaconde – Sangalle – Cabanaconde (Red)

• Duration: 9.2 kilometres (5.7 miles); 7 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Starting point: Cabanaconde (north of Plaza de Armas at the end of GrauStreet. From there, follow the arrows through the local farmland)
• Ending point: The same as the starting point

Only have one day to do the Colca Canyon trek? This is the route for you. The most popular path as it leads directly down into the oasis, it follows an extremely steep and rocky, 4.6-kilometre descent into the depths of the canyon. You’ll need three hours to go down and four hours to hike the same route back out.

To avoid the crowds – and give yourself plenty of time to complete the trek –  take the earliest colectivo (at 4am) from Arequipa. You’ll arrive around 8am-9am in Cabanaconde. A better option is to spend the night before in Cabanaconde, which will allow you to start earlier and reach the cool waters of the oasis sooner – giving you more time to relax in Sangalle.

For that, La Casa de Santiago – located right at the trailhead – is an excellent choice of accommodation.

If you’re worried about fitness levels or time and can’t face the hike, there is another option: riding a mule to go back out to Cabanaconde! Rent one for around S/70 (around $17 USD), and, as it leaves Sangalle at five in the morning, you’ll need to arrange the ride with your lodging host the previous day.

Note that it’s still a challenging ride up and out of Colca Canyon, so we don’t recommend it if you’ve never tried non-guided horseback riding before.

Two days and one night: Cabanaconde – San Juan de Chuccho – Sangalle – Cabanaconde (or viceversa)

• Duration: 17 kilometres (10.5 miles); two days
• Starting point: Mirador de San Miguel or (30 minutes walking distance from Cabanaconde)
• Ending point: Cabanaconde (north of Plaza de Armas)

Day one: Cabanaconde – San Juan de Chuccho – Sangalle (Purple); 12.5 kilometres (7.8 miles); 7 hours

This loop takes you out east to explore the a more remote part of the canyon compared to the one-day hike itinerary above.

Though it takes more time and effort to get to the oasis, it’s more enjoyable as the views of the canyon are magnificent and you’ve got more time to appreciate them rather spending the entire time watching your footing as you descend.

Day one is the most demanding on this two-day Colca Canyon hike. Unlike the other two routes, the starting point is located around two kilometres outside of Cabanaconde. From there, it’s a winding, seven-kilometre, five-hour path down towards San Juan de Chuccho, a cluster of houses nestled into the canyon’s eastern flank.

Stop here for lunch at one of its small restaurants – although many remain closed due to the pandemic, so bringing a packed lunch is a sensible idea – before continuing your journey to Sangalle.

After lunch, it’s a two-hour, 5.5-kilometre trek to reach Sangalle. While Google Maps shows an alternative route across the floor of the canyon straight from San Juan de Chuccho to Sangalle, we didn’t see any visible, safe path.

Instead, it’s best to climb out of the canyon following the marked route through Cosñinhua and Malata, skirt the edge through the two towns, and finally down to Sangalle.

Where to stay: There are four lodging options in Sangalle. With lovely grounds and excellent service, Oasis Paraiso Ecolodge ($40 USD double with private bathroom) is the pick of the bunch.

Day two: Sangalle – Cabanaconde (Red); 4.6 kilometres (2.8 miles); 4 hours

Leave Sangalle early (5 a.m.) to avoid the heat from the sun – and to be back in time to take the bus to Arequipa – as you take on the steep and rocky path out of the canyon. If hiring a mule for the way out, you’ll be starting at this time, too.

Three days and two nights: Cabanaconde – Llahuar – Sangalle – Cabanaconde (or viceversa)

• Duration: 29.6 kilometres (18.4 miles); three days
• Difficulty: Very challenging
• Starting point: Cabanaconde (west of Plaza de Armas). Follow Calle Bolivar west away from the Plaza de Armas in Cabanaconde to its conclusion; you’ll see a bull arena (marked as Plaza de Toros) at the beginning of the path.

This route is our favourite for exploring the Colca Canyon as it takes you around both sides of the gorge, down into one oasis village – Llahuar – and into another – Sangalle – therefore allowing you to see this dramatic canyon from all angles.

Day one: Cabanaconde – Llahuar (Yellow); 12 kilometres (7.5 miles); 5 hours

Start your hike at first light from Cabanaconde. The path will take you through local farmlands towards the edge of the southern side of the canyon. This hike starts gently, giving you the option to admire and take photos of the northern side of the canyon from afar.

After about 30 minutes on this path, you’ll reach your first descent into the canyon. A rocky path descends to a small wooden bridge that connects the southern and the western sides of the canyon. On the other side of the bridge is a flatter, easier route skirting the edge of the trek’s westernmost part. The views during this part of the hike are fantastic!

After skirting the edge of the canyon, you’ll reach the most challenging part of day one: another descent to the oasis on a steep, rocky trail. When on this path, please pay attention to each step on the loose rocks, especially on the steepest parts.

This one-hour-long zig-zag path meets a big road in the end. Follow the road down towards a big bridge that crosses Rio Colca. From there, it’s a bit of a walk uphill until you find an intersection that splits the road into two options: one to Tapay and another to Llahuar. Take the latter to get to a path down – another zig-zaggy one – towards the last bridge you need to cross to get to the hamlet of Llahuar.

Where to stay: There are a couple of lodging options in Llahuar. We stayed in a private room with a shared bathroom at Casa de Virginia ($20 USD double). Breakfast by the river is included. Deliciously hot thermal pools are available for guests to soak their tired legs under the stars.

Day two: Llahuar – Sangalle (Orange); 13 kilometres (8 miles); 5 hours

If you’re a beginner trekker, or a slow walker, leave Llahuar as early as possible on day two, as you’ll be hiking a long distance as you move from one part of the canyon to another. First, return to the intersection you descended to reach Llahuar yesterday, but instead take the lefthand road towards Tapay.

This road skirts the hillside until you arrive in a village called Paclla, where you’ll find a small pathway up the hill heading north out of the village.

If you’re not sure which pathway to take, you can ask for directions to Belen. Note that the locals may direct you to the main road, but we don’t recommend this as the road is too long and not meant for pedestrians. The pathway is more steep and challenging, but it’s significantly shorter than the road.

It’s a steep climb for about an hour until you reach Belen. From here, follow the main road heading southwest out of the village, which follows the edges of the canyon for a number of miles until you see a descending path towards Sangalle.

There are two ways to descend to Sangalle: the first point you’ll encounter – marked with a road sign – is shorter but can be dangerous, especially for tired legs; locals actually stopped us from going down this path. Instead, continue along the road and descend into the village of Malata.

From there, just follow the trail down past a reservoir, across farmland, and finally down a steep, winding path to Sangalle; you’ll find a road sign marking the start of this final descent.

Day three: Sangalle – Cabanaconde (Red)

Leave Sangalle early (5 a.m.) to avoid the heat from the sun – and to be back in time to take the bus to Arequipa – as you take on the steep and rocky path out of the canyon, which should take around four hours. If hiring a mule for the way out, you’ll be starting at this time, too.

Transportation and logistics

Located 220 kilometres away from Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is served by a decent array of public transport. That said, regardless of the route you take, you need to begin your hike early in the day, planning your route to the trailhead (and back to Arequipa) is essential.

Transportation to Cabanaconde from Arequipa

To get to any starting point for hiking into the Colca Canyon from Arequipa, you have three options: on a bus straight to Cabanaconde, on a colectivo (a van) to Chivay (a town 1.5 hours away from Cabanaconde), or signing up with a Colca Canyon tour.

The latter is the most expensive, but they will arrange everything for you, including transport from and to Arequipa. Some even provide a private guide to accompany you on the trek as well – although we don’t believe this to be a necessary expense, as the trail is easy to follow (download Maps.Me and the map for the region before you leave, however, so you have a map and GPS for the duration of your hike).

The bus (S/25 or $6.13 USD) takes six to seven hours from Arequipa’s bus terminal (Terminal Terrestre de Arequipa) to Cabanaconde and can take longer as it stops at every town in between.

Since the pandemic, there’s currently only one company operating the Arequipa-Cabanaconde route: Andalucia. They leave 3 times a day. 1am, 3:30am and 1pm and charge S/25 or $6/50.

An alternative is to take a colectivo (S/20 or $5 USD), which is faster and have a greater frequency, with one leaving every one to 1.5 hours.  

Since Covid, there’s only one operator for colectivo : Caminos del Inca . The earliest van leaves at 4 a.m. and the latest at 1 p.m., with one leaving every one to 1.5 hours in between. Though when there’s high demand, they may add more schedules up to 3 p.m. Keep in mind that the colectivo only reaches Chivay. From here, you need to take another colectivo (S/10 or $2.45 USD) to Cabanaconde. The van leaves Chivay at 9am. If you miss it or prefer a more convenient way, taxis are available from Chivay that will take you to Cabanaconde for S/80-100 (around $19-25 USD).

Note that at the time of update, Oct 2023, there has been a fatal accident involving this colectivo operator. We recommend that when you arrive in Arequipa you do some reasearch before booking with a colectivo operator.

If you’re planning to start your hike from the Mirador de San Miguel, ask the colectivo or bus to let you off at the stop, which is located on the road before Cabanaconde. This will save you an hour of walking time.

The transport timetables are below:

Transportation from Cabanaconde to Arequipa

Unless you sign up with Colca Canyon tours, getting back can involve more effort than getting to the Colca Canyon from Arequipa. Basically, you need to take the same transportation to get to the Colca Canyon: on a colectivo from Cabanaconde to Chivay and another colectivo from Chivay to Arequipa, or a bus straight from Cabanaconde to Arequipa (which also stops in Chivay).

Read our Transportation from Arequipa to Cabanaconde section above for more details.

This trip is more challenging because due to the limited number of vehicles operating, you may have to wait up to several hours to get a seat.

And you can’t book the colectivo in advance. If you’d like everything set before your trip, book your seat with the Andalucia bus operator that leaves at 1 p.m. from Cabanaconde. Whichever means of transport you choose, you can access it from the Plaza de Armas.

Looking to do some other hiking while you’re in South America? Don’t miss our guide to hiking the Inca Trail , our article on the 21 best hikes in Peru , or this round-up of the 11 best South America hikes .

Monday 10th of July 2023

Great read. Do you recommend booking a 3D/2N tour online or would it be cheaper/ possible to book the day before in person in Arequipa? Thanks!

Steph Dyson

Wednesday 20th of September 2023

Hi Alana, booking online isn't necessarily more expensive - and it guarantees that the tour is running when you want to do it! Steph

Colca Canyon Trek: Routes, Trail Info, and Tips

Colca Canyon ( Cañon del Colca in Spanish) is the world’s second deepest canyon, famous for its beautiful terraced hillsides and flying condors . But you have only half-experienced the highlights of this region in Peru if you don’t plan a Colca Canyon trek.

The trails in Colca may not pass as many stone ruins as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but the region makes up for it with stunning scenery and natural hot springs. In general, the further you walk, the fewer people you’ll share the trails within and around Colca Canyon.

Choose your base in Cabanaconde, a town on the canyon rim, and depart on one of the trails leading down into Colca Canyon. Alternatively, the town of Chivay in the upper Colca Valley is a convenient spot to plan day hikes to Andean villages surrounded by terraced hillsides.

Treks in Colca Canyon Day Hikes (in Colca Valley) Trail Information Colca Canyon Tour Vs Colca Canyon Trek Tips for Trekking Without a Guide Packing Essentials Start Planning

Treks in Colca Canyon

The town of Cabanaconde is only 8 mi (13 km) past the iconic Colca Canyon condor viewing platform, or Mirador Cruz del Condor , and a must-visit spot for trekkers. In Cabanaconde, you can take walking trails that connect villages and natural attractions in Colca Canyon.

Colca Canyon is not just one defined trekking loop or path , unlike other treks in Peru . The map below indicates popular trail routes (in black) connecting villages within the canyon. There are several treks to choose from, and below are a few two and three-day options.  Longer routes take you to further spots such as Huaruro waterfall and Tapay village.

Colca Canyon Trek Map by Peru For Less

Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days: Short and Sweet

Recommended if you are short on time but would still like to trek into the canyon

Route: Cabanaconde > Sangalle Oasis > Cabanaconde Overnight: Sangalle Distance: about 5 mi (8 km) roundtrip

The well-trodden trail to the oasis known as Sangalle is a very popular Colca Canyon 2 day trek. Basic bungalows, campgrounds, and even pools for swimming make Sangalle a comfortable and popular village to spend the night. Plus, if you are trekking without a guide, there are places to buy cooked meals and extra water.

Escape to the canyon oasis of Sangalle. Photo by Sander Lenaerts on Unsplash .

Reaching the oasis takes about two hours descending on foot while ascending the steep trail back to the canyon rim can take anywhere from two to three hours (or more depending on your level of fitness and acclimation).

The down-and-up loop into the canyon from Cabanaconde is usually split up with a night in Sangalle, but it’s possible to do it in one day. However, there is a good chance you’ll remember more about being exhausted than being amazed by the canyon scenery if you do it in only one day.

Arequipa Tours:

Colca Canyon Trek 3 Days: Popular Route

Recommended for an extended stay in Colca Canyon

Route: Cabanaconde > San Juan de Chuccho > Sangalle Oasis > Cabanaconde Overnight: San Juan de Chuccho (night 1), Sangalle (night 2) Distance: about 12 mi (20 km) total

Set out on a trekking loop into the eastern part of Colca Canyon and spend the night in the villages of San Juan de Chuccho and Sangalle. Averaging between four to five hours of walking each day, this three-day trip isn’t too strenuous if you walk at a steady pace.

The village San Juan de Chuccho from high across the river. Photo (modified for size) by Monty VanderBilt/Flickr .

From the trailhead, not far outside Cabanaconde, the trail begins fairly even and transitions to switchbacks along the steeper descent to the canyon floor. The small village of San Juan de Chuccho sits along the Colca River and is not accessible by car. Guesthouse accommodations are limited and minimalist, but usually include a bed (dorm or private) and meals.

The next day, continue onwards to Sangalle. Pass through the village of Cosñirhua along the way and buy extra water and snack foods (fruit, chips, etc). The sparse vegetation on the trail transitions to greener vegetation and palm trees the closer you get to the Sangalle oasis for the second night.

Save your energy for the steep climb out of the canyon on the third and final day of the trek. Mules are available to hire if you need help and are included with some guided tours.

Colca Canyon Trek 3 Days: A Challenge

Recommended if you are in good shape

Route: Cabanaconde > Llahuar > San Juan de Chuccho > Cabanaconde Overnight: Llahuar (night 1), San Juan de Chuccho (night 2) Distance: about 19 mi (30 km)

This trekking loop takes you into the canyon to the village of Llahuar in the west to San Juan de Chuccho in the east. Sangalle is not part of this itinerary, allowing you to bypass the crowds and party-goers that sometimes occupy the oasis.

All trails go to beauty in Colca Canyon. Photo by free range jace/Flickr .

All Colca Canyon treks begin with a grueling descent into the canyon floor. The walk from Cabanaconde to the tiny community of Llahuar takes around four to five hours and covers 6.5 mi (10.5 km). Accommodation in Llahuar is limited to only a handful of options. Llahuar Lodge is cozy and offers guests access to three thermal pools down by the river where you can soak sore muscles. From Llahuar, you can visit Huaruro Waterfall.

On the second day, wake up early and begin with a 2-hour ascent up to Mirador de Apacheta and continue past even more impressive scenery passing through the village of Paclla and onward to San Juan de Chuccho for the night.

Make sure to enjoy the views along your Colca Canyon trek. Photo by free range jace/Flickr .

The ascent from San Juan de Chuccho out of the canyon to the San Miguel trailhead on the final day is exhausting – this is the second deepest canyon in the world after all! From there, continue about 15 minutes along level terrain back to Cabanaconde.

Day Hikes in Colca Valley

The town of Chivay is the main transit point for travelers in Colca Valley. Chivay is also easily accessible from Arequipa and a logical base for hikers. Trail options are varied and can suit any level, provided you’re already well acclimatized to the elevation.

If arriving late in the day, save your energy for a longer hike the following morning and enjoy a short 2-mi (3-km) walk to the town’s well-known La Calera hot springs. Entrance is 15 soles and you can bathe in one of the thermal pools ranging from warm to unbearably hot.

Rejuvenate with a dip in the thermal pools of La Calera. Original photo by Peru For Less.

Set up base in a hotel or hostel in Chivay offering basic services – hot water, cable TV, and breakfast. Alternatively, reserve a room at a top-ranked Colca Canyon hotel a short distance outside of town for a more memorable stay. Chivay has a healthy scattering of restaurants serving a range of food, from quick snacks to full hearty meals of local specialties, which will set you up well for a day or two of hard hiking.

Village-to-Village Hike

Set out on a self-guided hike after breakfast and enjoy a 4.5 mi (7 km) walk from Chivay to the attractive village of Coporaque . Begin by strolling out of town along the road to La Calera, but cut left (along Av. Polonia) and cross Puente Inca (Inca Bridge) over the Colca River. Continue along the view-embellished road, passing fertile fields and views of distant snowy peaks to Coporaque. Here, you can visit some small pre-Inca ruins and find a pleasant river-side spot to stop and catch your breath.

Then, rather than retracing the same route back, follow the path downhill about 3 mi (5 km) to the neighboring village of Yanque , around 5 mi (8 km) from Chivay. You can either walk back from here or catch a bus or taxi back to town.

Yanque to Uyo Uyo Ruins Hike

Uyo Uyo is an ancient village built by the Collagua group and later inhabited by the Incas. The remaining stone structures of the archaeological site are set against the natural beauty of the valley. From Yanque, cross the river and continue walking there along a country road. The hike to Uyo Uyo from Yanque Plaza is roughly 6 miles (10 km) roundtrip. Departing from Colca Lodge , it’s a shorter walk to Uyo Uyo and a nice way to spend a free morning or afternoon.

