Colca Canyon Trek

DAY 1

The adventure through Colca Canyon kicks off bright and early. We'll collect you from your lodging in Arequipa and set out on a direct drive to the Colca Valley, a journey of roughly 3 hours. A short pause for breakfast in Chivay is on the agenda.

Continuing our excursion, we'll head to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, perched at 3,800 meters above sea level. Here, you'll witness the breathtaking flight of condors against a backdrop of volcanoes, snow-draped summits, and the immense canyon below.

Our trek proceeds to the Pampas de San Miguel at 3,300 meters. From this vantage point, we embark on a 7.5-kilometer descent into the canyon, a hike that takes about 3 hours.

Upon reaching San Juan de Chuccho, you'll enjoy a well-earned break and lunch. The journey continues with a 4-kilometer hike, approximately two and a half hours, through the quaint villages of Cosñirhua and Malata, culminating at Sangalle (1,900 m.a.s.l.), a stunning oasis where we'll spend the night.

Take a dip in the pool to unwind, and delight in a delectable dinner as the day ends.

DAY 2

At 5:00 am, we commence a 4-kilometer climb, ascending for 3 hours up the canyon's slope, greeted by the sunrise and awe-inspiring vistas, until we reach the town of Cabanaconde, positioned at 3,230 meters.

Cabanaconde, nestled in the province of Caylloma, lies 224 kilometers from Arequipa. The locals' warm hospitality and their exquisitely embroidered traditional attire, recognized as a Cultural Heritage of the Nation, will captivate you.

After a nourishing Andean breakfast, we'll proceed to the town of Chivay in our transport, pausing at the Antahuilque Viewpoint to admire the terraced fields and the expansive Colca Valley. We'll also explore the Andean village of Maca and its charming colonial church.

As we travel, we'll visit Yanque, where optional access to the thermal baths awaits. These soothing pools, famed for their healing properties, offer a rejuvenating experience. A delightful lunch in Chivay is also available as an option.

Our return journey to Arequipa takes us through the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, situated at 4,000 meters. Nestled behind the Misti and Chachani volcanoes, the reserve is characterized by its cold climate due to the altitude.

This reserve hosts an array of wildlife, including birds, foxes, and vizcachas, as well as camelids like llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. The flora is equally diverse, with ichu grass, cacti, and plants used in fabric dyeing, such as wool.

Upon our return to the city, we'll drop you off just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.

*At the end of the tour on day 2, you have the option for a transfer to Puno. Departing from Chivay at 1:00 p.m., you'll arrive at Puno's main square by 7:00 p.m.