How to Hike the Colca Canyon in 2 Days, Peru
Colca Canyon is about 3,270 m (10,730 ft) deep, making it one of the deepest canyons in the world. During our backpacking trip through South America, we included a Colca Canyon hike as part of a 3-week Peru itinerary.
We opted for a 2 day hike in the Colca Canyon, but for those that prefer a slower pace there are also 3 day trips available.
In this post, I’ll break down our 2 day Colca Canyon itinerary and share tips on how to choose the best Colca Canyon tour. That said, it’s entirely possible to hike Colca Canyon without a guide.
Although the Colca Canyon hike is not as famous as the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, I would consider it one of the best multi-day treks in Peru. Different to other hikes, here you get the chance to see the Andean condor up close and visit traditional Andean villages on the way.
Hike the Colca Canyon in 2 Days: Itinerary & Map
We joined an organized tour from Arequipa to hike the Colca Canyon in Peru. With little time to plan, it was the easiest option for us. The advantages of a Colca Canyon tour are that you don’t have to worry about the itinerary and trip logistics. Surprisingly, the tour cost was very similar to hiking Colca Canyon on our own.
Ultimately, we decided to hike the Colca Canyon in 2 days, with one night spent at the bottom of the canyon. Although hiking the Colca Canyon in 2 days might feel a bit rushed for some people, we found the 2 day hike the perfect length.
Best time to Hike Colca Canyon
The best time to visit Colca Canyon is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, the weather is more predictable, the trails are easier to navigate, and you’ll have the best chance to see the Andean condor flying above the canyon.
How to Choose the Best Tour to Hike the Colca Canyon
Since we were short on time, we decided to rely on an organized Colca Canyon tour. Although you can book a tour online in advance, I recommend arranging it in person at a local agency in Arequipa. You’ll only have to walk to the main square, where you’ll find plenty of agencies offering a variety of Colca Canyon tours, often with flexible options and competitive prices.
When it comes to hike the Colca Canyon, choosing the right tour is key to making the most of your time. I’ve summarized below the main things to consider when picking a tour to Colca Canyon.
Check Online Reviews and Recommendations
Researching online reviews and asking for recommendations from other travelers can give you a good idea of what to expect. With so many people visiting Peru yearly, you will not be short on ideas and recommendations.
Colca Canyon in 2 days vs 3 days
Although the most popular option is to hike the Colca Canyon in 2 days, it’s important to check the details of the itinerary. Inquire about which activities and stops are included, as well as the general pace of the trek.
If you’re deciding between a 2-day or 3-day Colca Canyon hike, the main difference comes down to pace. A 3-day tour gives you more time to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes, while the 2-day option is better if your schedule is tight or you prefer a faster trek. The itinerary itself is largely the same for both, so it really depends on how much time you have and how comfortable you are with hiking long days.
Ask about the Group Size
In my opinion, this is a crucial item to consider when thinking of hiking Colca Canyon in 2 days. Usually, the larger the group, the slower the hike. Sometimes though a hike might have two guides, which naturally splits a larger group in two smaller ones.
But, if you prefer a quieter, less crowded experience, opt for a tour with less people.
Mention the Type of Accommodation
If you hike the Colca Canyon in 2 days, you’ll typically spend the night at the bottom of the canyon, at the Oasis. There are different types of accommodations you can choose from. If you prefer more comfort make sure you mention it before booking the tour.
Lower Costs vs Value on a Colca Canyon hike
When you start researching tours to hike the Colca Canyon in 2 days, you’ll notice different price ranges. Opting for the cheapest option often means less experienced guides, basic accommodation, and simpler meals. If value is a priority, be sure to check what’s included to get the most for your money.
How Many Days to Hike the Colca Canyon
You can usually choose between a 2-day or 3-day hike in the Colca Canyon. While the route is the same, hiking Colca Canyon in 3 days includes an extra overnight stop along the way. Hiking the Colca Canyon in one day isn’t recommended due to the elevation gain and the long distance.