A local goes about life in Colca Canyon. Original photo by Peru For Less.

Traveler Tip: If you prefer, there are also guided short walks around Colca, which are ideal for acclimatization. Contact our experts and ask what options are best suited for your custom itinerary.

Trail Information

Colca canyon elevation.

The entire Colca region is on a high elevation plateau. For this reason, a few days of acclimatization before anything more energetic than a short walk is recommended.

Trekking destinations from Cabanaconde into Colca Canyon are lower in elevation, albeit far above sea level.

Cabanaconde – 10,760 ft (3,280 m) Sangalle Oasis – 7,050 ft (2,150 m) San Juan de Chuccho – 7,280 ft (2,220 m) Llahuar – 6,630 ft (2,020 m)

Hikes in the Colca Valley are at slightly higher elevations:

Chivay – 11,800 ft (3,600 m) Yanque – 11,155 ft (3,400 m)

Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, and the third is nearby Cotahuasi Canyon . The deepest point of Colca Canyon is roughly 13,648 ft (4,160 m) near the Huambo district in Peru’s province of Caylloma. The elevation of Arequipa , Peru is 7,661ft (2,335 m) and some trekkers may prefer to acclimatize there instead of going straight to Colca Canyon.

Colca Canyon Trek Difficulty

Your walking pace and the route you choose to walk through Colca Canyon are among the variables that contribute to the difficulty level. Climbing out of the canyon is steep and made more challenging with the high elevation, leaving even a fit person gasping for air at some point. Sections of the trail are also steep, so be sure to walk to the inside of the trail.

Remember to spend a few days adjusting to the Colca Canyon elevation before your trek and spread your outdoor adventure over a few days if you can. Drink plenty of water, start your days early to beat midday heat, and consider hiring a local to ride their donkey if you’re fatigued.

Colca Canyon Weather

Similar to other high elevation destinations in Peru, Colca Canyon experiences a dry season during winter and a rainy season during the summer. Weather transitions are gradual between seasons.

The dry season is from May to November. Daytime temperatures are around 65°F (18°C) and get hotter in direct sunlight. At night, it dips to a crisp 25°F (4°C) without cloud coverage.

The rainy off-season brings beautiful greenery to Colca Canyon. Photos by Michelle Talsma/ Travel Advisor at Peru For Less.

The wet season is from January to March. The temperature is slightly cooler at around 60°F (16°C) during the day, but nights are typically warmer than dry season months with an average temperature of 45°F (7°C).

Best Time to Trek

The dry season from May to November is the best time for a trek in Colca Canyon. With clear skies and plenty of sunshine, bringing protection from the sun (wide brim hat, glasses, and sunscreen with high SPF) is important at such a high elevation.

However, though the wet season brings muddy trails, the canyon scenery is beautifully green.

Canyon Lodge or Camping

Villages within the canyon are great spots to fill up on water, snacks, and cooked meals. Sangalle, San Juan de Chuccho, Llahuar, and a few other villages host simple lodging that is a great alternative if you prefer not to camp. Additionally, there are numerous campsites to pitch your tent in and around canyon villages and natural attractions.

Colca Canyon Tourist Ticket

Colca Canyon is set within a vast natural park. The entrance costs 70 soles (about $20) for a boleto turistico (tourist ticket).

Colca Canyon Tour Vs Colca Canyon Trek

Typical guided tour.

You can plan a full day Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa, or extend your visit with an overnight at a hotel. Whichever option you choose, popular tour stops in the Colca Valley include La Calera hot springs near Chivay; a visit to the colonial town plaza of Yanque; and admiring the scenic terraced hillsides. Then, tours head west to narrower sections of Colca Canyon as far as Mirador Cruz del Condor to watch soaring Andean condors. From here, tour-goers can glimpse into the canyon depths but don’t venture into Colca Canyon.

Andean condors are always a highlight of Colca Canyon, trekking or not. Original photo by Peru For Less.

Trekking Highlights

A Colca Canyon trek, on the other hand, is a genuine way to experience the stunning beauty and small rural villages that have endured for centuries within the depths of the canyon. And with some luck, you may also spot Andean condors.

In Peru, it isn’t always convenient or possible to trek independently (such as on the Inca Trail or through the Amazon Rainforest ). Colca Canyon, however, is a wonderful place to venture on foot with the option to go with a guide or on your own. For more planning information, contact our team of experts to include a Colca Canyon trek and other regional attractions into your custom itinerary to Peru.

If you know you are going to Colca Canyon without a guide, then scroll down and read our tips for independent trekkers in the next section.

Tips for Trekking Without a Guide

A self-guided Colca Canyon hike is an adventure and a great option for saving money. The following are a few helpful tips to plan a fun and safe trek into Colca Canyon.

Plan your route. Trekking options from Cabanconde are plentiful and readily available. Purchase a map of the area and plan a Colca Canyon trekking adventure. Informal advice and information are also available from hotel staff and fellow hikers within the canyon. In general, don’t attempt a long trek alone unless you have the necessary equipment, skills, and prior experience. Check out our Packing Essentials section below.

Pick up outdoor gear in Arequipa . Trekkers that need equipment rentals, sportswear, maps, and any other instruction are best served in Arequipa, before heading into Colca Canyon.

Stay hydrated. The high elevation and strong sun in Colca Canyon make it important to stay hydrated. You can buy bottled water in Sangalle, San Juan de Chuccho, and other villages along the way. It’s also handy to have water purification to cut down on plastic usage.

Choose where to spend the night. There are numerous campsites. Outside of the villages and towns themselves, there are no services whatsoever so be sure to bring everything you’ll need. Additionally, there are simple lodges in some villages where you can spend the night instead if you prefer to travel lighter without overnight sleeping gear. It’s possible to book your stay online at a few canyon lodges.

Bring enough cash. There are not ATMs in Cabanaconde or any of the small villages on the walking circuits inside Colca Canyon. As such, plan and take out enough money in Arequipa before heading to Colca Canyon or in Chivay. Factor into your budget, sufficient Peruvian soles for transport, tourist ticket, food, water, lodging (if not camping), and other expenses.

Carry your boleto turistico in an easily-access spot in your backpack. Park officials may ask to see it at one of the various checkpoints in Colca Canyon.

Trekking Tours:

Packing Essentials

Here are items of outdoor clothing and equipment for your Colca Canyon trek:

• Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. Colca Canyon isn’t flat and sections of trails are gravel.
• Don’t forget a warm jacket , along with activewear, socks, and toiletries. Temperatures drop at night (~25°F, or4°C), especially during the dry season when hiking conditions are best. Planning a Colca trek during the rainy season? Then, don’t forget a rain jacket and other waterproof gear.
• Remember a bathing suit if you plan to enjoy the hot springs in the Colca region – before, during, or after your trek.
• Trekking poles aren’t required but highly recommended for extra balance along steep sections of trail.
• Comfortable backpack to carry your camera, water, and other outdoor essentials.
• Bring sun protection : a wide brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Have plenty of cash . There is not an ATM in Cabanaconde or any of the smaller villages within Colca Canyon. Read about money in Peru .
• Carry a reusable water bottle or water bladder backpack, like a Camelbak, to stay hydrated during your outdoor adventure.
• Apply bug spray if you notice pesky mosquitos around the river in Colca Canyon.

Set off on an exciting trekking adventure in Colca Canyon. Photo by free range jace/Flickr .

Start Planning

A guided or independent Colca Canyon trek is a great addition to your exploration of the world’s second deepest canyon. If you haven’t already read our Colca Canyon Travel Guide , it goes hand-in-hand with planning a trekking adventure and includes helpful information like how to get from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, so be sure to check it out.

Most Peru trekking experiences are focused around Cusco , Machu Picchu , and the Inca Trail but the country has a lot more to offer, and one of the finest and most rewarding alternatives is a trek in the Colca Canyon region near Arequipa. Contact our team and discuss the best way to fit a trek in Colca Canyon, Peru to your custom itinerary.

*Article was updated in July 2020.

Britt is a California native who now calls Peru home. She is a traveler with a passion for all things outdoors, scuba diving, and capturing memories with her camera.

Tags: Colca Canyon , Colca Canyon Trek

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Welcome to our guide to the best Colca Canyon trek. We know that sounds a bit boasty, but we honestly wouldn’t have changed a thing about the route we took around Colca Canyon Peru.

Unless you’ve literally just landed in Peru without having done any prior research at all, you’ll already know that to visit Colca Canyon is one of the top things to do in Peru in general. Especially if you’re into your hiking.

However, here’s the catch when it comes to this Colca Canyon guide, you need to allow yourself 5 or at a push 4 days. We understand everyone might not have that amount of time to dedicate, but if you can we promise it will be worth it.

Best Colca Canyon Trek

Now there’s a few guides to visiting Colca Canyon on your own online, but when we were planning our Colca Canyon trip we found them either lacking in useful information or far too convoluted that they left us feeling overwhelmed.

And so we’re going to do our best here to present our Colca Canyon information in the clearest way and give you exactly what you need to know without the waffle.

Independent Trek Vs Guided Tour

Okay, before we get into the nitty gritty the best Colca Canyon trekking route let’s just address why you should do this independently over a guided tour. But also reasons why it might be more appropriate for you to do a Colca Canyon tour with a guide.

Firstly, if you’re moderately fit there’s absolutely no reason you can’t trek Colca Canyon on your own. The trails are well marked (for the most part) and it’s not a technically difficult hike.

You have a lot more flexibility over your route, where you stop off and what time you start each day. Plus it’s also going to be ALOT cheaper.

However, if you’ve never done a multi day hike before, aren’t in the best shape, travelling solo and wanting to meet people, or would just prefer to have a guide with you as back up, a Colca Canyon tour is going to be more your style.

You can check out some options and compare prices here:

• Colca Canyon Day Trip
• Two Day Colca Canyon Trip
• Three Day Colca Canyon Trek

Just do check the exact itineraries, because some include less hiking than others.

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Our Colca Canyon Hiking Route

In summary here’s the 5 day/4 night route for hiking the Colca Canyon Peru.

Cabanaconde – Llahuar – Fure – SanGalle Oasis – San Juan de Chuccho – Cabanaconde.

But here’s the route with more detail, including distances, times, recommendations on where to stay and details on the terrain.

Day 1: Cabanaconde – Llahuar

Distance: 11km Time: 4 hours Stay at: Casa De Virginia

The first part of the path on day one of our Colca Canyon trek was relatively smooth and there’s some glorious views straight out of the box.

Especially at Mirador Achachiwa. That’s where you get a real understanding of the Colca Canyon depth and the scale of the challenge you’re about to undertake.

And if you’re in any doubt at all starting the hike, perhaps thinking to yourself ‘is the Colca Canyon worth it?’ You’ll find your answer here with a big resounding yes.

From there the route winds downhill to a small river crossing. Then the hard work starts. Because from there it’s a long drawn out ascent for a good few kilometres. From there it’s mostly downhill, as you descend along the winding seamingling endless switchbacks.

It’s a pretty tough introduction. Not because you’ll be particularly out of breath often, just because going down on such steep trails for so long is rough on your knees. However the scenery is so stunning that’s really all you’ll be focusing on.

And it’s also broken up by another river crossing over the mighty Rio Colca and a beauty of a geyser called Geiser de Paclla.

For the last part of the day one leg of this Colca Canyon hiking route, you’ll drop down onto a larger ‘road’ and pass through a small village. Then as you get towards your last kilometre you’ll be able to spot Llahuar in the distance, crossing a final bridge over Rio Huaruro.

But with tired legs and aching knees, perhaps the best part of day one of this Colca Canyon trekking route is to come. Because waiting for you in Llahuar are the natural hot springs of Aguas Termales de Llahuar.

Unfortunately during the rainy season, as was the case for us, it’s not possible to go in the ones right next to the Rio Colca because the water is just too high. But at the place we recommend to stay at, Casa Virginia, they have their own thermal pools with epic views out over the valley.

Day 2: Llahuar – Fure

Distance: 6km Time: 3 hours Stay at: Fure Wassi Hostel

Day two of our epic route for hiking Colca Canyon without a guide gets off to a more difficult start as you’re straight onto a steep uphill climb.

The path then flattens out a bit but there’s a couple of sheer cliff faces you’ll pass where you need to look up and move quickly as falling rocks are common, especially in the rainy season.

We were slightly worried when we first heard about this but in reality they were small sections and we were able to pass quickly without incident.

From there you’ll pass by the village of Llatica and go down into the bottom of Colca Canyon to cross back over Rio Huaruro. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the Colca Canyon trek and quite possibly our favourite part of the whole 5 days.

Then you’re back on the uphill all the way to Fure, where you’ll be staying the night.

Day two is a much shorter distance than day one. But because you’re ascending for most of it, you’ll likely need to stop often to catch your breath, drink some water and rest your calfs..

When you get to Fure, your days hiking isn’t done though!

However, if you check into Furewassi Hostel first, you can leave your bags before heading up to check out Huaruro waterfall.

It’s hard to describe the scale and sheer power of Catarata Huaruro, it’s simply incredible and a must see for things to do in Colca Canyon.

It took us around 45/50 minutes to get there and 35/40 minutes on the way back. It’s an easy enough walk mainly uphill, but not too steep until you get towards the very end.

Just one thing to be aware of, because there’s so much spray coming off the tumbling water, the paths near the falls can get quite muddy. And because it’s the steepest part you should take extra care, especially on the way back.

This is the most remote part of the Colca Canyon Peru and in part is what makes this 5 day trekking route so special. The accommodation was understandably the most basic here, but the scenery around Fure in just something else.

Day 3: Fure – Sangalle Oasis

Distance: 11km Time: 5 hours Stay at: Paraíso los Palmeras Lodge

The first part of the route from Fure to Sangalle Oasis is fairly easy, it’s pretty much just a steady uphill winding path around the mountain side until you each a wider path.

From there you’ve got a good few kilometres on the flat until you reach the point where you need to descend down into the Colca Canyon Oasis.

The easiest way is to continue along the main path until you reach a village called Malata from which you’ll swing a right and come back on yourself to start your descent.

Another option, which is the one we choose, is to head off down one of the seriously steep smaller paths before you get to Malata.

These aren’t well worn paths and there are times when we just found ourselves surrounded by a sea of cacti. But what’s an adventure without getting lost one of twice. And you can clearly see the zigzag intersection that you need to get too – it’s just a case of getting there.

At the top of the steep downhill zigzag path into Sangalle Oasis you’ll find a beaut of a lunch stop with some shade and seating called Mirador Ccarecna. It’s a really pretty outlook and trust us you’ll need to fuel up for the downhill climb.

The good news about the descent into the Colca Canyon Oasis is that with every switch back your destination and the inviting swimming pools you can see get that little bit closer. Another thing you’ll notice on your way down is how humid it starts to feel.

And as you approach the bridge at the bottom crossing Rio Colca you’ll start to see just why this favourite spot in Colca Canyon Peru is called an Oasis. It looks like something out of the film Avatar, it’s just so beautiful.

Once over the bridge, you’ll head up a short incline and start passing the Sangalle Colca Canyon accommodation options.

It’s tempting once you get anywhere near the lush swimming pools to just jump straight in the first one, but we urge you to hold out until Paraíso los Palmeras Lodge which a little further along and down a short leafy decline.

We absolutely loved our stay there and could have easily stayed more than one night. It was of course off season so not as packed as it gets with tour groups during peak season.

We’ve heard people recommend giving this spot a miss when hiking Colca Canyon without a guide but it’s so gorgeous, you can see why it draws a crowd. And so what if you have to share it, it wouldn’t make the surroundings any less impressive.

And you might be hankering after some pals to chat to after the last few days in the more remote parts of Colca Canyon Peru.

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Day 4: San Galle – San Juan de Chuccho

Distance: 5km Time: 3 hours Stay at: Posada Gloria

First thing on day 4 of this Colca Canyon trekking route sees you heading out from Sangalle Oasis the same you went in. Only it doesn’t seem half as hard at the start of the day and you’re at the top of the steep switchbacks before you know it.

From that point there are two paths that you can take onto your next overnight stop in San Juan de Chuccho. There’s a slightly longer route that runs through a village called Malata and then descends down into San Juan, crossing a small river by a bridge.

Your other option, instead of heading up to the main road, is to follow a smaller path directly from the top of the Sangalle point of descent.

This is the way we went and it was an adventure alright. The path is less worn and it’s easy to get lost in a few parts, which we did. Having to climb down terraces and over walls to get back on track. Make sure you have a map downloaded if you go this way.

Then there was the river crossing. We reckon throughout the dry season it’s more of a stream and isn’t as deep or fast flowing. But we had to take off our shoes and trousers to make it across without getting soaked, clinging onto a branch so as not to get washed away.

After that we got lost a few more times, again because the route isn’t so clear and GPS doesn’t always have you in the right location. But we found San Juan de Chuccho and Posada Gloria eventually and if we did, you will too.

Just maybe take the Maleta path in the rainy season if you’d prefer a little less intensity.

Day 5: San Juan de Chuccho – Cabanaconde

Distance: 9km Time: 3.5 hours

Your last day on the Colca Canyon trek and it’s unfortunately time to head out of the Colca Canyon altogether. We’d heard that the ascent out of Colca Canyon is so hard that it makes some people cry.

But the only thing we felt like crying about was the fact that our grand adventure was over.

You’ll start the day descending down to once again cross the Rio Colca over San Juan bridge. It takes around half an hour to reach this point.

Then the climb starts and aside from a few short flatish sections, you’re on an upward switchback path for the next few hours. The thing that makes it most difficult is the altitude that you’re ascending too. You’ll notice it harder to breath even when you stop momentarily.

