Colca Canyon Trek: 2 or 3 Days from Arequipa
Description
Discover the stunning natural beauty surrounding Arequipa and immerse yourself in the rich Peruvian culture through a two or three-day expedition in Colca Canyon.
Colca Canyon Expedition: 2 or 3 Days from Arequipa
Day 1: Departure from Arequipa – Viewpoint Cruz del Cóndor – Sangalle Oasis
On the inaugural day of your adventure, at 3 am, we will collect you from your accommodation in Arequipa and embark towards Chivay. Here, a nourishing breakfast will prepare you for the visit to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. From this exceptional lookout point, you will be captivated by the majestic expanse of the Colca Canyon, renowned as one of the most profound canyons globally.
Our journey will proceed to Pampa San Miguel, where the trek will commence. Expect to encounter remarkable vistas, enchanting waterfalls, and swaying bridges as we make our way down into the canyon. A shoelace break will allow us to savor a home-cooked lunch at a local family’s residence in San Juan de Chuccho. Rejuvenated, we will continue until we arrive at the Sangalle Oasis, where opportunities for swimming in its refreshing pools and enjoying a cozy bonfire await. Our first night will be spent in this serene paradise.
Day 2: Cabanaconde – Chivay – Return to Arequipa
The second day promises an early rise as we awaken at 5 am to commence our journey towards Cabanaconde, starting with a traditional breakfast. Following our meal, we'll proceed to Chivay, passing by the scenic Antahuilque viewpoint and the charming village of Maca.
Expectedly, around 11:30 am, we will reach Yanque to enjoy the soothing hot springs. After lunch in Chivay, we will visit the Andes viewpoint, providing an ideal backdrop to appreciate the sweeping views of the Hualca Hualca, Sabanaya, and Ampato volcanoes.
Before concluding our expedition, we will make a final stop at Pampas Cañahuas to observe the elegant vicuñas inhabiting the area, and then return to Arequipa, with an anticipated arrival by 5:30 pm.
3-Day Expedition in Colca Canyon
When reserving your adventure, you have the option to select a three-day trek, allowing for deeper immersion into the stunning Colca Valley. This option adds an additional day to visit Cosñirhua and Malata, explore the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and even join in a fishing tour on the Colca River.
Accommodation
This two or three-day expedition in Colca Canyon includes one or two night's stay in single or double accommodations at the following locations:
- 2-day trek: Sangalle Oasis
- 3-day trek: first night in bungalows at San Juan de Chuccho; second night at Sangalle Oasis
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop–off
- Transport by bus or minibus
- English–speaking guide
- 1 or 2 nights' accommodation
- 2 or 3 breakfasts, 1 or 2 lunches, and 1 or 2 dinners
What's not included
- Lunch (days 2 and 3)
- Admission to La Calera hot springs: 15PEN per person
- Tourist ticket: foreigners 70PEN, Latin Americans 40PEN, Peruvians 20PEN
- Mule rental: between 70PEN and 150PEN
- Trekking poles
- Fishing tour: 50PEN per person
- Fishing tour: 50PEN per person
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 24 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
We’ll pick you up at the indicated time from your hotel in downtown Arequipa. We recommend being at the reception 10 minutes in advance. The provider will contact you to coordinate the exact pickup time.
If your hotel isn’t located in the downtown area, you’ll need to go to Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.
It’s recommended to bring:
- A light 40-liter backpack
- 1.5 to 2 liters of water for the first day
- Sunscreen, a cap, and sunglasses
- Hiking shoes or boots and a waterproof jacket
- Warm clothing, a sweater, or a jacket
- Shorts or long pants for hiking
- Swimsuit, sandals, and a towel
- A headlamp: essential for the 5 am departure
- Basic toiletries (toilet paper, soap, etc.)
- Snacks (enough for the climb on the last day before breakfast)
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication (personal first-aid kit)
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Extra cash for drinks
- Optional mule rental (approximately PEN100) for the climb on the second day
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