In addition to the iconic destinations like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, Colca Canyon is a must-visit addition to your bucket list!
Once again, we opted for an organized tour to hike through the Colca Canyon. With limited time to plan the trip ourselves, it made sense, and the costs were comparable to going solo.
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Itinerary & Map
We started the tour in Arequipa, Peru and had the itinerary organized by the tour operator. We opted for a 2-Day tour with an overnight stay at the base of the Colca Canyon.
Choosing a Tour
You typically have the option of a 2-day or 3-day trek. While the overall route is the same, the 3-day trek includes an extra overnight stay along the way.
For example, the spot where we stopped for lunch on the first day is also where 3-day trekkers spend the night. This option allows for a more leisurely pace, but it doesn’t offer any additional sights compared to the 2-day hike.
Day 1: Chivay – Cruz del Condor – Pampa San Miguel – San Juan de Chucco – Sangalle Oasis
We left Arequipa early in the morning on a bus. 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 inhabits the valley and is one of the largest birds in the world. They also have the second largest wingspan of any bird species. Just think that their wingspan averages 3 meters and their weight about 15 kg. The best time to spot condors is in the morning, when winds are strong and temperatures are colder. Not only can you embrace the majestic birds flying over you, but you can also enjoy the deepness of the canyon underneath.
The proper hike starts only 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 1,300m / 4,265 ft descent of approx. 3 hours to the Colca River. The surrounding vegetation and views were amazing, but my knees were not particularly thrilled with the downhill. 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 river while we waited. It is a perfect spot for cooling down or even jumping into the refreshing waters.
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 laughs and funny stories with our group. As our alarms were set for 4 AM the next morning, we soon found ourselves eager to hit the hay. Our guide reminded us to be cautious of spiders and scorpions in our rooms – suggesting 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to hike the Colca Canyon?
The hike can be done in either 2 or 3 days. It is not recommended to try it in 1 day, due to the elevation gain and distance covered. - 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.