But looking out over the immense landscape and being able to see all the trails over the other side that you’re walked over the last few days is seriously rewarding.

Once you are at the top, you’ll pass a ticket inspector and then it’s just a short way to the main road and 15/20 minutes from there back into Cabanaconde.

We were super lucky because just as we reached the road a minivan bound for Chivay with empty seats was passing so we jumped straight on it.

There’s a section below on how to get to Colca Canyon.

Just to mention once more, if any of this doesn’t sound like something you are comfortable with, check out these guided Colca Canyon Tours.

Colca Canyon Map

You can pick up your own Colca Canyon trekking map at the tourism office in Arequipa, it’s just on the main square. But we’d also highly recommend downloading a map of Colca Canyon on Maps.Me that you can use offline with GPS in case you do get lost at all.

Alternative routes

To make the route shorter (4 days/3 nights) you could miss out staying the night in San Juan de Chuccho on the last night & head straight through there & on up to Cabanaconde.

To make the route even shorter (3 days/2 nights) you could miss out Llahuar altogether (although why would you? There’s hot springs – duh?!) and go straight to Fure. There is an alternative slightly more direct route that’s signposted.

It will be a long day though and you’ll need to start early so travelling from elsewhere the same day won’t be possible.

Other options are to just do a loop from Cabanaconde – San Juan de Chuccho – SanGille Oasis. There’s a route back up to Cabanaconde from the Oasis.

But just be aware you’ll be missing out on the best parts of the trek which are the hikes from Llahuar to Fure and to the Huachucos waterfall. And the Paclla Geyser. Oh and the Colca Canyon hot springs – we mentioned those right?

You could also do this Colca Canyon map route in reverse, however we wouldn’t recommend it. The route between Llahuar and Cabanaconde is a long one and doing it uphill wouldn’t be fun.

Better to have that as your descent and use the shorter route from San Juan de Chuccho to Cabanaconde for your ascent.

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Colca Canyon Entrance Fee

There are three entrances into Colca Canyon from Cabanaconde and at each one you’ll find a ticket seller. The entrance fee for trekking Colca Canyon with or without a guide is the same, 70 soles per person.

The Colca Canyon permits last for 5 days – which is perfect for this Colca Canyon guide. And you need to keep them as all though you’re unlikely to get asked for them on the actual trail, you will on your way out.

They also cover you for the Mirador Cruz del Condor if you choose to stop there on your way in or out of Cabanaconde.

Condors in Colca Canyon

The two times we passed the specific Condor viewing spot on our Chivay to Colca Canyon minivans they spotted momentarily here to let passengers on or off and we didn’t see any obvious condors soaring nearby.

Now of course we might not have been there at the optimum time, however what we can you is that we saw plenty of condors on our way in and out of the canyon anyway.

The main tourist buses stop here as standard – more on those below. But if you’re taking a minivan you’ll have to jump off and then wait for the next one and hope they have space.

So if you’re travelling by minivan, unless you are desperate to stop at this Colca Canyon watching spot we wouldn’t bother.

Hotels in Colca Canyon

First and foremost, you do not need a tent. In fact there are very few places that you can safely camp. Each town has at least one Colca Canyon accomodation option.

Everywhere we stayed was basic but comfortable and surprisingly had WiFi and electricity. If only for a few hours in the evening in some places. Some Colca Canyon hostels have private bathrooms as an option, some don’t.

Food wise it’s mostly veggie, there was only meat as an option at the last place we stayed at. Evening meals are a soup starter, a main and then a tea. Served at 6:30 or 7pm. The meals we had were all pretty carb heavy which was welcomed after the exertion.

Breakfast you can have when you choose between 6-8am.

You can buy drinks (water/soft drinks) at each place and most have small shops too where you can buy extra snacks. The one in Fure even had cans of Tuna and fruit while we were there.

We recommend booking your hotels in Colca Canyon in advance. In high season so you know you have a place to stay & in low season so they know to expect you, not everywhere is fully open all year round.

Just as a quick reminder here’s the places we stayed at which we recommend:

• Llahuar: Casa De Virginia
• Fure: Fure Wassi Hostel
• San Galle: Paraíso los Palmeras Lodge
• San Juan de Chuccho: Posada Gloria

Colca Canyon Cost

In total our independent 5 day Colca Canyon trek, for 2 people, minus beers (which are of course optional) cost us 556 soles (or 278 soles per person). That’s about $80 USD or £63 each.

Here’s a complete Colca Canyon cost breakdown:

• Colca Canyon hiking permit which lasts 5 days = 70 soles each.
• Colca Canyon accommodation for 4 nights = 130 soles for double private rooms.
• 3 x breakfasts that weren’t included in accommodation cost = 30 soles each.
• 1 x lunch on 4th day = 20 soles each.
• 4 x evening meals = 58 soles each.

Aside from that our only other cost was our lunches and snacks that we bought at the market in Arequipa before the trek. We spent 70 soles on that. Details of exactly what we took are down below.

If you do fancy a beer or two of an evening, all the places we stayed at in the Colca Canyon had them available. Of course they’re more expensive than outside the canyon because a donkey has had to yank them in, but they’re not ridiculous.

Prices ranged from 9-12 soles for a large bottle of Arequipeña.

Colca Canyon Packing List

• Portable powerbank
• Cash – there’s no ATM’s
• Water filter bottle
• Plus 1-2 litre flask for extra
• Warm clothes for evenings
• Quick-dry towel
• Raincoat [ Women | Men ]
• Waterproof bag cover
• Antibacterial hand gel
• First aid kit
• Toilet roll – most hostels don’t provide this.
• Multi-plug adaptor
• Maps.Me downloaded

Aside from that you’re going to want what you’ll be wearing during the day. We each took 2 pairs of bottoms, 3 T-shirt’s, 5 x underwear and good socks [Women | Men ].

And then obviously soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush & all that jazz.

For the evenings don’t forget something to do either, especially in low season when there’s not many other tourists around to chat too. We took our kindles and a pack of cards.

Footwear wise we always hike in trainers, they’ve never let us down so far and they didn’t on the Colca Canyon trek. If you do have and prefer to wear hiking boots obviously do. This is just a note to stay they’re not necessary.

Lunch and snack wise we went with the following and it was the perfect amount:

• 3 x cans of tuna, bread and a small packet of mayonnaise for the first 3 days.
• Roasted corn, plantain chips, raisins, almonds and cashews.
• Box of granola bars.
• 2 x oranges and 2 x small mangos.

Our backpacks weighed 12 kilo and 6 kilo. Obviously they got less throughout hiking Colca Canyon as we ate our lunches and snacks up.

We always travel with a filter water bottle. Not only does it stop us getting ill, but it means we’re not killing the planet or wasting money on plastic bottles. The GRAYL Geopress is hands down the best on the market & makes water from virtually any source safe to drink.

Colca Canyon Weather

Hands down you’ll have better weather in Colca Canyon during the dry season (May-October). But by better weather we also mean hot weather, because there will be little cloud coverage and pretty much all the paths are completely exposed.

Also because you’re hiking at altitude you’re also closer to the sun so even the Colca Canyon temperature doesn’t feel so hot, it is.

You won’t have the scorching sun during the rainy season (November- April) but what you will have is rain and lots of it. While we were hiking the Colca Canyon during February the rain started each day around 2pm and then just kept going until about 5am the next morning.

Which although sounds pretty dismal was completely fine because by setting off early on the Colca Canyon route we did, we were pretty much done each day by the time the rain started rolling in.

Another perk of doing the Colca Canyon hike during off season is that it is way less busy. We didn’t see anyone except the odd local farmer for hours on end on the trails. And the places to stay in Colca Canyon are not only cheaper but also quieter.

Especially SanGalle Oasis, which is the most popular place that tour groups visit.

But what you do have to be careful of during Colca Canyon rainy season, particularly along the route from Llahuar to Fure and the ascent from San Juan de Chuccho is falling rocks. You need to look up & go quick in a few sections.

So in either season there’s pros and cons, but you can definitely hike Colca Canyon all year round.

Colca Canyon Altitude

If you’ve just arrived in this part of Peru of haven’t spent much time at altitude directly before it’s a good idea to take a couple of days to acclimatise. Because even though at its deepest point the Colca Canyon depth is 3,270m/10,730ft, the altitude there is still 1,066m/3,497ft.

And actually on this route, the lowest altitude you’ll be at is 1,900m/6,232ft in Sangalle Oasis. Llahuar is at 2,020m/6,627ft, Fure at 2,900m/9,514ft and San Juan de Chuccho 2,439m/8,002ft.

Yep, the altitude in Colca Canyon is serious.

And Cabanaconde, where you’ll be starting and ending is at a whopping 3,287m/10,784ft.

The only real cure for Colca Canyon altitude sickness is to get to a lower altitude, but coca leaves either chewed or in tea will help. As well as staying well hydrated, avoiding alcohol and getting enough sleep.

Colca Canyon Trek Difficulty

If you’re moderately fit, the only real difficulty you should experience is the altitude in Colca Canyon. That is if you haven’t taken time to get used to it.

Sure there are a few really steep sections and a few sections that seem to go on forever when you’re in them, but with a positive attitude, some grit and determination you won’t struggle.

We didn’t hike the Colca Canyon with walking poles but that’s not to stay they wouldn’t help and that you shouldn’t use them if you have them. I don’t have the strongest knees so I normally use KT tape which personally helps me.

But yeah, especially following our 5/4 day Colca Canyon trek, we’d say overall you’re looking at a 7/10 Colca Canyon trek difficulty.

If you do get injured there is a bus that runs along the road through Malata and near Llahuar to and from Cabanaconde. And you can also rent mules from any of the villages.

How to get to Colca Canyon Peru

Arequipa to colca canyon.

So the big buses that you can take, which go directly from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, Cabanaconde and stop at Mirador Cruz del Condor only leave at 3am.

Don’t ask us why there’s no other times, it doesn’t make sense to us either. But don’t worry there is another way, if you’re not a fan of 3am alarms and have seen condors before like us.

Outside the main bus terminal in Arequipa, Terminal Terrestre, there are private minivans that run to Chivay, a town on route to Cabanaconde.

They start at 4am, run every 50 minutes or as soon as they are full and cost 15 soles each. So get there so early in the morning, the best thing to do is jump in a cab, they’ll know where to drop you if you ask for the minivans to Chivay.

We got an Uber at 5:45am, it cost 8 soles and took 15 minutes. There were also plenty of normal cabs knocking about also.

It’s a busy route, Arequipa to Chivay and the minivans fill up quickly so don’t get there 10 mins before & expect to get a space – you’ll likely be waiting for the next one.

We arrived at 6am, got spaces on the 6:50am departure and got breakfast outside at one of the food stalls. There’s also a few shops of you’ve forgotten to pick anything up food wise.

You’ll need your passport so don’t forget that.

It’s exactly a 3 hour journey from Arequipa to Chivay, we arrived at Chivay bus station at 9:50am. You need to then go out of the bus station and across the road to another private minivan place to get a ride from Chivay to Cabanaconde.

We thought we were going to be waiting a while when they told us the next departure was 11am but the spaces filled up real quick and we left at 10:20am.

The cost is 10 soles each and the journey time is an hour and 15/20 minutes. If you can try and sit on the right hand side because the scenery from Chivay to Cabanaconde is stunning.

We arrived in Cabanaconde at 11:40am, just in time for an early lunch. But because we’d packed our lunches for our days hiking we chose to head off straight away. Which we recommend so that you allow yourself more time to get to your first stop.

We think this is absolutely the best way to the Colca Canyon from Arequipa.

To get from Colca Canyon to Arequipa it’s a similar ridiculous situation with the big buses because they all leave at 11am which doesn’t give you much time to get out of the Colca Canyon on your last day. If you don’t want a very early start that is. Again, not for us.

So we just did the same route via Chivay in reverse. The minivans run all day so it’s a much more flexible option. You’ll buy your ticket from Chivay to Arequipa inside the bus terminal, there’s a few different minivan companies with varying times.

Puno to Colca Canyon

As far as we are aware (please correct us in the comments if we are wrong) there isn’t a direct bus from Puno to Colca Canyon, Cabanaconde. You will need to first travel to Chivay and then onto Cabanaconde from there.

There’s a tourist bus company running the route from Puno to Chivay called 4M Express. Although this is considerably more expensive than local minivans and we believe only one departure per day at around 6am.

So your best option will be to check this out locally in Puno. Please do let us know in the comments if you find a minivan option from Puno to Chivay so we can update this Colca Canyon information for other travellers.

Cabanaconde Accommodation

You’re going to want to leave what you need for your Colca Canyon hike at a hostel/hotel. So if you’re not returning to either Arequipa or Puno you’ll need to pop it on a hostel in Cabanaconde.

We didn’t do this as we were heading back to Arequipa so had left our stuff there but we heard good things about Homestay Pachamama and Hotel Kuntur Wassi . Although if you aren’t staying over there you’ll need to pay a small storage fee.

Travel Insurance For Hiking

As with any trip abroad, especially when it includes an adventure such as the Colca Canyon trek you need to have solid travel insurance. Our go to is World Nomads for their no bullshit policy and standard cover of lots of activities, such as hiking.

And what’s more they’ll give you cover even if you forgot before you left home and are already travelling.

You can get a quick no obligation quote right here:

We hope if you weren’t aware that trekking Colca Canyon by yourself was an option that you’re now at least considering it. Or that if you were just researching the best route that we’ve now convinced you that the best way to see Colca Canyon is on a 4 or 5 day independent hike.

And guys if you have any unanswered questions about planning your Colca Canyon trip please drop us a note in the comments and we’ll do our very best to help.

Looking for more Peru travel inspiration?

A journey to machu picchu, 21 tips for surviving the inca trail, pin me for later.

Yorkshire born & bred, Sarah is a professional blogger who loves to travel. Pushing her boundaries with new adventures is her jam, so you likely won’t find her in one place for too long. Also a serious Marmite addict. 

Six months ago when we booked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu we didn’t have a clue what we were letting ourselves in for. 

Trekking the Inca trail is not to be underestimated! You’ll be battling with steep climbs, high altitude and long days that start before sunrise. Here’s our top tips on how to survive the Inca trail hike:

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Hi, we’re James & Sarah

Full time backpackers turned vanlifers.

We’re here to provide you with valuable travel tips, kickass destination guides & serious vanlife inspiration to help you get your travel adventures off the ground!

The Colca Canyon Trek in Peru: the ultimate travel guide

This post is about my experience on the Colca Canyon trek in Peru and how to choose the best Colca Canyon tour.

The Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons, even deeper than the Grand Canyon in some areas. The dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and lush valleys make it one of the most beautiful treks in Peru.

The Colca Canyon trek is not easy. The altitude and the steep climb in and out of the canyon make it a challenge. However, it is one of the best things to do in Peru, offering stunning views and the chance to see the majestic Andean Condor. One of the largest birds in the world.

The Colca Canyon trek is also a cultural experience with traditional villages home to indigenous communities. Along the trek, you’ll have the chance to interact with local communities that have preserved their traditional ways of life for generations. You can learn about their farming practices, unique customs, and ancient traditions.

Colca Canyon Trek Tours

There are a variety of Colca Canyon tours available in Arequipa, but they differ in quality and activities. From one day tours that do not include the Colca Canyon trek to 3 day tours that include two nights inside the canyon.

In this post I will share my own experience on the Colca Canyon trek and some advice to consider when booking your Colca Canyon tour. Is the colca canyon trek necessary? How many days do I need for the Colca Canyon trek? Can I do the Colca Canyon trek on my own?

I hope this post helps you in choosing the right Colca canyon tour or to do the Colca Canyon trek on your own.

Colca Canyon Trek Experience

I was sweating and my knees were shaking. The bridge, where the rest of the group was waiting for me, was still far below. It was warm and there was no cloud in sight for some relief from the strong sun. My only comfort was that my loyal guide, that I just met a couple of hours ago, remained by my side.

I could have known that the Colca Canyon trek was not going to be easy. The Colca canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. In fact, in some places it is twice as deep as the more famous Grand canyon.

Altitude sickness on the Colca Canyon trek

A combination of altitude sickness with a stomach bug made me one of the slowest hikers that day. The night before I was still running up and down to the toilet. I was thinking about cancelling my tour, but I was stubborn.

I put my alarm clock at 3 AM ignoring the protesting sounds of my tummy. Luckily I felt better when I woke up. Despite the early hour, Arequipa’s youth was out and about. Young girls and boys stumbled out of bars and discotheques to find their way home. Taxis were waiting eagerly for business while our bus had to maneuver itself through the small streets of Arequipa.

It was a 3 hour drive to the Colca Canyon right through a National Reserve.  The highest point reaches an altitude of almost 5000 meters. Most of my travel companions continued their sleep, but I was looking outside. As the sun was rising I discovered a bare landscape. All I could see were some shrubs and the occasional group of lama’s.

Chivay and the Condors

We had a quick breakfast in Chivay, our first town in the Colca Canyon. The next stop was the Cruz del Condor, the viewpoint where you can see the Condors flying through the canyon. These majestic birds are the reason for our early departure from Arequipa. Condors are most active between 8 and 9 AM.

Our tour only gave us 15 minutes. I was sad we were given such little time, but my body already started to feel the effects of the altitude. We were now above 3500 meters and I felt light headed and tired.

Hiking to San Juan de Chollo

After the Condors we were rushed to the starting point of our Colca Canyon trek. With a light headache we started the hike into the canyon. It was a 4 hour steep descent to the bottom. I was exhausted when we finally arrived at our homestay in San Juan de Chollo.

It was a hard day and I was slightly worried for the coming two days. I knew that getting out of the canyon means I will have to climb the same distance up that I went down today.

