3 Day Trek to the Colca Canyon
Embark on a captivating 3-day trek to Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons. Witness towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant terraced fields while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the local communities. With knowledgeable guides and breathtaking landscapes, this trek promises an unforgettable adventure.
General information
Price / 120 USD
You must pay before the tour starts
With transfer to Puno / 175 USD
You can book this option by clicking the button “with transfer to Puno”
Availability
Everyday
Pick up time
3:30 am
Duration
3 days
Return time
5:30 pm
Included / excluded
Hotel pick up & drop off
Round trip tourist transportation / van or minibus
Meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)
English speaking trekking guide
Two nights in lodges, rooms wirh shared bathroom
First aid medicine kit
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
This 3-day trek is recommended over the 2-day trek because you have more time to enjoy the views and take pictures. The trail consists of downhill, flat, and uphill sections, with altitudes ranging from 1900 to 3300 meters above sea level (masl). If you have spent time in Arequipa, Puno, or Cusco, you generally won’t need much acclimatization.
On Day 1, we pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa around 03:00 hrs and drive for about 4 hours to Chivay, where we have breakfast. Then, we continue to “Condor’s Cross,” a popular viewpoint in the canyon where you can watch the Condor flying for about 40 minutes. We drive for 20 more minutes and then begin our downhill trek, which takes approximately 4 hours to reach the bottom. We have lunch, dinner, and stay overnight in the tropical village of San Juan de Chuccho, where there is abundant vegetation. The accommodation is basic.
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On Day 2, after breakfast, we continue hiking from San Juan de Chuccho and pass through Cosñirhua town, where you may see archaeological ruins left by Pre-Inca cultures. We then reach Malata town with its old Spanish church and descend to the deepest part of our trek, Sangalle Village, located at 1900 masl. We have dinner and sleep in bungalows.
On Day 3, we start hiking up to Cabanaconde, which takes around 3 hours. After breakfast in Cabanaconde, we take our transport to the hot springs and then head to Chivay. In Chivay, we have a buffet lunch with regional food before returning to Arequipa. On the way back, we pass through a National Reserve and Pampa Cañahuas, where you can spot the four types of South American camelids (Llama, Alpaca, Vicuña, and Guanaco). We arrive in Arequipa around 17:30 hrs and drop you off next to the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Meeting point
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Arequipa.
What to bring
Photocopy of passport
Bottle water (available also for purchase during the trek)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat or cap
Waterproof jacket
Swimming suit
Flashlight / headtorch
Insects repellent
Cash