Colca Canyon Trek: 2 or 3 Days from Arequipa
Description
Discover the stunning natural beauty surrounding Arequipa while immersing yourself in Peruvian traditions on a 2- or 3-day trek through Colca Canyon.
Colca Canyon Trek: 2 or 3 Days from Arequipa
Day 1: Arequipa – Cruz del Cóndor – Sangalle Oasis
Our journey begins at 3 am with the pickup from your hotel in Arequipa, followed by a drive to Chivay, where a substantial breakfast will prepare us for the day ahead. Our first stop will be the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Here, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the vastness of Colca Canyon, acknowledged as one of the deepest canyons globally, providing breathtaking vistas.
We will proceed to Pampa San Miguel, where our trekking adventure officially commences. As we descend into the canyon, you will be surrounded by awe-inspiring panoramas, magnificent waterfalls, and majestic hanging bridges. A lunch break will be taken at the residence of a local family in San Juan de Chuccho. Once we are refreshed, we will continue our trek to the Sangalle Oasis, where we can unwind in the pools and enjoy an evening around the bonfire. Our stay for the night will be at this serene oasis.
Day 2: Cabanaconde – Chivay – Arequipa
An early start awaits us on the second day, as we rise at 5 am and set off towards Cabanaconde for a traditional breakfast. Afterward, we will travel toward Chivay, passing by the Antahuilque viewpoint and the quaint village of Maca.
At approximately 11:30 am, we will reach Yanque and enjoy some time relaxing in its hot springs. Following lunch in Chivay, we will visit the viewpoint of the Andes, an ideal location for taking in expansive vistas of the Hualca Hualca, Sabanaya, and Ampato volcanoes.
We'll make a final stop at Pampas Cañahuas to observe the local vicuñas before returning to Arequipa, with an expected arrival around 5:30 pm.
3-Day Trek in Colca Canyon
You can choose the option of a 3-day trek when booking, allowing an extended exploration of the Colca Valley. In addition to visiting the sites listed for the two-day experience, we will include Cosñirhua and Malata, the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and you will have the chance to take part in a fishing tour on the Colca River.
Accommodation
This trekking experience of either 2 or 3 days includes one or two nights' accommodation in single or double rooms at the following locations:
- 2-day trek: Sangalle Oasis
- 3-day trek: first night in bungalows in 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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