Colca Canyon 3-Day Trek

Colca Canyon 3-Day Trek

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.

Highlights

• Explore the Colca Canyon by starting your trek from Cabanaconde, descending into the canyon, and reaching the traditional village of San Juan de Chuccho, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by local culture.

• Enjoy a scenic hike on the second day to the oasis of Sangalle, known for its lush greenery and swimming pools, where you’ll relax and stay overnight at the base of the canyon.

• Feel accomplished as you ascend early on the third day back to Cabanaconde, taking in breathtaking sunrise views, before returning to your starting point.

Meeting point

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Arequipa.

What’s included

• 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 with shared bathroom / upgrade to private room (on the 2nd night only) with bathroom is available when booking.

• First aid medicine kit

What’s excluded

• 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

Itinerary

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.