For example, the spot where we stopped for lunch on Day 1, in San Juan de Chucco, is also where those on a 3-day hike in the Colca Canyon spend the night. This extra night allows for a more relaxed pace but doesn’t add any new sights compared to the 2-day Colca Canyon hike.
Colca Canyon without a Guide
It’s entirely possible to hike Colca Canyon without a guide. The trails are well-marked, and you can use apps like Maps.me or other navigation tools for extra direction. To reach the trailhead, you can arrange private transportation or ask in Arequipa about local bus connections.
2 Day Colca Canyon Itinerary
DAY 1: Chivay – Cruz del Condor – Pampa San Miguel – San Juan de Chucco – Sangalle Oasis
Our tour to Colca Canyon began early in the morning with a pick-up from our hostel in Arequipa. On our way we first stopped in Chivay, a small village in the Colca Valley, mostly known for its farmland.
Following this, we reached the panoramic viewpoint of Cruz del Condor. Here we had about 10-15 minutes to observe the condors flying over the valley.
The Andean condor, one of the world’s largest birds with a wingspan of 3 meters, inhabits the valley. The best time to spot them is in the morning when winds are strong and temperatures are cool, offering a stunning view of both the birds and the canyon below.
Starting Point to Hike the Colca Canyon
The proper Colca Canyon trailhead is in Pampa San Miguel, a 10 minute drive from Cruz del Condor. After applying some sun cream, we started the hike towards the first stop, the village of San Juan de Chucco. This first section was a 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent of about 3 hours to the Colca River. The surrounding vegetation and views were amazing, but my knees were not particularly thrilled with the downhill.
Before crossing the bridge that brings you to the village, a ranger checked our tickets. While we waited for the rest of the group to join us, we decided to go down to the Colca river for a refreshing dip.
After lunch, we continued the hike in the Colca Canyon to Sangalle Oasis, our stop for the night. It took us around 3 hours while crossing scenic villages and hills before arriving to the destination.
When we arrived, it was already late and dark outside. Nevertheless, we all decided to jump in the swimming pool for a quick dive.
We spent the night gathered around a long table, sharing funny stories with our hiking group. As our alarms were set for 4 am the next morning, we found ourselves eager to hit the trail.
DAY 2: Sangalle Oasis – Cabanaconde – Hot Spring – Pampa Cañahuas
The next morning, we started the ascent to Cabanaconde (3,280 m / 10,761 ft) still in the darkness. The whole way to the top, consisting of 1,050 m (3,445 ft) of elevation gain, was a grind. I’m sure that I burned all the calories of breakfast, and perhaps dinner, in the process. You can also rent a horse in case you don’t feel physically fit for it.
This last part of the trek is not easy, but everyone can manage it at their own pace. Don’t be discouraged by the difficulty. Once you’re at the top, you’ll give yourself a pat on the back and be proud of this achievement.
After a generous breakfast, we hopped on the bus that took us to La Calera hot springs. Here, there are several pools of varying temperatures. This allows to relax and recover from the muscle pain of the earlier hours. Additionally, you have the option to do zip-lining.
The hot springs were followed by lunch, which is not included in the price of the tour.
Next, we started making our return back to Arequipa. On the way, we stopped at a viewpoint of the surrounding volcanoes, Patapampa (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). We also had a short break at Pampa Cañahuas, where we watched lamas and alpacas grazing.
Final Thoughts about this 2 Day Colca Canyon Hike
Hiking the Colca Canyon was one of the highlights of our 3 weeks in Peru trip. The trek is challenging, with steep descents and climbs, but the stunning landscapes, charming Andean villages and spotting the majestic Andean condor made every step worth it.
We chose a 2-day trek and found it just the right pace for our schedule. A 3-day hike would give you more time to fully enjoy the views. Whether you go with a tour from Arequipa or explore independently, make sure you’re prepared with hiking sticks and plenty of water.
Colca Canyon also fits perfectly into a 2-week Peru itinerary. Many travelers include it alongside stops in Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca, creating a well-rounded trip that combines trekking and culture.
We enjoyed the canyon so much that we decided to add the Huayhuash trek to our trip later on.
