2 Day Trek to the Colca Canyon
Embark on an unforgettable 2-day trek through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Colca Canyon. Join us as we explore the breathtaking wonders of Arequipa City, Chivay, and beyond, immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of this natural marvel. Rise and shine between 03:00 and 03:30 hrs, as we begin our journey from Arequipa City to Cabanaconde in the heart of the Colca Canyon, driving for approximately 6 hours with a stop for breakfast along the way.
General information
Price / 89 USD
You must pay before the tour starts
With transfer to Puno / 144 USD
You can book this option by clicking the button “with transfer to Puno”
Availability
Everyday
Pick up time
3:30 am
Duration
2 days
Return time
6:00 pm
Included / excluded
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 room with private bathroom available for 30 soles per person.
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.
Full description
On Day 1, we begin our journey from Arequipa City to Cabanaconde in the Colca Canyon. The drive takes around 6 hours and we leave between 03:00 and 03:30 hrs. Along the way, we make a stop for breakfast. Our next destination is the Condor’s Cross, a fantastic spot to witness the Canyon and the famous Andean Condor. After a 20-minute drive, we start our downhill trek that lasts for about 3 hours, taking us from an altitude of 3300 masl to 2100 masl, descending into the Canyon.
Once we reach our destination, San Juan de Chuccho, a village with lush vegetation and fruit trees, we have a well-deserved lunch and some rest. Our journey continues, passing through towns like Cosñirhua and Malata, as we venture even deeper into the Canyon. We make our way to the very heart of the Canyon, reaching the village of Sangalle, situated at an altitude of 1900 masl. Here, you can unwind and cool off in the swimming pool, a perfect way to relax after a day of hiking. We arrive in Sangalle at 17:00 hrs, where we enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in cozy bungalows near the oasis.
Read more...
On Day 2, we begin our uphill hike from Sangalle to Cabanaconde town, starting at 05:00 hrs. Using torch lights, we trek uphill for about 3 hours, and this part of the journey offers magnificent views as we witness the sunrise. After the hike, we enjoy a hearty breakfast in Cabanaconde before continuing our trip to Chivay. Along the way, we are treated to splendid sights of pre-Inca terraces, archaeological ruins, colonial towns, and more.
Around noon, we reach the hot springs, where you have the option to relax in the warm waters with temperatures of 38°C. In Chivay, we indulge in a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, savoring delicious flavors. In the afternoon, we embark on our transfer back to Arequipa. As we make our way, we descend from an altitude of 4830 masl to 2325 masl, passing through a national reserve and the habitat of South American camelids, including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos, in Pampa Cañahuas. At 18:00 hrs, we arrive in Arequipa and drop you off near the Santa Catalina Monastery, concluding our unforgettable journey.
Meeting point
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Arequipa.
What to bring
Comfortable clothes and shoes
Bottle water (available also for purchase during the trek)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat or cap
Waterproof jacket
Swimming suit
Flashlight / headtorch
Photocopy of passport
Swimming suit
Insects repellent.
Cash