Life in the Colca Canyon

The next day we had an early wakeup call by a small earthquake. I was still a bit shaken from the experience when we started our trek to the next town. Today was much easier, because we were now hiking through the canyon rather than going down or up.

As we passed several villages our guide explained how life is changing since they have a connection with the road. There was a lot of construction going on and simple huts were transformed into concrete houses. For us tourists, these visual transformations may take away part of the natural beauty of the area, but for the local people it means better access to education and healthcare.

The Colca Canyon Oasis

That night we slept in the Oasis, a tourist resort with a pool where all tourgroups gather. It was a huge contrast with our lodge from the previous night that felt more like a homestay. This place is only for tourists and will give you more insight in the lives of backpackers than the local culture.

The Oasis is at the bottom of the steep road out of the Colca canyon. The next day we had another early start to reach the top around sunrise. It was a tough climb and I did not make it before sunrise. However, I felt I did a good job getting there within 3 hours.

Sightseeing in the Colca Canyon

The rest of the day was a somewhat touristic tour past several sites on our way back to Arequipa. After my hike in the canyon, it felt a bit unnecessary, but it was nevertheless fun.

In Yanque we visited a beautiful old church where ladies allowed you to take pictures with their lama’s.We also stopped at some viewpoints, but they could not beat the views on the Colca Canyon trek itself. It was a tough hike, but for me the best way to get to know the Colca Canyon.

What is the Colca Canyon trek?

The Colca Canyon is one of the most beautiful areas in Peru famed for its colourful and traditional towns and for its wildlife. There are over 100 species of birds including the giant Andean condor that you can see flying by at the Condor del Cruz.

The Colca Canyon is also one of the deepest canyons in the world. It is, in some places twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The Colca Canyon trek is the challenging hike in and out of this canyon. For many this is one of the highlights of their trip to Peru.

The Colca Canyon trek Route

Cabanaconda is the starting point of the Colca Canyon trek. There are several trekking route options, but they all start with a steep walk down to the bottom of the canyon and end with another steep hike out of the canyon.

The western loop (27 km): If you take the western loop you come across the villages of Lahuar, Belen and the Oasis (Sangalle).

The eastern loop (22 km): If you take the eastern loop you come across the villages of San Juan de Chollo, Malata and the Oasis (Sangalle)

Full loop (31 km): The full loop combines the eastern and western loops, going through the villages of Lahuar, Belen, Malata and San Juan de Chollo

Most trekking routes can be done in 2 days with an overnight stay in one of the villages. However, the trek is challenging and I would recommend to take at least 3 days for the Colca Canyon trek. This way you will have more time to appreciate the villages you walk through without being completely exhausted.

How to choose your Colca Canyon tour?

The first thing you have to choose is whether you want to visit the Colca Canyon independently or with a tour through a travel agency and whether you want to include the Colca Canyon trek or not.

Is the Colca Canyon trek necessary?

The Colca Canyon trek is spectacular and if in any way, you are able to do this hike, you should without doubt. However, if you are physically not able to do the Colca Canyon trek, there are enough interesting villages to visit that you can reach by car to explore this area.

In my opinion the towns on top of the Colca Canyon were a bit set up for tourists, but it will still give you an insight into the unique culture of the Colca Canyon. Most tourgroups will stop for less than an hour in the villages so if you have more time and travel by public transport it is easy to have a more authentic experience.

Is a Colca Canyon tour necessary?

You do not need a tour through a travel agency to visit the Colca Canyon including the Colca Canyon trek. The trail is well marked and with a bit of planning, it is possible to do the trek on your own. This will give you much more freedom and flexibility to explore this region at your own pace.

However, you do need enough time and patience and you will probably not be able to visit all the places that are included in the tours. Public transport between the towns on top of the Colca Canyon are infrequent and you need to know the bus times beforehand. For example, Cruz del Condor and Yanque have very limited connections with public transport.

If you have limited time I can therefore recommend you to take a tour. If you are adventurous and have enough time (at least 3 – 4 days) you can very well do it on your own.

How to travel to the Colca Canyon independently?

From Arequipa there are frequent buses to Chivay and even a few buses directly to Cabanaconda where you need to go to start the Colca Canyon trek. From Chivay there are 4 buses per day to Cabanaconde.

If you are coming from or continuing your journey to Cusco or Lake Titicaca check my tour Peru bus (Puno).

In the canyon accommodation is available in the villages Chivay, Cabanaconda, Lahuar, Belen, San Juan de Chollo, Cosnirhua, Malata and the Oasis (Sangalle). If you already know your Colca Canyon route, it is best to book accomodation online. You can also arrive on the spot, but in high season places may be fully booked.

Chivay : for a budget option choose Rumi Wasi , for more comfort the beautiful Casa Andina

Cabanaconda : for a budget option choose Homestay Pachamama , for more comfort Hotel Kuntur Wasi.

Malata (Tapay) : for a budget option choose Posada Gloria , for more comfort Colibri Lodge

The advantages of a Colca Canyon tour?

In Arequipa there is no shortage of travel agencies offering tours to the Colca Canyon that include the Colca Canyon trek. The tours are good value (50$ – 60$) and doing it yourself will probably be more expensive.

Furthermore, it saves you a lot of time and the tours include different stops along the way. Although touristy, some of the viewing points were very beautiful.

How many days?

You can choose between a 1 or 2 day tour by van without the Colca Canyon trek or a 2 to 3 day tour including the Colca Canyon trek. Most tours start at 3 AM to ensure you can see the condors in action at 8 AM.

The 1 and 2 day tours by van will stop at some viewpoints and villages on top of the canyon such as Chivay, Yanque and Cabanaconda. The Colca Canyon trek will offer you a much more intimate experience.

The Colca Canyon trek is not an easy hike and therefore I would definitely recommend you to take the 3 day tour rather than the 2 day tour. The route is the same so having 3 days makes it much more easier. Really, I don’t think I would have been able to walk in and out of the canyon in 2 days.

Another reason is that the 3 day tours stop in San Juan de Chollo for the night, which I thought was a nice village. The 2 day tours stay only at the touristy Oasis.

Colca Canyon Tour options

1 day tour by van (without the trek) : only recommended if you are really short on time. It will be a very long day (starting at 3 AM) and most of it is travelling from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon and back with some brief stops at Cruz del Condor and other touristy towns on top of the Canyon.

2 day tour by van (without the trek) : Recommended for those that prefer not to do the Colca Canyon trek, but still want to get a good sense of the villages on top of the canyon. Another advantage of the 2 day tour is that you avoid the early start of 3 AM. Because you are sleeping at Colca Canyon you will get to see the Cruz del Condor the next morning.

2 day Colca Canyon trek: If you only have 2 days and you are fit enough, this is an option, but your first day will be very long. Starting at 3 Am and hiking all the way from Cabanaconda down into the canyon through San Juan de Chollo and then the Oasis in a single day.

3 day Colca Canyon trek : This is the best option in my opinion. You do the same route as the 2 day Colca Canyon trek, but you stay in both San Juan de Chollo and the Oasis (Sangalle). This allows you more time in the villages in the canyon and makes the trek more easygoing.

Where should I book my Colca Canyon tour?

In Arequipa there are a lot of travel agencies and as I have experience with only one agency it would be hard to recommend one over the other.

Do your homework and read some reviews. Prices and quality differs, so compare the offers of several travel agencies and check carefully what they do or do not include.

I booked my tour through Peru Hop and also visited Ica with them. You can read about my experience with Peru Hop and about my experiences in Paracas in my post on things to do in Paracas .

Safety on the Colca Canyon trek

The colca canyon trek is absolutely safe whether you do it on your own or with a Colca Canyon tour. There are just two things to keep in mind

Altitude sickness in the Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon tour brings you to high altitudes. Chivay is at 3632 meters where altitude sickness is a risk.

It is hard to predict who will suffer. Mild symptoms may include being tired and more easily out of breath. More severe symptoms of high altitude sickness are headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, breathing problems, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. 

Local remedies include drinking coca tea, chewing on coca leaves or using something called agua de florida. Whether they are really effective is up to debate.

What does help prevent altitude sickness is acclimatization. You need to give your body enough time to adjust to the height. This starts in Arequipa that is at an altitude of 2325 meters. Spend at least one or two days in Arequipa before you head to the Colca Canyon.

Diamox is a medicine that might help your body to acclimatize, but will not cure altitude sickness once you have severe symptoms. In that case, the only remedy is to go down to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

Severe symptoms indicate you are developing high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Both conditions are fatal if you do not get to a lower altitude on time.   

Heat stroke

The sun is strong in the Colca Canyon and during the trek there is not a lot of shade. Bring something to protect your head, sunscreen and enough water to prevent sunburn and a heatstroke.

Sustainable travel in the Colca Canyon

The Andean region, including the Colca Canyon is affected by climate change that has a huge impact on the local people. The indigenous communities in Peru, have faced historical discrimination and challenges related to their land rights and cultural preservation. Climate change is now another challenge to their way of life.

The Colca Canyon sees more tourists every year. While Tourism is a welcome source of income for the local community it can also have negative consequences. Traveling sustainably in the Colca Canyon, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact in these remote and pristine ecosystems.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels. I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Leave no Trace principle : When hiking the Colca Canyon trek, stick to designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystems. Straying off the marked paths can cause soil erosion and damage to plant life. If you are lucky enough to spot wildlife, observe quietly from a distance to prevent disruption to their habitats and help maintain their natural behaviors.

I encourage you to take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. In other words, leave no trace of your visit. Even better is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.

To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter that you can refill at your accomodation. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. Peru is a multicultural country home to a number of indigenous groups. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Spanish, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer :  This post about hiking the Colca Canyon trek in Peru contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

11 thoughts on “The Colca Canyon Trek in Peru: the ultimate travel guide”

This sounds like an amazing experience and looks like a beautiful place. I had no idea Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and the part about being woken up by a small earthquake.. WOW!

Woooowwww…. I’m debating how much of Peru I would do for my South America trip end of this year. Undoubtedly I would still be debating right up to the trip itself haha. Definitely will keep this for later though. The condors is what did it for me! And, I’m not sure what my level of fitness is relative to other backpackers so it’s good to know, uh… what happens if you’re not as fast as the others… 😀

First of all thank you for this blog .it helped me a lot to plan my colca canyon trek

So sad we missed this when we were in Peru – looks incredible! I definitely don’t miss being at altitude though, that was the toughest part of travelling in South America for us.

Great read Ellis, I’ve not walked/hiked in a high altitude area but I can imagine it must be really tough on your body – i’m really impressed you managed to get up at 3am despite not feeling well!! This part of the world looks beautiful and I’ll definitely be taking your tips into consideration if I visit Peru one day 🙂 Ellie

Wow that looks like an amazing experience! Loving your photos. I’m so looking forward to South America and finding some interesting activities like this to do. Great info for how to get there too 🙂

Great post & photos! I just did an article on ten amazing places in Peru that are not Machu Picchu — this was one of them. Hope to see it in person some day.

Great snaps!! … Good that you managed the travel and hike inspite the altitude sickness and the tummy bug issue. Also good to see these villages as you hike the Colca canyon. Colca canyon is indeed very deep if its twice as deep as the Grand canyon!! Loved those birds too Condors flying about!!

This canyon seems like a great idea! Hiking there would be a dream come true!

Great read Ellis, I’ve not walked/hiked in a high altitude area but I can imagine it must be really tough on your body – i’m really impressed you managed to get up at 3am despite not feeling well!! This part of the world looks beautiful and I’ll definitely be taking your tips , loved it <3

Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and in depth information you offer. Awesome places to explore. I would like to suggest it to my friends so that we can plan a trip and take a time for ourselves in this busy schedule. Keep posting such wonderful places. Thanks a lot!

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3-Day Colca Canyon Trek via Llahuar, Peru – A Complete Hiking Guide

If you’re planning to trek in the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, then you’re in the right place. In this detailed guide you can read everything you need to know about what it’s like to embark on a 3-day Colca Canyon trek via Llahuar in the majestic Peruvian Andes.

You can read this blog post in conjunction with our comprehensive Colca Canyon guide that explains all the different ways you can visit the canyon and how to prepare for the trek, whether you do it solo or as a guided hike.

In addition, you can always watch the dedicated Colca Canyon video we shared on our YouTube Channel.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

Introducing the Colca Canyon, Peru

Located about 160km northwest of Arequipa , the second largest city in Peru, is the magnificent Colca Canyon (Cañon de Colca). Situated in the Colca Valley in the Andes Mountains, the Colca Canyon was formed by a seismic fault between the volcanoes of Coropuna and Ampato.

The nearly 100km (or 70km) long canyon is also one of the world’s deepest canyons. Its deepest point is approximately 3,400m which makes it twice as deep as the well-known Grand Canyon in the US.

In the pre-Inca era the valley was inhabited by the communities of the ‘Collaguas’: the Quechua-speaking Cabanas and the Aymara-speakers from Lake Titicaca and the Puno area . These cultures created agricultural terraces on the hillsides that are still used today by local farmers.

The Incas arrived and slowly took control of the area after 1320 A.D. Then the Spanish arrived after 1540, becoming the most influential group in the area.

The Colca Canyon is also home to Andean condors, which are the largest flying birds in the world by combined measurement of wingspan and weight. They can weigh up to 15 kg (33 lbs) and they have a wingspan of 3.2m (10.5 ft). For comparison, that’s twice as long as me!

Did you know? The Condor is part of the Inca Trilogy along with the puma and the serpent. These three animals represent heaven, earth and the world of the dead.

3-Day Colca Canyon Trek via Llahuar or San Juan de Chuccho

It’s worth noting at the start that there are various different circular routes you can choose from and there’s no right or wrong one. One thing’s for sure though. No matter which route you pick you’ll have to hike down to the bottom of the canyon and then back up again.

Many only sign up to complete a 2 day-1 night route for reasons we discuss in this blog post .

However, for those who really enjoy hiking and have the time to spare, we highly recommend planning a 3 day-2 night hike. This will give you the chance to go slower, enjoy the views longer and it’ll definitely be less tiring overall.

Without listing countless different options, we’re just going to highlight the two main routes that most people will likely do in 3 days.

1. Cabanaconde – San Juan de Chuccho – Sangalle – Cabanaconde Route

This particular 3-day trek through the Colca Canyon is probably the most popular route. It is around 20 km (12.5 mi) overall, with a total elevation gain of just over 1,600m (5,292 ft).

On your first day you would hike from Cabanaconde to San Juan de Chuccho and spend the night there. This section is around 10 km (6.2 mi) and pretty much all downhill. The next day, you would be hiking to Sangalle which is only about a 5 km (3.2 mi) distance. You would spend the night in Sangalle and would hike back up to Cabanaconde the following morning.

This section of the hike is the toughest despite being a similar distance to the second day (5km or 3 mi). However, you’ll have 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of elevation gain to overcome before you reach the top.

It’s worth noting that if you’re only doing a 2-day hike, many guided treks will take you along this exact route but would only stop for lunch in San Juan de Chuccho and would carry on to Sangalle on the first day. For this reason, this particular 2-day Colca Canyon trek is often said to be one of the hardest hike’s tourists can complete in Peru.

It’s also going to be busier, so if you want to avoid heavily trafficked trails then perhaps consider the Llahuar route.

2. Cabanaconde – Llahuar – Sangalle – Cabanaconde Route

This circular route would take you from Cabanaconde to Llahuar on your first day where you would spend the night. The first day is a similar length to the above option at around 10km (6.2 mi). It’s a lot of downhill again which can be hard on your knees. The next day you would hike from Llahuar to Sangalle. This section will be just over 11km (6.8 mi). You’d spend the night in Sangalle and would hike back up to the top the following morning. This is going to be a 5 km (3 mi) section with 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of elevation gain.

Overall, the Llahuar route is around 26 km (16 mi) with a total elevation gain of nearly 2,000 m (6,562 ft). Since there are only a handful of guided tours offering this route it’s normally a little more expensive. However, it won’t be nearly as popular.

We personally picked this route and have no regrets. It was quiet until the last day when we had to hike the same section out of the canyon as other trekkers.

Information About the Colca Canyon Trek via Llahuar Route

1. length of the colca canyon trek via llahuar.

As mentioned above the total length of this route is around 26 km (16 mi). It is challenging but the distance is also spread across 3 days unlike the most popular 2-day trek where you’d have to hike around 20 km (12.5 mi) in just 2 days.

The first day you’ll be hiking from Cabanaconde to Llahuar which is about 10km (6.2 mi). We started to trek around 10AM and got to our accommodation around 3PM. It took us 5 hours to complete this section, but since it was our first time in the canyon we stopped a lot for photos. It was mainly downhill too, so that can slow you down a bit.

The next day you’ll hike from Llahuar to Sangalle. This section will be just over 11km (6.8 mi). We started trekking around 9AM and got to our accommodation around 14:30PM. So, it took us about 5.5 hours to complete day two.

At only 5km (3 mi), the third day will be the shortest day. However, it’s also the toughest one as it’s all uphill. We left around 5AM and got to the top just after 7AM. So it took us a little over 2 hours to complete the hardest section of the Llahuar route.

The Colca Canyon trek was a great way to prepare us for the 5-day Salkantay Trek where we had to hike 26 km (16 mi) in one day!

2. Level of Difficulty

The Colca Canyon trek is challenging, whichever path you choose. Whilst you don’t need to be super fit to do the hike, it’s definitely not for a first-time hiker either. We’ll detail below all the challenges you can face on this route, so make sure to be realistic about your abilities and don’t underestimate this trek.

