Colca Canyon Adventure Trek
Colca Canyon Trek: Descend to the River, Explore Its Villages and Rest at the Sangalle Oasis
The Colca Canyon trek is a three-day hike into one of the deepest canyons on the planet. First, you descend to the Colca River; then you walk through villages reachable only on foot and, finally, rest at the Sangalle oasis before the final climb.
Colca from the inside, step by step
Summary
Trip overview
The Colca Canyon trek is the best way to experience the scale of one of the deepest canyons in the world. Unlike the classic excursion, here you descend to the bottom of the canyon and walk between villages that can only be reached on foot.
The route begins at the Cruz del Cóndor and the village of Cabanaconde, from where you descend more than 1,000 meters to the Colca River. Then you walk among fruit trees, terraces and small communities such as San Juan de Chuccho, Cosñirhua and Malata, until you reach the Sangalle oasis, with its natural pools surrounded by palm trees.
Finally, on the last day you climb back up to Cabanaconde at dawn and relax in the valley’s hot springs before returning to Arequipa.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Arequipa, Cruz del Cóndor and San Juan de Chuccho
Condor watching, then the descent to the bottom of the canyon.
We pick you up in the early morning at your hotel in Arequipa and drive to the Colca Valley. After breakfast in Chivay, we visit the Cruz del Cóndor to watch the condors in flight. Then, from Cabanaconde (3,287 m a.s.l.), we begin a descent of more than 1,000 meters along a zigzag trail to the Colca River. Later, we cross the bridge and reach San Juan de Chuccho (2,200 m a.s.l.), where we spend the night in a rustic lodging.
Day 2
Cosñirhua, Malata and the Sangalle oasis
Canyon villages, then a rest at the oasis.
We walk along trails among terraces and fruit trees to the villages of Cosñirhua and Malata, where we learn about the life and traditions of the canyon’s families. Then, in the afternoon, we descend to the Sangalle oasis, at the bottom of the canyon, where you can relax in its natural pools surrounded by palm trees. Finally, we spend the night in bungalows at the oasis.
Day 3
Climb to Cabanaconde, hot springs and return to Arequipa
The final challenge before the hot springs.
We start the climb before dawn, about three hours uphill with more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain, to Cabanaconde, where we have breakfast. On the way back through the valley, we stop at the hot springs to relax and then have lunch in Chivay before returning to Arequipa in the afternoon.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pickup from hotels in central Arequipa
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- 2 nights in rustic lodgings in the canyon
- Meals as per itinerary
- Entrance to the hot springs
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
What's not included?
- Colca tourist ticket
- Mule for the last day's climb (optional)
- Trekking poles
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- 25 to 30 liter backpack
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Light clothing for the day and warm layers for the night
- Swimsuit for the oasis and hot springs
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Water and energy snacks
- Cash for the Colca tourist ticket
- Passport or identification document
Weather
At the bottom of the canyon it is warm during the day, while in Cabanaconde mornings and nights are cold. Also, rain may occur between January and March.
Best season
The trek operates all year. However, from April to November the trails are dry and in better condition.
Acclimatization
We recommend spending at least one day in Arequipa before the trek. However, the biggest challenge is the elevation gain of the final climb rather than the altitude.
Recommendations
Carry your belongings in a light backpack, because you carry it during the hike. Also, if you prefer not to do the final climb on foot, you can rent a mule at the oasis.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Lodgings in the canyon
One night in a rustic lodging in San Juan de Chuccho and, then, one night in bungalows at the Sangalle oasis.
Transportation
Round-trip tourist transportation between Arequipa and the Colca Valley.
Meals
Simple meals prepared at the canyon lodgings, as well as a final lunch in Chivay.
Trekking guide
Professional guide experienced on the canyon routes during the whole hike.
Safety
First aid kit and emergency oxygen, including a mule option for the climb.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the trek?
The Colca Canyon trek is demanding because of the elevation changes: you descend more than 1,000 meters on the first day and climb the same on the last. Therefore, it requires good physical condition.
Do I have to carry my luggage?
Yes. You carry your backpack during the hike, so we recommend bringing only the essentials and leaving your main luggage in Arequipa.
Is there a mule option for the climb?
Yes. Mules can be rented at the Sangalle oasis for the climb to Cabanaconde, although at an additional cost.
Where do we sleep?
On the Colca Canyon trek, you stay in rustic lodgings with beds and basic facilities in San Juan de Chuccho and in bungalows at the Sangalle oasis, so there is no camping.
Is there a 2-day version?
Yes. We can organize a 2-day version that descends directly to the Sangalle oasis, although at a more intense pace.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate it as a private service, adjust the length or, also, continue to Puno at the end.
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