How to Hike the Colca Canyon in 2 Days, Peru
Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, located in southern Peru near the city of Arequipa. With its dramatic cliffs, ancient terraced fields, and iconic Andean condors soaring overhead, it’s a perfect addition to any South America backpacking trip. Although we hiked Colca Canyon in 2 days, you can also enjoy a slower pace and spend more time in the canyon.
In this post, I’ll break down our journey of hiking Colca Canyon in 2 days, exploring the rugged terrain and local villages. Although the Colca Canyon does not compare to the famous destinations, such as Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, I would recommend it to any traveler.
Colca Canyon in 2 Days: Itinerary & Map
We joined an organized tour to hike through Colca Canyon. With little time to plan, it was the easiest option. Surprisingly, the tour cost was very similar to doing it on our own.
We organized the tour in Arequipa, Peru, and the company handled the full itinerary. We chose to hike the Colca Canyon in 2 days, with one night spent at the bottom of the canyon. Hiking the Colca Canyon in 2 days might feel a bit rushed for some people, but we had previous hiking experience (such as the Dolomites) and found the 2-day trek the perfect length.
Choosing a Tour for Hiking Colca Canyon in 2 Days
Since we were short on time, we decided to rely on an organized tour. Although you can book a tour online in advance, I recommend doing it in person when you get to Arequipa. You’ll only have to walk to the main square, where you’ll find plenty of agencies offering this tour.
When it comes to hiking Colca Canyon in 2 days, choosing the right tour is key to making the most of your time. I’ve summarized below a few key things to consider when picking a tour to Colca Canyon:
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.
Tour Length and Itinerary
Although the most popular option is hiking 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.
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.
Accommodation
If you’re hiking 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 or Value
When you start researching tours to hike 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 Colca Canyon
You can usually choose between a 2-day or 3-day trek. While the route is the same, hiking Colca Canyon in 3 days includes an extra overnight stop along the way. Hiking it 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 3-day trekkers spend the night. This extra night allows for a more relaxed pace but doesn’t add any new sights compared to the 2-day hike.
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 approx. 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.
Start the Hike into the Colca Canyon
The proper 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 part 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.
Hiking Tip: Make sure you have hiking sticks, as these will definitely help you out on the path.
Before crossing the bridge that brings you to the village, a ranger checked our tickets. Since some of our group were still behind, we decided to go down to the Colca river for a refreshing dip, while we waited.
After lunch, we continued the trek 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 swim.
We spent the night gathered around a long table, sharing funny stories with our group. As our alarms were set for 4 am the next morning, we soon found ourselves eager to hit the trail.
Fun Fact: Our guide reminded us to be cautious of spiders and scorpions in our rooms. He even suggested we shake out the covers and flip our shoes upside down to prevent any unwelcome visitors. It was… a comforting thought for a good night’s sleep!
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 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 also 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 of Hiking Colca Canyon in 2 Days
The whole trek can be summarized as a steep descent, followed by a consequential steep ascent. You can easily organise the trip on your own, in case you can sort out transportation. With regards to accommodation, there are two main villages on the way where you can spend the night.
FAQ on Colca Canyon
- How deep is the Colca Canyon?
Colca Canyon is about 3,270 m (10,730 ft) deep, making it one of the deepest canyons in the world. - When is the best time to visit Colca Canyon?
The best time to visit Colca Canyon is during the dry season (May to September), when the weather is more predictable and the trails are easier to navigate. - Is the Colca Canyon trek hard?
The trek is considered challenging, so proper physical preparation is essential. During our hike, a few members of our group had to turn back early due to the difficulty. Additionally, because the group moves together, if one or more members fall behind, it can slow down the entire team. - Can you do the Colca Canyon trek without a tour?
Absolutely. The trek is well marked and you can use maps.me or any other map for further direction. To reach the trailhead you can arrange private transportation or ask in Arequipa for bus connections. - Is a 2-day or a 3-day tour better to hike the Colca Canyon?
If you want to give yourself enough time to enjoy the landscape, then opt for the 3-day tour. But, the itinerary is the same for both options. So, it only depends on how much time you have available on your trip and how fast of a hiker you are.
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