Elevation and Altitude:

Altitude and elevation are some of the many hurdles you’ll face during your Colca Canyon trek via Llahuar. Cabanaconde, where you start your hike, is located at 3,287 m (10,784 ft) above sea level. Luckily, you’ll be going downhill on your first day which can make you feel better as the air won’t be as thin further down. However, Llahuar Lodge itself is still at 2,118m (6,949 ft) above sea level.

You won’t be going too high up the next day and Sangalle Lodge is located around 2,100 m (6,889 ft) above sea level. However, on your final day, you’ll have to hike all the way back to Cabanaconde, which means that you’ll be gaining over 1,000 m (3,280 ft) of elevation.

There are many symptoms of altitude sickness, including dehydration, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, heavy breathing, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. It’s good to remember that  anyone can develop altitude sickness  and its symptoms can be less or more severe depending on the person.

We highly recommend acclimatising in Arequipa first, which is located about 2,335 m (7,660 ft) above sea level. It’s also very important to stay hydrated during the trek to avoid dehydration and headaches. Try to avoid drinking too much alcohol before your trek and don’t eat too many heavy foods either. You can drink Coca tea like the locals do at high altitudes in Peru. In addition, you can also buy some altitude sickness tablets before your hike in Arequipa.

Temperatures and Weather Conditions:

If the altitude wasn’t enough to deal with, you’ll have to be mindful of the temperatures too when trekking. The sun can be pretty intense, especially in the dry season. There are hardly any trees to offer shade, so it’s important to wear a hat, sunglasses and sun-cream. There are a lot of sun-protecting hiking clothes out there that you can consider wearing too.

Again, other than wearing sun-protection, make sure to drink enough water to avoid dehydration. You don’t want to get sun-stroke or burnt.

Now, apart from the hot temperatures during the day, it’s worth noting that it’s pretty cold the higher you are, especially at night. So, bringing plenty of layers is important too.

During the wet season, the rain can make the trek less enjoyable, so if you’re trekking in that season make sure to pack plenty of waterproofs.

During the dry months, the paths are mainly dusty with small, loose rocks, which can be a trip hazard if you’re not careful going downhill. This can definitely make the trek more physically demanding.

In the wet season, the path can easily become muddy and slippery, which again can make the trail more difficult.

Finding the trailhead isn’t too difficult. Just follow Calle San Pedro from the main Plaza then Calle Simon Bolivar. The road will end and then turn into more of a trail. Navigating the path is relatively easy. There are general signs towards your accommodation so just follow them and have an offline map downloaded too such as Google Maps or AllTrails. Locals are also very helpful, so it’s worth downloading Spanish offline on Google Translate in case you don’t speak much Spanish.

Earthquakes:

The Colca Valley is surrounded by several volcanoes and therefore seismic activity is very high in the area. This means that earthquakes and landslides are very common.

The first morning of our visit there was a small earthquake which was followed by a 5.6 magnitude one during our first night. Being woken up by a quake in the middle of a canyon can be scary. Luckily, the epicentre was located away from our accommodation but it still did some serious damage to the main road between Chivay and Cabanaconde. This meant that on our last day we had to hike through this damaged section. This was only our second experience with earthquakes on this trip after feeling one small one in Costa Rica .

Because of the damage to the roads we were very happy that we went with a guide who received regular updates, and was able to organise our transportation back to Arequipa a lot more easily than we could have on our own.

3. Best Time to Hike in the Colca Canyon

March, April and May are probably the best months to visit the Colca Canyon. The wet season is ending in March / April, so the valley is still a lush green as opposed to the dry yellow of the dry season. The temperatures are more pleasant and there will also be less chance of rain.

Click here for more pros and cons of hiking the Colca Canyon in the dry and wet seasons.

4. Facilities Along the Hike

Accommodation. You can book your first night’s stay at Llahuar Lodge and the second one in Sangalle. They have some simple accommodation options you can book, such as Paraiso Las Palmeras Lodge , Oasis Paraiso Ecolodge and Eden Lodge. Click here for more information on accommodation in the Colca Canyon.

Cafes and restaurants.  There are some places to buy food from in Cabanaconde. There won’t be any other pit stop options until you reach Llahuar Lodge. We recommend packing enough food and snacks to keep you going until you can have lunch at the Lodge. It’s the same on your second day, with a hot meal waiting for you in Sangalle. Click here for more information on what to eat on the Colca Canyon trek.

Toilets.  You can find toilets in Cabanaconde and at your accommodation in Llahuar and Sangalle. You’ll need to find a private spot anywhere else along the trail.

Phone reception.  An important thing to mention is phone reception. We bought local SIM cards upon arriving to Peru, which we recommend doing. Unfortunately, you won’t have much signal in the canyon. For this reason, we recommend downloading offline maps and Google Translate if you’re doing the hike independently.

Click here to read about what to pack for a multi-day trek in the Colca Canyon.

The 3-Day Colca Canyon Hiking Trail via Llahuar

Please note that we completed this Colca Canyon trek via Llahuar as part of an organised hike. This meant that we had a 3AM pick up from Arequipa followed by a quick breakfast in Chivay. We stopped briefly at Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint before being taken to the trailhead in Cabanaconde.

On our last day we also stopped at the hot springs in Yanque to relax our sore muscles, before briefly stopping at Patapampa (volcanoes viewpoint) and at the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca to see some vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas.

If you’re completing the trek without a tour, you’ll need to find ways to reach these locations with local taxis and colectivos as they are quite far apart. For more details, you can check out our day-trips from Arequipa blog post.

Day 1: Cabanaconde to Llahuar

From the main Plaza of Cabanaconde you’ll have to follow Calle San Pedro and then Calle Simon Bolivar until the road ends. For reference, Cabanaconde is about 3,287 m (10,784 ft) above sea level. For the first 3 km (1.8 mi) you’ll be walking along the edge of the canyon through some lovely cornfields. Less than a km (0.6 mi) into your hike you’ll pass a viewpoint called Mirador Achachihua . It’s a beautiful viewpoint, so make sure to stop there briefly.

After about 3 km (1.8 mi), you’ll start your descent into the canyon. The first 1.5 km (0.9 mi) is steep downhill until you reach a bridge over a stream that runs into the Colca River. At this point you’ll be approximately 2,800m (9,186 ft) above sea level.

For the next 1.3 km (0.8 mi), you’ll be walking along the side of the canyon. Luckily, this section is relatively flat, a welcome break before you’ll have to tackle even more downhill.

The following 2.15 km (1.3 mi) will be another steep descent until you reach Churica village and a bridge crossing the Rio Colca. The bridge is located around 2,120 m (6,955 ft) above sea level, so you’ll be descending around 700 m (2,296 ft) give or take.

From this point, Llahuar Lodge will be about 2.3 km (1.4 mi) away located at around 2,100 m (6,889 ft) above sea level.

Once you’re at the lodge you can settle in, have lunch and then enjoy the hot springs next to the Colca River until dinner time.

Day 2: Llahuar to Sangalle

After a filling breakfast at Llahuar Lodge, you can make your way towards Paclla and Belen villages and to Mirador Apacheta. This first section of the hike will be just under 5 km (3.1 mi) with an elevation gain of nearly 700 m (2,296 ft). For reference, Mirador Apacheta is located around 2,800 m (9,186 ft) above sea level.

From there you’ll be heading towards Malata village. The first 2 km (1.2 mi) will be pretty flat, then you’ll have to start descending towards Sangalle. This downhill section will be around 3 km (1.8 mi) long. For reference, Sangalle is located around 2,200 m (7,217 ft) above sea level.

The oasis is very beautiful and has many swimming pools you can relax in whilst waiting for your dinner. You can also have lunch at your accommodation. Since most other 2 and 3-day trekkers will be staying in Sangalle, it’s going to be much busier than Llahuar Lodge.

Day 3: Sangalle to Cabanaconde

Starting your hike as early as possible is recommended on your last day of trekking. We left around 5AM and it was still dark until we got about half way up the canyon. This meant that we could witness a magical sunrise and also appreciate just how far we’d come in the dark.

On your last day, the distance of your Colca Canyon trek via Llahuar will only be about 5 km (3 mi). However, you’ll be gaining about 1,000m (3,280 ft) of elevation which is no joke. (Especially before coffee)!

You can of course hike up just after breakfast if you’re doing the hike independently. However, hiking this section with a full stomach would be a bit too much in our opinion. Also, hiking in the dark actually made us hike faster since we didn’t stop for photos or breaks that often.

Be prepared for a lot of switch-backs and false summits before you reach the top, but you’ll get there eventually and that’ll be a fantastic feeling!

Now, once you’ve reached the top, you’ll still have to get back to Cabanaconde which is another 1.3 km (0.8 mi) away from the edge of the canyon. Once you’re in Cabanaconde, you’ll have successfully completed your 3-day Colca Canyon trek via the Llahuar route.

Final Thoughts on the 3-Day Colca Canyon Trek via Llahuar

The Colca Canyon was our first ever multi-day trekking experience and we loved it. We always knew that we wanted to trek in the canyon. To maximise our time there, we opted for the 3-day hike. We were very happy with the route we chose as it was definitely much quieter. We only had to walk with a bigger group of people on our last morning when most 2 and 3-day hikers were also ascending along the same route. It was dark for the most part, so we didn’t mind that at all. It was actually quite a nice atmosphere at the top with everyone celebrating their achievement.

Have you ever visited the Colca Canyon before? If so, did you go on a trek or a tour? How was your experience? If not, would you add the Colca Canyon to your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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14 comments.

Peru looks every bit as hilly and dramatic as I imagine it being. The hiking in Colca Canyon might be a little bit advanced for me, but wow what scenery! I’m so glad you didn’t get injured in the earthquake!

Feeling an earthquake while traveling sounds so unsettling! I’m glad you’re okay. Also, I love how in depth your hiking guide is!

Thank you so much. Yes, earthquakes are no joke, but luckily everything was fine at the end!

Peru is really amazing, and even if you don’t want to hike too much, you can just visit the Colca Canyon as part of a day tour.

What an amazing experience and great way to see other parts of Peru. It must have been just lovely.

Thanks Kit, the hike was really a fantastic experience.

I’ve never been to Peru, but Machu Picchu has been on my travel bucket list for a while. I had no idea about the Colca Canyon, despite the difficulty I’d definitely add trek in the Colca Canyon onto my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much Anna, we’re glad that the Colca Canyon is now on your bucket list too. Hope you can get to Peru in the near future.

This hike looks incredible. And oh my – an earthquake!! I experienced one while traveling in Zapopan in Mexico but not on a hiking trip – yikes! What adventures. Adding this to my bucket list. Very fun read and interesting post with a lot of great information!

Thanks Yvonne. Luckily we didn’t experience any earthquakes when we were in Mexico, but they can be super scary!

I also visited the Colca canyon and it was fantastic. I was recommended to go with an agency since going by myself could be dangerous. After looking for tour options on internet I decided to take Trek The Colca servicies https://trekthecolca.com/

Thanks for your comment Ronny, we’re glad you had a great experience visiting the Colca Canyon. We went with a guide too and it was definitely a great decision.

Loved this blog and I’m looking into booking this trek. Please can you advise on how much it cost you? Many thanks,

Thank you for your comment. The 3-day trek via Llahuar can cost anywhere between $250-$350 depending on who you book it with. We booked it with Peruhike, but you can also complete this trek without a guide and just book your own accommodation and use colectivos to get to the trailhead. That will probably be cheaper than a guided hike. Hope this helps.

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Hike   |   Arequipa   |   Peru

3-day colca canyon trek hiking guide (self-guided), text   |   anninka kraus photography   |   tobias kraus.

One of our favourite memories of Peru is the three-day/two-night hike into the Colca Canyon – Cañon de Colca in Spanish – one of the world’s deepest canyons. Located 220km northwest of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is easily accessible (it’s still a long drive from Arequipa) and equally suitable for self-guided hikers and those preferring a guided or group hike experience.

After hiking in the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona just a few months earlier, we weren’t sure whether the much deeper Colca Canyon would measure up in terms of scenery. But it sure does. Like the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon is stunningly beautiful, albeit in a slightly different way. Both canyons are arid, but the Colca Canyon seems less so, almost lush by comparison really, as locals still cultivate the stepped terraces, growing corn and avocado.

And whereas the Grand Canyon seems to be this desolate, uninhabited wilderness (there’s only one remaining tribal village in Grand Canyon National Park, inhabited by the Havasupai people), the Colca Canyon is home to several communities allowing hikers an insight into rural Peruvian everyday life.

Hiking in the Colca Canyon is also a different experience from hiking in the Grand Canyon and much more comfortable. Instead of very basic campsites, the Colca Canyon boasts lovely guest houses with hot showers, beautiful home-cooked meals, and thermal baths.

Both canyons did have one thing in common, however, and that was the lack of wildlife. Maybe we were just unlucky because there were actually plenty of alpacas roaming the high plains on the drive to Cabanaconde. But once we started hiking, the only wildlife we saw over the three days was a couple of small birds. If you‘re lucky, though, you might see Andean condors soaring above the canyon. We didn’t, but plenty of people join day tours from Arequipa to two lookout points on the rim of the canyon specifically to see condors.

Contrary to some online accounts we’ve read, we believe hiking the Colca Canyon is pretty straightforward and easily doable self-guided for experienced hikers (if you download gpx files for offline use). You could almost get away with carrying a small day pack actually. Of course, this being a canyon with a 1600m elevation difference between the rim and the canyon floor on day 1, you obviously need to pack some warm clothes. But with comfortable accommodation options available in several places, you’ll hardly need to pack anything else at all. You’ll also frequently pass through small communities as you walk through the canyon along the Rio Colca, with plenty of opportunities to stock up on snacks and drinks.

The only aspect of this hike that might require a little thought and planning is choosing the transport options between Arequipa and Cabanaconde that best fit your needs (see “Where and getting there” in trail details). And don’t forget to download the gpx files of this trek for offline use. There are few trail markers, if any, and navigating the opening stretch, in particular, wasn’t easy, with parts of the trek destroyed by a fire, it appeared.

There are several routes into the canyon, but if you follow this 3-day/2-night circuit itinerary, starting from and finishing in Cabanaconde, you’ll be spending your first night in Llahuar and the second in San Juan de Chuccho. It’s the longest loop you can hike in the canyon, with a total trail distance of 30km. That might not seem like a lot, stretched across 3 days, but there’s a 1000m elevation gain to tackle as well. 

Also, with the Colca Canyon located 220km from Arequipa, you need to allow for a 4-6 hour journey to and from the canyon on days 1 and 3 – unless, of course, you stay in Cabanaconde before and after your hike, which I wouldn’t recommend because the scenery inside the canyon is far more special. Gazing up at the sheer rock walls as daylight faded, the light grew softer, and the shadows longer was incredible.

trail info.

Start/End: Cabanaconde (you’ll most likely arrive from and return to Arequipa) Route: Day 1 Cabanaconde – Llahuar Day 2 Llahuar – San Juan de Chuccho Day 3 San Juan de Chuccho – Cabanaconde Distance: 30km total trail distance Time: 3 days (total hiking time incl. small breaks: 10 hours) Difficulty: moderate; but exposed to the weather and steep altitude gain on day 3, from 2395m at the bottom of the canyon to the rim at 3430m. If you hike often, you won’t find this difficult, but someone who doesn’t might struggle with the steep 1000m elevation gain. Options: in addition to this 3-day/2-night Colca Canyon itinerary, there are plenty of other shorter hikes into the canyon. Permits: To hike in the canyon, you apparently need to purchase a 7-day entrance permit for S/.70. We asked at several places in Cabanaconde, but couldn’t find anyone to sell us a permit. Maybe this was because we hiked in low season, I’m not really sure, but we didn’t pass a ranger’s station anywhere either.

1.    Laguna 69

Out & back trail   |  5-6 hours

2.    Santa Cruz Trek

Point-to-point trail   |  3 days

3.    Inca Trail (guided hike)

Point-to-point trail   |  4 days

At the very bottom, where the sheer canyon walls meet, the Rio Colca is nestled among lush greenery.

What to expect..

A three-day/two-night hike into one of the world’s deepest canyons

A hike that is equally suitable for self-guided hikers and those preferring a guided or group hike experience

Super comfortable stays in guesthouses with hot showers, beautiful home-cooked meals, and thermal baths

You’ll pass through several local communities, giving you insight into rural Peruvian everyday life

location & trail information.

Where and getting there:  Before and after your hike in the Colca Canyon, you’ll probably be staying in Arequipa, 220km from Cabanaconde, which is the start and end point of this hike. To get to Cabanaconde from Arequipa, you can take the bus departing from the Arequipa Bus Terminal or a minivan to Chivay – Transportes Centella, for instance, leaving from Av. Andrés Avelino Cáceres – and then change to a colectivo to Cobanaconde. The same on the way back. We opted for the minivan/colectivo combination because the bus leaves very early and still gets to Cabanaconde late, as it stops at various points along the way. If you take the minivan instead, you can leave at 8 am and still have plenty of time to walk to Llahuar that day. It’s much quicker, and we thought the minivans/colectivos in Chivay were well coordinated. We didn’t have to wait long for one to depart for Cabanaconde or for Arequipa on the way back. Get off the colectivo in the main square – Plaza de Armas – in Cabanaconde and follow the road that runs past Mirador de Achachihua to the starting point of the trek on the outskirts of town. There are very few trail markers at the start of this trek if any, and I doubt we’d have found the trail quickly without using GPS or a map. On day 3, when you climb out of the canyon from San Juan de Chuccho, you’ll meet a road where you need to turn right, towards Cabanaconde. It’s a 20-minute walk on the road into town where colectivos for Chivay depart from the main square.

Where to eat:  Breakfast is included in the room price at both hotels we stayed at and was very nice; they also serve dinner (vegetarian option available) and cold drinks; throughout the day, you can stock up on snacks and drinks at small kiosks along the way.

