Trek in Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon Trek

On the Condor Trail

Trekking in Colca Canyon

Three-Day Colca trek for £395pp

The Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and is also home to some amazing wildlife, notably the giant Andean condors which are so emblematic of Peru. Naturally this makes for some great treks, and the three-day trek we've detailed here is just one of the possible options.

Driving out of Arequipa, we pass through the Aguada Blanca Wildlife Preserve where we can see vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and a variety of Andean birds. We will stop at the Mirador de los Andes (at 4700m), to view the surrounding mountains - Misti, Chanchani, Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca before we reach the town of Chivay, deep in the Canyon, where we will spend the night in our hotel. The next morning we hike for about three hours to the Oasis of Sangalle, in a tropical ecosystem. After enjoying the thermal waters and our dinner, we will stay in some local cabañas. The next day we ascend the canyon walls (4 or 5 hours) and continue to Chivay, where we catch our bus back to Arequipa.

Detailed Itinerary

Day One – Into Colca Canyon

We will pick you up bright and early in Arequipa and take you by minibus out into the Colca Canyon. During the journey we will pass through the Aguas Blancas Nature Reserve where we will see vicuñas and other animals. We will also visit some local villages on our way to the small town of Chivay, where we will have lunch. We will then visit some thermal baths in the afternoon and you can relax and get used to the altitude (3,800m) ahead of your trek. (Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Two – Cruz del Condor

You will have a second early morning today as we want to be at the Cruz del Condor in plenty of time so we are well-placed to see the giant Andean Condors set off from their nests for their day's hunt. Once we have seen these enormous birds launch themselves into the Canyon’s thermals, it's time to take a deep breath and start our trek! We will walk down the sides of the Canyon, treating you to some truly amazing views, on our way to our cabañas lower down in the Canyon at the oasis of Sangalle. (B/L/D)

Day Three – Trek to Cabanaconde

This morning we will trek back up the sides of the Canyon by a different route as we head for the village of Cabanaconde. From here we will head back to Chivay so you can soak in the hot springs before we head back to Arequipa and your hotel so you can get ready to head out for a well-earned celebratory drink. (B/L)

What's Included?

Our standard price for this Colca trek is £395 per person, and we can fit it into just about any of our holidays in Peru.

That price includes top-class trekking equipment including cooking equipment, sleeping bags and sleeping mats; all transport between Arequipa and Colca Canyon, the services of an expert guide, and all meals in the Canyon.

"I must say I loved the holiday, every minute of it!"

Read more testimonials from our happy customers...
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