Trekking in Colca Canyon 2 Days / 1 Night

Trekking in Colca Canyon 2 Days / 1 Night

Visit Colca Canyon and experience one of the most challenging hikes in Arequipa, Peru. This two-day trek takes you through beautiful parts of the Colca Canyon, a chasm that is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and flanked by extinct volcanoes. This hike is physically demanding—some portions cover 3,937 feet (12,000 m) in 3 hours—and parts of the paths are quite steep.

Featured in:Hiking, Colca Canyon
Duration:
48 hrs
Available Days:
Every day
Schedule:
3:00 AM
Hotel Transport Included
Mobile Ticket Included
Offered in English, Spanish

Day 1: Arequipa - Cabanaconde

3:00 AM — Tour begins with a pre-dawn hotel pickup. You’ll drive through the towns of Yura, Chachani, and Pampas de Arrieros with the bright Andrean stars shining overhead.

6:00 AM — Arrive at Chivay.

You’ll stop in the village for a hearty breakfast. Then, the tour continues to Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor. This lookout offers an incredible view of the canyon and you’ll pause here for a full hour to appreciate the extraordinary scenery. This is also a beautiful spot for bird watching, and you’ll get to admire the long, gliding flight of enormous Andean condors.

Travel from the mirador to Cabanaconde, which is where your trek begins. Once you arrive at the Pampa de San Miguel, you’ll have an incredible view of the Colca Canyon. Then, you’ll begin a steep descent until you reach the rural community of San Juan de Chuccho, near the banks of the Colca River. You will cross the river on a suspension bridge.

1:00 PM — Lunch at Cabaña de los Pobladores

2:00 PM — Continue trekking to Malata; This includes about an hour of walking on a steep road. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the small town of Malata, where you’ll eat dinner and spend the night in a local hut with very basic amenities. Before you retire for the evening, you can visit some lovely mountain springs for a refreshing swim.

Day 2: Sangalle - Cabanaconde - Chivay - Arequipa OR Puno

4:30 AM — Awake and begin your day with a 3-hour hike to the village of Cabanaconde. Once you arrive, you’ll have a breakfast at Restaurante del Pueblo. After breakfast, you’ll be transported to Chivay.

12:30 PM — Arrive in Chivay.

This trip to Chivay includes a stop at the Antahuilque, where you’ll appreciate a view of the lagoons. Next, you’ll stop at Choquetico, where you can see pre-Inca tombs carved into the sides of the mountains. You’ll have lunch at Pueblo’s restaurant.

Return to Arequipa:

You have the option of visiting the Calera thermal baths. On the drive back to Arequipa, you can also stop to see the Mirador de los Andes, which is 16,108 feet (4,910 m) above sea level. Stop at the Salinas National Reserve to see Vicuñas.

5:30 PM — Arrive in Arequipa

Return to Puno:

If you want to go to Puno instead of Arequipa, you won’t have time to visit the Calera hot springs. Instead, you will get to travel through Pampas Cañahuas and pass by the Lagunillas Lake where you might get to see some wildlife. This route also comes with a stop to see the strange, rocky formations of the Imata Stone Forest.

7:00 PM — Arrive in Puno

PLEASE NOTE:

This tour does NOT include a porter, mule, entrance to the thermal baths, or extra drinks. If you come during the rainy season (December - April), you should also bring a rain jacket or poncho. In case you forget, plastic ponchos can be purchased in Arequipa.

Attraction Visited

Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is beautiful and inspiring. A river courses through the valley, passing cute villages and tall mountains as it makes its way across the spectacular landscape. This is a great place to go hiking or explore the small traditional towns.

Read more:Colca Canyon

What to Bring

Swimsuit, sunscreen, flashlight or headlamp, insect repellent, towels, toilet paper, snacks, water (you can buy it on the route), hat, walking sticks, small backpack (suggested 15 kg or 33 lbs), sturdy waterproof footwear, sweater and jacket (something warm), and a camera. If you come during the rainy season (December - April), you should also bring a rain jacket or poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased in Arequipa. Bring money for hot springs entrance fee, personal expenses, and tips.

What's included

Transportation between Cabanaconde and Arequipa (with the option to drop off in Puno), English speaking guide, 01 night of accommodation in basic cabins (Sangalle), Food (02 breakfasts, 02 lunch and 01 dinner), and entrance fees to the Colca Valley. Please note that this tour does NOT include porter, mule, entrance fee to the thermal baths, or extra drinks.

Transportation

Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.

Traveler Comments

The highlight of the trip by far. The experience was incredible and a great value. Our guide was fantastic and the group we hiked with was a good size. Would go back!

- MELISSA J, JUN 2018
Visit Colca Canyon and experience one of the most challenging hikes in Arequipa, Peru.Trekking in Colca Canyon 2 Days / 1 Night1
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