When to go:  In the dry season – May to October – when there’s little chance of rain. Nights are colder at that time though and it’s peak season so you might have to book accommodation further in advance. I wouldn’t want to hike this trek in the rainy season, especially the slippery, steep downhill sections, but if that’s when you’re going, taking hiking poles will be useful.

How to prepare:  You need to be reasonably fit and well-acclimatized to higher altitudes before attempting to hike to the Colca Canyon Trek. Spending at least 1-2 nights in Arequipa at 2335m will help you acclimatize and make your hike more enjoyable. Book your accommodation online . At Llahuar, there are only two hotels, so you definitely want to book ahead. Take warm clothes, as nights might be cold and swimwear if you think you might want to jump into the hot pools in Llahuar. Take only a small daypack/backpack and leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Arequipa.

Cabanaconde - Llahuar

On day 1, you’ll pass through some farmland just outside Cabanaconde with great views from the rim into the canyon, before the trail starts zig-zagging downhill, rather steeply in some places. Taking hiking poles will help on the slippery bits with lots of loose gravel and sand.

Once you’ve reached the canyon floor and crossed a bridge to the other side of the Rio Colca, you’ll soon after arrive in Llahuar. It’s a tiny place with just two hotels, but both serve dinner and have beautiful gardens with fantastic river views.

track details.

Start: Cabanaconde End: Llahuar Distance: 9.6km Time: 3.5 hours Elevation gain: 430m / loss: 1610m (lowest point: 2110m / highest point: 3290m) Difficulty: easy – moderate

Colca Canyon Trek map - day 1

Llahuar - san juan de chuccho.

Day 2 for us was a lovely, leisurely walk through the canyon. We were in no rush and stopped often to take photos and soak up the views, because it was such a short day hiking.

Even with all the breaks, we arrived in San Juan de Chuccho by noon and spent all afternoon on the balcony sipping mango juice. If you’re keen to cover some extra distance, maybe add a side trip to Sangalle – nicknamed the “Oasis”.

It seems to be the most popular spot inside the canyon with most guided groups spending the night there. We had thought about visiting Sangalle, but then skipped it because the reviews of the hotels there didn’t seem too promising and there’s not much to do unless you stay the night.

Start: Llahuar End: San Juan de Chuccho Distance: 12.3km Time: 4 hours Elevation gain: 840m / loss: 515m (lowest point: 2110m / highest point: 2815m) Difficulty: easy

Colca Canyon Trek map - day 2

San juan de chuccho - cabanaconde.

Day 3 is the most physically challenging as the trail gains 1000m in elevation to the rim. There’s not much else to say really – it’s a relentless, steep uphill climb for 2-4 hours, depending on your level of fitness.

The views are still splendid, however, and if you hike regularly and are well-acclimatized to higher altitudes, you won’t find this too challenging. Stock up on all the water you need in San Juan de Chuccho because you won’t be passing any streams on the way up.

Start: San Juan de Chuccho End: Cabanaconde Distance: 7.9km Time: 2.5 hours Elevation gain: 1090m / loss: 215m (lowest point: 2395m / highest point: 3430m) Difficulty: moderate – difficult

Colca Canyon Trek map - day 3

Visiting denali state park and hiking the curry ridge trail, delicate arch hike in arches national park, devils garden trail with landscape arch (full circuit).

Zen Travellers

Two round the world travellers and our guide for adding a little zen to your adventures. Travel advice, stories, and inspiration!

The Colca Canyon Trek: A Complete Guide and What to Expect

One of the most popular tours from Arequipa is the Colca Canyon trek.  The Colca Canyon hike can be done quite easily unguided or guided with a tour group.  It’s quite popular to visit as a day trip, a 2 day tour, or a 3 day trek.  The Colca Canyon in Peru is a beautiful natural wonder that needs to be on your bucket list and this post is a complete guide with everything you need to know about trekking the Colca Canyon from Arequipa.  Read on for more information!

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Is the Colca Canyon Trek Difficult?
• 2.1 Cruz del Condor
• 2.2 Cabanaconde
• 2.3 Sangalle Oasis
• 2.4 Hiking out of the Colca Canyon
• 3 Unguided vs Guided Colca Canyon Trek
• 4 Packing for a Colca Canyon Tour

About the Colca Canyon

About 150km away from Arequipa near the small town of Chivay, the Colca Canyon is a popular day trip from the beautiful city of Arequipa in Peru. Arequipa has a number of fun things to do but without a doubt, the most popular is to hike the Colca Canyon.   In fact, the Colca Canyon is Peru’s third most visited destination with over 150,000 visitors annually .  Third best isn’t bad when you’re competing with Machu Picchu!

The Colca Canyon is deep….but depending on your source that depth is subject to some debate.  Some claim it’s the deepest canyon in the world (doubtful) and even deeper than the Grand Canyon (yes).  Depending on how you measure and who you trust, the deepest point is anywhere between 3,400m to 4,160m.  Canyons are often measured from the top of the highest point to the lowest, and the highest point nearby is Cabanaconde Volcano at 6,228m so that can be a bit misleading.  If you google “ how deep is the Colca Canyon ” you’ll get about 5 different answers which is a bit perplexing.  How hard can it be to measure a canyon?

Regardless of how you measure and where it is in the surprisingly competitive “world’s deepest canyon” standings, the Colca Canyon is deep, and it’s a stunning natural area.  It’s worth adding to your itinerary if you’re visiting Peru, whether you choose to hike the canyon independently or as part of a Colca Canyon tour.

The canyon can be visited at any time of year, but the best time to visit the Colca Canyon is during the dry season of June – August.

Is the Colca Canyon Trek Difficult?

Being such a deep canyon and in a popular tourist city like Arequipa, many decide to do this tour without a lot of hiking experience.  Naturally, that means that a popular question is about the Colca Canyon Trek’s difficulty.  To answer that question, if you have a moderate level of fitness and some experience hiking, the Colca Canyon trek is doable, and not too difficult.

The hike does not visit the deepest point of the canyon, nor do you have to climb the Volcano, so thankfully you don’t have to descend/ascend all of it but you should be fit and be able to hike for a long distance with about a kilometre of elevation change in a day.  If you are unsure about your level of fitness it is also possible to rent a donkey or horse to take you out of the canyon on the last and most challenging day of the trek.

Colca Canyon 2 Day Tour / 3 Day Tour

The typical itineraries for hiking the Colca Canyon are a two-day tour or a three-day tour.  These both visit the same places, the difference is just how fast you have to hike the length of the canyon.  Obviously doing it faster is a bit more difficult and requires a higher level of fitness.  If you’re short on time you can also visit the Colca Canyon as a day trip, but you won’t get to spend any time hiking into the depths of the canyon.

The following is the typical itinerary you can expect for a Colca Canyon tour:

Cruz del Condor

Colca Canyon tours start extremely early.  Tours begin with a painfully early pickup at 3 AM so that you can make a quick stop at the Cruz del Condor.  The best time to spot the endangered Andean Condor is in the morning, around 8 AM and Cruz del Condor is a 3-4 hour drive from Arequipa.  At least you can get some sleep on the bus.

The Andean Condor is the world’s largest flying bird, with a wingspan of approximately 3 metres (10.5 feet)!  They can live about 60-70 years and are thought of as a symbol of long life and eternity.  Watching them soar effortlessly overhead on the thermals that rise from the canyon is a fantastic spectacle that will take your breath away.  At Cruz del Condor the canyon is 1,200 metres deep so your first views into the canyon are spectacular as well.

Cabanaconde

After a bit of time at Cruz del Condor, you’ll climb back on the tour bus and will be dropped off a short distance away at Cabanaconde.  You may have to wait for the rest of your group and meet up with your guide as tour agencies combine their groups so the bus you took to Cruz del Condor may not actually be your full hiking group.

From Cabanaconde you will descend into the Colca Canyon!  Hopefully you brought trekking poles as its all downhill for this day and they can make a big difference at easing the load on your knees.  The views are fantastic as you work your way towards the Colca River.

Shortly after the river, you’ll end your hike for the day if you are on a 3-day tour.  We did the 3 day itinerary so we spent some time getting to know our travel companions.  We had a diverse group from around the world, all with interesting travel stories from destinations near and far.  We swapped stories about hiking in Huaraz and the Salkantay Trek , and we made friends with some South Africans that we met up with again later in our trip when we spent a week in Cape Town !

If you’re on the two day Colca Canyon hike you’ll continue after reaching the river to Sangalle which was our destination for the second night.  After the hike reaches the canyon floor it levels out for a bit.  You hike along the river for a ways and then ascend to visit the town of Malata.  Make sure to take a photo of the small stone Church!

Sangalle Oasis

Afterwards, the hike continues through the canyon, eventually crossing the river and reaching Sangalle, the “Oasis”.  The Oasis is a lush, green patch in the valley, with a lot of small hotels that cater those on the Colca Canyon trek.  Most even have swimming pools!  We spent the afternoon relaxing, resting our weary muscles, and enjoying the pool.

That night myself and another photographer spent a bit of time doing some astrophotography because the night sky was insanely clear, but with another early wakeup call at 4 AM looming the next day, we didn’t stay up too late.

Hiking out of the Colca Canyon

The final day hiking out of the Colca Canyon is a tough one.  All the elevation that you descended down on your first day has to be regained.  We walked by headlamp under a starry sky, and eventually, enjoyed a spectacular sunrise over the canyon.  Thankfully when you reach the top of the canyon there’s a lady that sells coffee and even Nescafe will do when you’ve been up since 4 AM!

After completing our three day Colca Canyon tour we were dropped off for breakfast and said goodbye to our guide as he was off to lead another group down the canyon.

After breakfast, our group met up with the new tour guide that would take us on our leisurely trip back to Arequipa.  Our first stop was a viewpoint which had the cutest Alpaca you’ve ever seen,  but really the part we were all looking forward to was the hot springs!

After about an hour in the hot springs, and muscles thoroughly relaxed we climbed back onto the tour bus which made a couple more photo stops on the way back to Arequipa to see some of the imposing volcanoes of the area.  The final stop was at a viewpoint for Misti Volcano and we arrived at Arequipa in the evening where we said our goodbyes to our hiking group.

Unguided vs Guided Colca Canyon Trek

We love doing hikes unsupported and on our own but this was one hike where it just made sense to go with a group.  You could do it on your own quite easily but going with a guided group is insanely cheap so you don’t really save much by doing the hike on your own.   It cost us only 100 Peruvian Sol ($30 USD) per day for two people, plus a park fee of 140 Sol for two ($42 USD).  That’s pretty darn cheap for a fully guided hike including accommodation and transportation and we would have been hard-pressed to do the hike for cheaper on our own.

Our guide was simply fantastic.  He made sure that everybody made it and stayed back to hike with those that were moving a little slower.  He had lots to explain about the unique flora and fauna of the canyon, it’s history, and he was a little bit of a superhuman as he repeated the trek with a new tour group every 2-3 days! As a former cruise ship employee and now hiking guide his English was excellent and he had a great appreciation for travellers and exploring the world.

We also met some amazing, like-minded travellers on our guided trip.  This is the kind of tour that attracts interesting people and we loved hearing about the rest of our group’s travels.  We swapped stories about destinations that we had all visited and even added a few things to our bucket list.  We keep in contact with some of them to this day and know that we have an open invitation to catch up should we ever find ourselves in the same part of the world again.

Packing for a Colca Canyon Tour

Your typical hiking packing list applies here.  Dress in layers as it will be hot during the day and cool at night.  You only need a day pack if you are going on the guided trek as there is no need to pack a sleeping bag, tent, etc.

Meals are supplied but it’s a good idea to pack some snacks to eat along the way.  This applies especially for the third day as you won’t get breakfast until after you’ve hiked out of the canyon.  You can purchase snacks (and drinks!) along the way, but it’s mostly junk food and a bit pricey since the canyon is so remote.

It’s a good idea to pack a filter water bottle so that you don’t have to purchase water along the way and so that you’re not generating plastic waste.  Be a responsible traveller!

Trekking poles are almost a necessity because of the steep decline on day one and the steep incline coming out of the canyon.  You can rent them in Arequipa, or purchase them ahead of time.  Our recommended poles are Black Diamond as they are durable, mine have lasted for almost a decade now.

Another recommended item that might not be on your packing list?  A Buff .  The canyon was quite dry when we were hiking it so a buff comes in handy to shield your mouth from dust when donkeys or horses are passing.

Sunscreen is also a necessity as the sun beats down you hard in the canyon and you’ll need a headlamp for hiking out of the canyon on the final day.

So that’s it!  Do you have any more questions about hiking the Colca Canyon?  Have you been on this trek?  Let us know in the comments!

2 Replies to “The Colca Canyon Trek: A Complete Guide and What to Expect”

Really great place. I’d like to be there one day. Thanks.

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Everything you need to know about trekking Peru’s Colca Canyon

Yes, Machu Picchu is Peru’s number one attraction and trekking the Inca Trail is so popular that permits sell out months in advance.   But if you’re active and independent (like me) and would rather not sleep on the ground (like me), trekking in Peru’s Colca Canyon is for you.

No need to carry a tent or food since there are villages with at least basic facilities. No crowded trails (I spent hours on trails without seeing any other trekkers). No need for a pesky, pricey permit.

An introduction to the Colca Canyon

There are only a few modest archaeological sites in the Colca Canyon, but the place makes up for it with extreme topography (flat spaces are few and far between) and vast landscapes that blow the Sacred Valley (home to Machu Picchu) out of the water.

But that 11,000 feet deep thing, while accurate, is misleading because canyon depth is measured from the top of the highest rim feature. The Colca Canyon is surrounded by Andean peaks (and at least one very active volcano), so the measurement is taken from the top of the peaks to the bottom of the canyon which results in 11,000 feet. However, trailheads into the canyon start much, much lower down. Most walks require a more reasonable 4,000 feet of elevation change from trailhead to the canyon floor.

VISIT COLCA CANYON ON THIS EPIC SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE TO PERU (HOMESTAY INCLUDED!)

During three days in the canyon I gaped at condors, gasped on the trails (which are steep and at altitudes between 6,700 and 10,800 feet), and soaked in the springs.

Me hiking down from Cabanaconde to Llahuar

Here are a few things I learned along the way that will make your Colca Canyon experience even better:

Take your time, choose the right route

Some people rush down from their base (often Chivay, but sometimes Cabanaconde) to the oasis town of Sangalle on the canyon floor, then climb right back up again in one very long, very hard day. The trekkers I talked to who did that one day bounce spoke mostly about being exhausted, not about being amazed.

Though Sangalle is the most famous (and busiest) Colca Canyon destination, the canyon is crisscrossed with trails and other places to explore and sleep. If you have the time, this three day/two night loop takes you through some of the best the Colca Canyon has to offer, allowing time to be amazed. And exhausted.

The oasis backpacker resort village of Sangalle seen from the trail that descends steeply to it

From Cabanaconde, trek down to the tiny village of Llahuar. Allow 4-5 hours for this 6 mile leg which is almost entirely downhill. A sign at the first of two hostels in Llahuar makes it seem like only their guests are allowed to use the adjacent riverside hot spring pools. However, I met trekkers who were staying at the second hostel in Llahuar and they soaked in the heavenly pools as well.

RELATED: WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT HUACACHINA, THE SURREAL DESERT OASIS IN PERU

By the time I reached Llahuar my aching legs were not amenable to the idea of climbing up and down stairs. Nope. But if you arrive in better shape than I did, go for one of the new bungalows, located between the restaurant and the hot springs, at Llahuar Lodge.

My partner, Eric, in the riverside hot spring tubs at the guest house in Llahuar

From Llahuar the route climbs for about 2 hours, then continues along the dirt road that now travels through the canyon (there are buses and everything, which I was bit shocked to find), before descending steeply into the backpacker resort village of Sangalle where many riverside hostels offer swimming pools and cold beer. Allow 4-5 hours for this 6 mile leg.

RELATED: OUR GUIDE TO PERU’S TASTIEST STREET FOOD

Get an early start to beat the heat on the trail up to Cabanaconde. Though it’s less than 3 miles, allow about 4 hours for this leg since the trail gains 4,000 feet in that short distance and it’s a very, very steep climb. You can see the trail zig-zagging up the canyon wall from your hostel in Sangalle and I’d been visualizing myself powering up it. The morning started out at a fast clip and I had hopes of finishing under the average ascent time, however, sun, increasing altitude, and a mile long section of boulders showed me who was boss.

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Pack right, pack light

Whichever route you take, you’ll be hiking up and down steep canyon walls which is challenging enough without an over-stuffed pack on your back. Pare down your essentials (then pare them down again).

Here are a few items that are worth the weight:

• Flashlight (many hostels have no electricity or limited solar power)
• Swimsuit (the hot springs and pools are calling)
• Cash (there are no ATMs and no one accepts credit cards)
• Binoculars (a condor was spotted circling above the trail during the climb from Sangalle to Cabanaconde)
• SPF 50 sunscreen (there is virtually no shade on the trails)
• Hat (see above)
• Nail clippers (to keep your toenails short and free of contact with the front of your boots during all those long descents – unless you want to lose a big toenail like I did!)
• Trekking poles (trails are knee-bustingly steep and often covered in loose gravel)
• Hiking boots (highly recommended over tennis shoes given the steep, rocky, unstable terrain)
• Travel alarm clock (early starts are crucial because the sun is relentless and shade is scarce)
• Lightweight off-trail shoes (I always hook my Crocs to the outside of my pack – they’re ugly but they weigh almost nothing and can be worn with socks on chilly nights)

Also, don’t forget to carry the boleto turistico that all foreigners must buy from the entrance station on the road entering Chivay. This tourist ticket costs 70 soles (about US$21) and is valid for one week.

Go soak in it

No matter how fit you are, you’re likely to have sore muscles after Colca Canyon trekking. That’s part of the satisfaction. Allow for a day of post-trek recuperation on the rim in one of the many natural hot springs that have been moderately built up and opened to the public.

One of the many pools at the hostels in Sangalle

At Termales Chacapi, about a mile outside the town of Yanque, entry is just a few soles and you get access to changing rooms and a variety of steaming pools on the edge of the Colca River where you can let the mineral-rich water do its magic.

There are also public hot springs near Chivay, including Termales La Calera. Enjoy!

Want to witness the extraordinary beauty of Peru for yourself? Check out our range of small group adventures there.

(Image Credits from top to bottom: Eric Mohl, Robert Pechholz, Eric Mohl x3, Euphemia Foo, Sue Muggleston, Eric Mohl)

Feeling inspired?

Karen Catchpole

I’ve spent half of my life gallivanting long-term through Southeast Asia and Latin America which I’ve been exploring on my ongoing Trans-Americas Journey road trip since leaving New York City in 2006. Follow along at www.trans-americas.com as the Latin American adventures and travel reporting continue.

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• Get A Trek Quote

Colca Canyon – Ultimate Guide To One Of Peru’s Largest Natural Wonders

Most travellers don’t hear about Colca Canyon until they arrive in Peru. This spectacular natural feature is in fact one of the deepest canyons in the world. Lined with cactuses and watched over by soaring condors, the landscape is straight out of a western movie.

In this ultimate guide, I will give you some interesting info on one of Peru’s lesser-known attractions. You will also find all the details you need before booking a tour or trekking in the Colca Canyon.

Looking for a short trek? Here are my 5 favourite tours to Colca Canyon: 

• Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour (incl. transfers between Arequipa and Puno)
• Arequipa-Colca Tour  (incl. Cross of the Condor viewpoint)
• Full-Day Colca Canyon Tour  (incl. transfers to and from Arequipa)
• 2-Day Colca-Puno Trek (incl. option of return to Arequipa)
• Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour (incl. Arequipa transfers and condor sightings)

See more  short Colca Canyon trips and tours .

Colca Canyon Peru

Where is colca canyon.

Colca Canyon lies about 160km / 100miles northwest of Arequipa in the south of Peru. You can fly to Arequipa from Lima or Cusco with buses running daily between these main cities.

You can book tours, arrange transport and prepare for your trek from Arequipa. There is a lot to see around Peru’s White City. Consider spending a few days in Arequipa before or after you visit Colca Canyon.

From Arequipa, it is a 4–6-hour drive (210km / 130 miles) to get to Cabanaconde, a small town right on the edge of the Colca Canyon. The drive takes you past Chachani and El Misti Volcano . You will also cross the vast plains of Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Park.

Colca Canyon Facts

Before planning a trip to Colca Canyon, it's a good idea to do some research on the area. Below are four interesting (and surprising) facts you might not have known before about one of Peru's largest and most fascinating natural wonders. 

Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

Colca Canyon is amongst the 5 deepest canyons in the world. It is approximately 3,400m (over 11,000ft) at its deepest point.

This is almost twice as deep as the famous Grand Canyon (1,829m / 6,000ft). If you hike down Colca Canyon, you will descend around 1,200 vertical meters (3,937 feet) into the valley.

A little-known fact is that Peru’s deepest canyon is actually Catahuasi Canyon. This lies just over 200km / 124 miles away from the Colca Canyon. Catahuasi Canyon is 3,535m / 11,600ft deep. Not many people trek Catahuasi though as this area is more difficult to access than Colca Canyon.

Colca Canyon is one of the best places to see Condors.

Many people visit the Colca Canyon exclusively for a chance to see condors. The Andean Condor’s wingspan can reach up to 3m / 10ft. There's a good chance of seeing these majestic vultures soaring on thermals high above the canyon.

The best time to see Condors is in the morning. If you can, spend a night in the town of Chivay. The Cruz del Condor viewpoint is roughly 40km / 25 miles from this small town. If you stay overnight, you will have time to stop and look for Condors on the way to the Canyon.

There are people living in the Colca Canyon.

Indigenous communities have been living in the Colca Canyon for generations. The way of life here hasn't changed much since the days of the Spanish Conquistadors.

The Canyon residents are mostly farmers and craftsmen. They produce some excellent alpaca wool and embroidery crafts. Each community has slight differences in language. They can also be told apart by the shape of the hats they wear and the colors and patterns of their outfits.

There are hot springs near Colca Canyon.

With so many volcanoes around, it’s no surprise that you can find thermal waters. The La Calera baths are public hot springs only 3km / 1.8 miles away from Chivay. There are also natural hot springs near the small town of Yanque.

It's a good idea to spend a night in Chivay or Yanque after your trek to Colca Canyon. Both towns are a few kilometers from the trailhead. Use the opportunity to soak your aching muscles in these relaxing waters.

Where to stay?  Here are 5 of my favourite accommodation options in Arequipa: 

• La Hostería Boutique Hotel
• Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa
• Sonesta Hotel Arequipa
• Casona Plaza Hotel Arequipa
• Casa Andina Premium Arequipa

See more  Arequipa accommodation options .

Colca Canyon Tours vs Colca Canyon Treks

It's important to know that the tours to Colca Canyon are different from treks. Most of the tours are focused on sightseeing around Colca Canyon. Very little hiking is involved in these excursions.

Be very sure you know and are happy with the itinerary before you book a tour. Later in this article, I will look at treks and trekking tours in Colca Canyon.

Colca Canyon 1-Day Tour Itinerary

Tours depart from Arequipa around 3am in the morning (No, that’s not a typo!). From there, you will then drive to Chivay where you will stop for breakfast.

After eating, you will continue to the lookout point. Here, you will spend about 40 minutes spotting Condors and admiring views of the canyon.

Next, most Colca Canyon tours go to Chivay Hot springs. You will need to pay an extra 15 soles for entrance. You will spend an hour at the hot springs before getting on the bus back to Arequipa.

On the way back, you will make a 15-minute stop at Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Hopefully, you will see some wild alpacas, llamas, and Vicunas during your visit.

Colca Canyon 2D/1N Tour Itinerary

A two-day Colca Canyon tour gets going a little later (around 8am). You will stop in Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve with a volcano viewpoint on your way to Chivay.

Groups spend the night in Chivay. When you arrive here, it will be time for lunch. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon with the option of a short hike into the Canyon. In the evening, you can visit the hot springs.

Please Note: The entrance fee of 15 soles is not included in the tour price.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Cruz del Condor viewpoint. You will spend about 40 minutes here, then go to one or two other points of interest in the area. Most companies visit Atahuilque (a viewpoint and Incan site) and Maca (a traditional town and craft market).

Afterwards, you will return to Chivay for lunch. This final meal is not included in most tour prices.

After lunch, you will make the long trip back to Arequipa.

Please Note:  There are options for booking 2-day tours that continue on to Puno. This is a good option if you plan to visit  Lake Titicaca  or  the world-famous floating islands of Uros . These packages can also be customized. You can add or exclude meals,  special tours of the Lake Titicaca ruins ,  accommodation in Lake Titicaca , and entrance fees. It works out cheaper to arrange these things yourself.

How Much Does A Colca Canyon Tour Cost?

Online prices start from $50 for a full-day Colca Canyon tour. A two-day tour costs about $80. It's almost half the price if you book your tour directly in Arequipa ($40 / 160 soles).

Tour prices include accommodation, a guide, and most meals. You will still need to pay 70 soles for the entrance fee to the Canyon though.

Is It Worth Doing A Tour To Colca Canyon?

If you book a Colca Canyon tour, it's much better to take the 2-day option. The 1-day tour is a long day and you will spend almost all day on a bus. The two-day tour is more relaxed. There is also not much difference in price between 1 and 2-day Colca Canyon tours.

I chose not to do a guided tour as I’m not a huge fan of packaged experiences. Also, others said they spent more time in rural towns than at the Canyon itself. Tours have a big cultural focus, so expect to watch traditional dances and shop for souvenirs.

If you want a more authentic experience, I’d recommend getting to the Canyon on your own and spending a night in Chivay or Yunque. Adventure enthusiasts should focus more on trekking in the Canyon than the more popular tourist attractions in the area.

Trekking In Colca Canyon - What You Need To Know

Where does the colca canyon trail start.

The small town of Cabanaconde is the starting point for Colca Canyon hiking routes. There are three main trails leading from Cabanaconde. Which route you take depends on your fitness and whether you have two or three days available for your specific trek.

How Difficult Is The Colca Canyon Trek?

Hiking the Colca Canyon is fairly challenging. It is a canyon, so you will be going down and back up the steep slopes. However, as you can choose your route, you get to decide how much to take on.

The final day is the most difficult part of the Colca Canyon trek because you will need to hike up to the rim. There are going to be some moments of frustration when you think you are at the top, only to find a false summit.

Compared to The Salkantay Trek or Classic 4-day Inca Trail , this hike is much shorter. Colca Canyon is at an altitude of 3,400m / 11,155 ft (similar to Cusco). You will need to be acclimatized to this elevation by the time you arrive.

See more in our article on preventing altitude sickness .

Different Routes of Colca Canyon

There are multiple different trails to Colca Canyon varying in distance and difficulty. There are also variations of popular trails. Plus, most routes can be done in reverse. Below are the most popular ways to hike the famous Peruvian canyon.

Cabanaconde - San Juan De Chucchu - Sangalle (overnight) - Cabanaconde Trail

This is the most popular route and is around 20km / 12.5 miles. This is also the route that 2 and 3-day trekking tours usually follow (see more on this below).

8KM / 5 Mile Trail

This is the shortest and easiest route by far. This route takes a more direct trail down to Sangalle oasis on the first day with a 2-3 hour descent. After spending the night in Sangalle, you have a 5-6 hour trek zig-zagging back to the top of the canyon.

Western Loop Trail

This is a 25km / 15 mile loop and a popular choice for experienced trekkers hiking without a tour. This trail takes you from Cabanaconde, Llahuar, Sangalle, and then back to Cabanaconde. Spend a night in Llahuar or add a second night in Sangalle.

Cabanaconde - San Juan De Chucchu (night 1) - Llahuar(night 2) - Cabanaconde Trail

This is the toughest of all the Colca Canyon routes with a total hiking distance of 28km / 17miles. Don’t take this route unless you are physically and mentally prepared for 6-8 hours and 10km / 6.2 mile of hiking upslope on the final day. It's best to get started before sunrise.

Colca Canyon Trekking Tours

Some Companies in Arequipa offer the Colca Canyon Trek. This is very different to the Colca Canyon tours which I described earlier in this article.

Colca Canyon group treks will take you hiking into the canyon itself. Meals and accommodation are included in the price. If you want to hike Colca Canyon but prefer organized tours, this is a good choice.

Most 2-day and 3-day trekking tours follow the same route. The only difference on the 3-day tour is that you spend an extra night in the valley. You will camp at the lunch stop, which is the same location from the 2-day trek.

Below, you will find the typical itinerary for a 2-day Colca Canyon trekking tour.

It’s pretty much all downhill as you descend into the Canyon. This is tough on your knees and temperatures can be uncomfortably hot. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach the river.

After lunch, you will continue for a few more hours on relatively flat terrain. You will stay over at a camp in the valley. There are beautiful pools to cool off in.

Trekkers typically rise early for a challenging, 3-hour trek before stopping for breakfast on the trail. Prepare yourself for a difficult morning, with around 1,000m / 3,281 ft of straight walking upslope. You will finish trekking before it gets too hot.

Total distance: 20km / 12.5 miles

Please Note:  Some hikers actually find going back up easier than coming down. It depends on your knees. An early start in the cool, dark morning is essential.

Getting To Colca Canyon on Your Own

It is fairly straightforward to reach Colca Canyon by public transport. You have a few options for getting there.

Option 1: By Collectivo

Public minibuses (called collectivos) depart regularly to Colca Canyon. You will need to first catch a collectivo to Chivay though. Get off in Chivay and find another collectivo going to Cabanaconde. This is slightly more expensive than the bus, but the journey is a few hours quicker.

The collectivo stations are on Av. Andres Avelinoi Caceres . This is about 15 minutes by taxi from Arequipa's historic centre. You can ask the reception desk at your accommodation to organise a taxi for an early morning departure. Uber and InDriver (which is cheaper) also work in Arequipa. The taxi should cost around 10 soles.

From here, you can find a collectivo going to Chivay. You will pay around 20 soles for a 3.5-hour ride. You can pay when you board or when you get off. Keep in mind that collectivos only depart when they are full. You may want to walk around between the collectivo companies to find one that is leaving shortly to avoid a potentially long wait.

From Chivay, you will need to get another collectivo to Cabanaconde. Once you get off the first collectivo and walk out the station, you should easily find the next minibus. The drivers know this is a popular connection and time their trips accordingly. This costs about 10 soles per person.

Option 2: By Bus

The second option is to take a bus from Arequipa’s Terminal Terrestre. Buses are slow but a little cheaper than the collectivos.

Previously, at least four companies ran this route. However, since Covid-19, buses heading to Colca Canyon are less frequent. During my time in Arequipa, only Transportes Andelucia was going to Cabanaconde. If you have an update on this situation, please drop us a comment at the end of this article.

I recommend you visit the station beforehand to confirm bus schedules. You can also try calling Transportes Andelucia directly. Alternatively, catch one of the regular buses to Chivay. From here, you can catch a collectivo. Bus tickets generally cost about 20 soles / $6.

Please Note:  If you somehow miss the bus from Arequipa, don’t worry. The collectivo stations are a short walk away, so you can still make it to Colca Canyon in plenty of time.

Option 3: By Tourist Shuttle

You can pay to take the tourist shuttle between Arequipa and Colca Canyon. The shuttle will pick you up at 3am and you will stop for breakfast at Chivay, reaching Cabanaconde by 10am. The shuttle costs around $20 for a one way ticket.

Best Time To Visit Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon experiences a very clear dry and wet season. For sightseeing tours, it doesn’t make much difference when you visit. However, if you plan on trekking, take seasonal differences into account.

The dry season is from May-October. During this time, the days can get exceptionally hot. Usually, it doesn’t rain during these months either. The downside to the fair weather is that there will be more hikers on the trail. It is winter in Peru during this time, so the nights get very cold, especially if you plan on camping.

The wet season is from November-April. Most of the heavy rains fall between December and February. You can trek at this time, but you need to be well prepared for the elements.

The trail is steep in parts and slippery when wet. You will need good hiking shoes and weatherproof gear. That said, you can also luck out and end up with dry, warm days during the wet season.

Alison Macallister

With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking.

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Thank you so much, Alison. I'm preparing for a trek so this info is very useful

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Colca Canyon 2-Day Trek: Guide To Arequipa’s Best Hike

Not sure how to do the Colca Canyon trek? Worry not.

Colca Canyon,  the second deepest canyon in the entire world , is one of the best places to visit in Peru. At a depth of 3270m deep, it is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the United States. However, most travelers come to Peru strictly for Machu Picchu, completely ignoring the fact that one of Peru’s best hikes is just a bus ride away. Don’t skip Colca Canyon.  In our guide, we will give you all the information you need to determine whether hiking Colca Canyon is worth it, where to find tours, what you need to pack, and lastly, our experience doing the 2 day Colca Canyon trek !

Is Colca Canyon Worth Hiking?

Before you take out your credit card or run to the nearest tour agency to book your Colca Canyon hike, is Colca Canyon even worth the visit?

The answer is an unquestionable YES! (That is why I wrote this guide to be fair!)

Hiking Colca Canyon is one of the best things to do in Peru , as it allows you to experience some of the most gorgeous mountainous landscapes of Peru. Its depth, at twice that of Grand Canyon’s, is absolutely unworldly.

Not only that, but hikers can also see the condors with their own eyes, a type of bird that is sacred to the Incans. They believe that condors are messengers of the skies or Heaven.

Hiking Colca Canyon is both a cultural and physical experience that must not be missed in Peru!

Guide To Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour

The map above is the route that all 2 days 1 night Colca Canyon trekking tour takes. It starts close to Cabanaconde, heads down towards San Juan De Chuccho for lunch, then finally to Sangalle Oasis for the first day . On the second day, you return back to Cabanaconde through a different route.

The 3-day 2-night tour also takes the same route, but you stop at Sangalle Oasis on the second day instead of the first.

Trekking Colca Canyon Tour Companies

The 3 days 2 nights Colca Canyon tour stops at all the same places as the 2-day 1-night tour, but the days are much shorter and you will have more chances to enjoy nature in Colca Canyon.

You will still visit Yanque, the hot spinrgs, and the Mirador Cruz del Condor. It is highly recommended if you are a  beginner hiker  or have a  few weeks in Peru !

Want to secure your Colca Canyon tour before you arrive? Here are some tours we recommend:

• Colca Canyon day tour
• Colca Canyon 2 day tour
• Colca Canyon 3 day tour

DIY Your Colca Canyon Trek

We didn’t do the Colca Canyon trek on our own so we can only give an outside point of view. It seems it is fairly easy to DIY as long as you know the routes. The accommodations along the route can be easily booked in advance on  booking.com .

However, we recommend having at least some experience with hiking in remote areas, as well as a high level of Spanish because no one will speak English out there. You will also need to brave the unreliable Peruvian public transportation, especially in those regions.

If you are planning on doing the Colca Canyon trek yourself, we recommend that you install offline maps from maps.me and Alltrails.

Colca Canyon Trek Packing List

The Colca Canyon hike is not so tough in terms of difficulty (at least that’s what we thought). However, if you are doing the 2 days 1-night trek, you will suffer extreme sunny conditions on the first day and extremely cold conditions on the morning of the second day. 

Therefore, I recommend packing some of these essentials:

• Sunscreen  – You will be hiking in the sun for about 6 hours in the sun with no shade. Bring one or look like a tomato.
• Toiletries – Make sure you have toilet paper. It is not provided by the accommodation.
• Swimsuit – There is a swimming pool in the Sangalle Oasis where you can swim after your first day of hiking. 
• Cash – There are places to buy water and snacks on the hiking trail. Also, there is a 70 soles entrance fee to the Colca Canyon that must be paid in cash.
• Portable Battery  – Electricity is shut down in the accommodations after 8 PM. Not sure if that is because we got a cheaper tour or if that’s with every tour company
• Warm clothing – When you are in the valley of the canyon, it can get really cold when the sun is not out.
• Snacks and Water – There are snacks and water for sale along the way but they will be 3 times the normal price. 
• Light Portable Travel Camera  – One of my favorite portable cameras that gets the job done! You don’t want to miss the photo opportunities at Colca Canyon!
• Hiking Poles – Hiking poles are not only essential to the Colca Canyon trek, but for any hiking in Peru . We recommend you to get a nice quality one if you plan on exploring the mountains in Peru.

Our Experience Hiking Colca Canyon In 2 Days

Day 1 of colca canyon trek: descent to the sangalle oasis.

Los Andes Bed & Breakfast is one of the best hostels in Arequipa.  Located next to the main plaza (Plaza de Armas), guests can have easy access to the best attractions in Arequipa. The continental breakfast is included. 24-hour reception. The common area is very social to meet other travelers. A great option for backpackers.

Best Luxury Hotel in Arequipa –  Katari Hotel At Plaza de Armas

Located in Plaza de Armas right across from the historic cathedral, Katari Hotel is the best place to view the architectural masterpiece. The roof provides a panoramic view of the city that is better than any viewpoint you can find. The rooms are clean, spacious, and well-lit. The breakfast included is phenomenal.

Hiking Colca Canyon FAQs

Can you hike colca canyon without a guide.

Yes, it is totally possibly to hike Colca Canyon without a guide, but many travelers choose to go with a tour company since this region is quite remote. If you want to hike independently, make sure you packing accordingly and book your accommodations in advance.

Is The Colca Canyon Hike Difficult?

The Colca Canoyn trek is a fairly difficult hike. Not only is it a multi-day trek that involves lots of elevation gained, you are hiking in high altitude. Plus, there is completely no shade on the trail to protect you against the harsh sun.

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I hope this guide answers all the questions you have about doing the Colca Canyon 2 day trek with a tour company. Colca Canyon was definitely one of the best hikes I have done in Peru. Don’t miss it!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer

LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

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Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days 1 Night

Explore the canyon over 2 exciting days

Bilingual guides from an 18 year old company who have an excellent reputation

Spend the night in 2 rustic lodges located deep within the heart of the canyon

Trek through one of the deepest canyons in the world, the Colca Canyon. The 2 day/1 night trek is a moderate/hard hike. The first day of trekking is approximately for 5 or 6 hours (1 hour uphill, 1 hour flat walk, and 4 hours downhill). The second day is approximately 3 or 4 hours of uphill walking.

AVAILABILITY

All year round

START LOCATION

Arequipa hotel and hostel pickup

END LOCATION

Zela street next to the Monastery of Santa Catalina

OPERATOR NAME

Physical level.

Moderate/Hard

Minimum age: 12 years old – Must have parents permission DAY 01:AREQUIPA –CRUZ DEL CONDOR – SAN JUAN DE CHUCCHO - OASIS Pick up from the hotel between 3:00 am and 3:30 am and we will go to the town of Chivay , which is about 4 hours drive from Arequipa. On the way, we will stop at the town of Yanque where we have breakfast (06:30 am approx). Then we will travel for 1 hour to La Cruz del Cóndor , which is the best place to see the Canyon and the famous Andean condor birds, we will have 40 minutes to see the flight of the condors, and the depth of the canyon. Approximately at 9:30 am we will arrive at the Mirador de Pampa San Miguel , and immediately we will begin the trek in descent to the canyon (3 hours) going from 3,300 meters to 2,100 meters into the canyon. Around 12:30 pm we will arrive at the first suspension bridge, we will have a rest and then we will continue our walk for 30 minutes more. We will arrive at San Juan de Chuccho community for lunch. After lunch, we will continue the march, this time, to visit the villages of Malata and Cosñirhua . Approximately at 5 pm, we will arrive at the Oasis Sangalle , a peaceful and charming place at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters, where we will enjoy its swimming pool, surrounded by greenery. Rest in adobe bungalow typical of the area. DAY 2: OASIS SANGALLE – CABANACONDE – CHIVAY - AREQUIPA At 05:00 am we begin the ascent hike for 03 HRS. (It is recommended to bring snacks since breakfast is after the trek and also bring a flashlight). This part of the trek can provide spectacular views, as you’ll be trekking during the sunrise. We will arrive at 8:30 am to the town of Cabanaconde where breakfast and the visit of the town takes place. In this town we will take the return bus, towards the city of Chivay, we will stop at a viewpoint to see the pre-Inca andenería of the valley. At 11 am is the arrival to the town of Yanque , we will have time to visit the thermo-medicinal baths (approx. 1 hour) with water temperatures of 38°C (optional). After lunch in Chivay we will return to the city of Arequipa making stops at the Mirador de Los Volcanes (4910 masl), and Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve (to observe the South American camelids, llama, alpaca, vicuña and guanaco). This is where you can get a selfie with an alpaca, or even a vicuña if you are lucky. At the end of the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Arequipa between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and we will drop you off at Zela Street next to the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Note: - Official Colca Canyon entrance tax of 70 soles is not included in the ticket price. This must be paid on the tour. - For those that wish to finish in Puno: On return to Chivay at 1 pm, there will just be 15 minutes for lunch before departing to Puno. Arrival time in Puno is 7 pm, and the drop off point is at Puno Plaza de Armas. - Rainy season lasts from December to March. We recommend you bring rain clothes (rain poncho) and a spare change of clothes. (these are available to rent or buy in Arequipa).

DAY 1: 03:00 - 03:30

Hostel and hotel pick up

DAY 1: 03:30 - 08:30

Drive towards Chivay and stop to have breakfast along the way

DAY 1: 08:30 - 09:10

See Condor's Cross

DAY 1: 09:10 - 09:30

Bus to Pampas San Miguel

DAY 1: 09:30 - 13:30

Start the trek downhill from 3,300 metres

DAY 1: 13:30 - 17:00

Have lunch and reach the deepest part of our trek, the Sangalle Oasis

DAY 1: 19:00

Have dinner and rest a night in the amazing oasis

DAY 2: 05:00 - 08:00

Ascent, start trek to Cabanaconde

DAY 2: 08:00 - 08:45

Have breakfast

DAY 2: 11:30 - 12:00

Optional visit to the natural hot springs of Chivay

DAY 2: 12:00 - 14:00

Go to Chivay and have lunch

DAY 2: 14:00 - 17:00

Bus back to Arequipa city

DAY 2: 17:00 - 17:30

Arrive back to Arequipa and be dropped off Zela street next to the Monastery of Santa Catalina

- Pick up from your hotel or hostel - Transport - Exclusive and private resort - Professional guide (English and Spanish speaking) - Food: 2 breakfast 1 lunch 1 dinner - Accommodation: 1 night: Oasis "Tropical" or "Cielo" (simple exclusive Adobe bungalows) - First aid kit

- The government enforced tourist entrance tax for the Colca: Foreigners 13 years of age and above: 70 soles (approx. USD $25) South American 13 years of age and above: 40 soles (approx. USD $15) National 13years of age and above: 20 soles (approx. USD $8) Children (All Nationalities) under 13years of age: 5 soles (approx. USD $2) Note: Not included on any tours, as it is illegal to include it - Hot springs (Chivay - 15 soles (approx. USD $5) - Last lunch (Chivay) - Drinks and water

- Light backpack - 1.5 to 2 litres of water for Day 1 (if you need more, you can buy it at the small shops in the villages) - Sun cream (very important) - Hat, sunglasses - Trekking shoes or boots - Warm layers, sweater or jacket (IMPORTANT) –temperatures can reach lows of -10 ̊ C - Shorts or pants for walking - Swimming suit, sandals, towel - Flashlight/headtorch – early trek starts at 5am before sunrise (it will be dark!) - Toilet paper - Snacks (breakfast on the last day is given only AFTER the early morning hike out of the canyon) - Insects repellent - Personal medication - Hiking sticks (optional) - Money for drinks IMPORTANT: You must carry a copy of your passport on the first day of your trek.

Cancellation or changes of this tour: CHANGES: It is FREE to change the tour date before 6:00 pm (Lima time) the day before the tour begins. NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel the day prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time) or earlier, a 10% administration fee (+ the card fee) will apply. After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee. You must email [email protected] (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

I can’t find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations as I’m making my booking. What should I select?

This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation.

What is the difference between the Colca Canyon TOURS and TREKS?

During the tours you will have limited walking sections, as most of the time you stay on a bus and only get outside at several viewing points. The tours are more recommended for travellers who want or (because of physical conditions) have to take it easy. Treks however, are perfect for people with good physical condition. With treks, you will definitely get more and intense views of the beautiful and unique landscape of the Canyon.

What's the difference between a 2-day and a 3-day trek?

The routes for both tours are the same. The three-day trek just offers more time to relax and enjoy the canyon. Because of that, the tour is easier than the 2-day trek. But still, neither trek is easy!

Will I see Condors on this tour?

There are quite a few Condors out there, and as we visit different viewing points the chances are quite good. We still cannot guarantee that you will be able to see them, but if you get lucky they will fly just above your head!

Do I need to bring trekking shoes?

Not necessarily, but as you will spend several hours hiking up and down through the canyon, we recommend to at least wear stable and comfortable shoes.

Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500 metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.

Do I need any camping equipment?

You do not need any specialist equipment with you to be able to tackle the Colca. A tent is not required. Accommodation is in small rustic huts, located in the ¨Oasis¨ at the bottom of the Canyon. It can get cold at night and very warm during the day, so you need to pack for all weather conditions, and have comfortable footwear (trekking shoes or good trainers are sufficient). Some guides also recommend bringing a flashlight and some snacks.

Can I finish in Puno instead of Arequipa?

Yes, this is possible. On return to Chivay at 1pm, there will just be 15 minutes for lunch before departing to Puno. Arrival time in Puno is 7pm, and the drop off point is at Puno, Plaza de Armas. For this option, you MUST select the ticket option - TREK + TRANSFER FROM THE CANYON TO PUNO - when making a booking.

Is there oxygen provided on this trek?

No, there is no oxygen provided during the trek. There is however an emergency oxygen tank in our private transportation.

During the trek, how many people are there per group?

Groups are between 10 to 12 people per 1 bilingual guide.

Can I rent trekking poles with the operator?

Yes, you can rent a pair of trekking poles, and the price is 20 soles per set per day (S/.10 soles each). You need to inform us 24 hours before your tour date.

Can I rent mules?

Yes, it costs 80 soles per day, or 60 soles during the uphill section on the last day from Sangalle to Cabanaconde.

How many kilometres per day do I need to walk during the trek?

You will trek 21 Km. The first day you will walk 14 km and the second day 7km. We recommend that to participate you should be an active person, and practice some sports or walking/hiking.

Do I need to bring drinking water for my treks?

There is no water included, so you will need to bring water for the first day of your trek. In the canyon there are a few shops and stalls in the accommodation providers where you can buy water. Given the isolated location, it is more expensive than Arequipa or Puno (it costs approx. 10 or 15 soles for a 2.5 litre water bottle).

Can I start the tour in Chivay?

Yes, you can! There is no problem if your hotel is in Chivay. However, if your hotel is on the outskirts of the town of Chivay, there will be an extra charge. You will need to send us an e-mail at the time of your booking in order to inform the tour operator.

Does this tour operator cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian and vegan?

Yes, you must let your guide know of your dietary requirements on the first day of your trek. It is important to note that the concepts of veganism and vegetarianism are quite new in Peru, and so alternative options will be extremely limited (rice, salad, vegetables). We suggest taking some snacks.

Can I have a private room if I travel alone or as a couple?

Yes, of course, but you will need to pay an extra 40 soles. You need to inform us 24 hours before your tour date.

Is there an accommodation upgrade available, instead of a basic hotel?

No, this Colca Canyon provider does not offer alternative accommodation. If you wish to stay in a different hotel or lodge in the Canyon, it is recommended you book a private tour of the Canyon.

I do not want to take all of my belongings with me to the Canyon. Where can I leave my big bag or suitcase?

Hotels and hostels in Arequipa will all store your bags in their safety deposit for free whilst you are away at the Canyon, until you check in again upon your return. Head off to the trip with just what you need and leave the rest in storage. If you continue after your trek from Chivay to Puno, on the first day of your trek you will have breakfast in a restaurant in Chivay. This restaurant has a storage facility, where passengers who are trekking can leave their backpacks for a small fee, and pick them up on return.

Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

Apart from our low-price guarantee, with us, you are 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide instant email confirmation and have live spaces and availability for each tour. If you have any queries, you are in the hands of our team of 20 local experts here on the ground, who speak perfect Spanish and English. We guarantee quick responses to any questions or queries. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours... We are the experts at reservations, organization, and assistance with your plans for these tours.

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Colca Canyon 2 Day Trek

Join this fascinating tour and discover the wonders of the Colca Canyon

Important: Tours from June until october are selling fast, highly recommended to book in advance

Departure time

Return time

410 soles / 114 USD

With transfer to Puno:

605 soles / 169 USD

Our Gallery

Did you know, not included, what to bring.

Day 1: Arequipa City to Chivay to Condor’s cross to Sangalle, between 03:00 & 03:30 hrs, we depart to Cabanaconde in the Colca Canyon, which is about a 6 hour drive from Arequipa. On the way we stop for breakfast and then continue to the Condor’s cross which is the best place to watch the Canyon and the famous Andean Condor. We drive 20 more minutes to start our trek downhill. We hike downhill for about 3 hours from 3300 masl to 2100 masl into the Canyon.

Upon arrival, we have lunch and some time to rest in San Juan de Chuccho, a village with vegetation and some fruit trees. Then we continue and pass by some towns as Cosñirhua and Malata, then it’s time to start hiking even further into the Canyon, this time into the deepest part of the Canyon to reach “Sangalle” a village at an altitude of 1900 masl. In Sangalle you can enjoy the swimming pool after a long day hiking. We arrive to Sangalle at 17:00 hrs. At night, we have dinner and sleep in bungalows near the oasis.

Day 2: Sangalle to Chivay to Arequipa City At 05:00 hrs, we start hiking uphill for about 3 hours to Cabanaconde town using torch lights. That part of the trek can provide spectacular views as we hike during the sunrise. We have breakfast in Cabanaconde and then head to Chivay. On the way, we have a great view of pre-Inca terraces, some archaeological ruins and colonial towns amongst other views. Around noon, we arrive to the hot springs, with water temperatures of 38°C (optional). In Chivay, we have a buffet lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we have transfer back to Arequipa. On the way, we descend from 4830 masl to 2325 masl and pass by a national reserve and Pampa Cañahuas, which is a habitat for the four species of South American camelids (llama, alpaca, vicuña and guanaco). At 17:30 hrs we arrive in Arequipa and drop you off next to Santa Catalina Monastery.

Transfer from Chivay to Puno

If you want to go to Puno instead of coming back to Arequipa, you can add this service in the booking section. Going from Chivay to Puno let you save many hours. Our bus departs at 13:15 hrs after having lunch in Chivay and arrives around 18:45 hrs in Puno. In the way to Puno we stop in Pampa Cañahuas and also in a nice spot to watch the Volcanoes so you won’t miss anything.

• The Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.​
• The area surrounding the Canyon is famed for its traditional and colourful towns which we will pass by along the way.
• In the Canyon you can find over 100 kinds of birds, over 300 types of plants and more than 30 types of cactus.
• The highest point of the Canyon is Ampato at 6388 masl. These snow-capped peaks form an impressive backdrop to the Canyon.
• The Andean Condor can weigh up to 12 kg with a wingspan of over 3 meters! The Condor’s Cross viewpoint is famed as the best place in South America to see the Andean Condor flying.
• Pick up from your hotel / hostel in the center of Arequipa.
• Round trip tourist transportation / van or minibus.
• Meals (2 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner).
• English speaking trekking guide.
• One night in the lodge. Shared bathroom / upgrade to private room with bathroom is available when booking.
• Towel rental available for 5 soles.
• Entrance ticket to the Canyon: 20 soles (Peruvians), 40 soles (Latinoamericans) and 70 soles (other countries).
• Entrance to the Hot Springs: 15 soles / optional.
• Last lunch in Chivay / The guide will direct you to a buffet restaurant which costs 30 soles / optional.
• Photocopy of passport.​
• ​2 to 3 liters of water for day 1.
• ​Sunscreen.
• Hat, sunglasses.​
• ​Waterproof jacket.
• Warm layers, sweater or jacket.​
• ​Swimming suit.
• Flashlight / headtorch.
• ​Basics like toilet paper.
• ​Insects repellent.​​
• ​Money for drinks.

Airport Transfer in Arequipa

Food Tour in Arequipa

Volcano Bike Tour Arequipa

Colca Canyon 3 Day Trek

Colca Canyon Full Day Tour

Recommended articles.

Exotic Andean condors can weigh up to 12 kg and are more than 3 meters wide. The Cruz del Condor viewpoint is known as the best place in South America to see Condors.

• Food Tour Cusco

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: +51 987 891 317

Address: Calle Santa Catalina 219, Arequipa (visits to the office only by reservation)

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