Colca Canyon – 3D/2N
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Colca Canyon tour, a natural spectacle that will leave you breathless. Enter one of the deepest canyons in the world and discover the majesty of its landscapes, the living culture of its local communities and the impressive presence of the condor, symbol of the region.
On this trip, you will immerse yourself in the vastness of the canyon, surrounded by breathtaking mountains, hillside agricultural terraces and meandering rivers. See how the clouds intertwine with the mountain peaks and how the sun’s rays create a play of light and shadow that bring this magnificent natural scenery to life.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arequipa - Cabanaconde - San Juan de Chucho
You will be picked up from the bus station or your hotel in Arequipa at 4:00 a.m. by private bus. After three hours of travel, we make a brief stop in Chivay, then we will continue until we reach the view point “Cruz del Condor”. We will stop here for approx. 1 hour to watch the condors fly and enjoy the beautiful view over the canyon. Then we will go to Cabanaconde, at 3,287 meters above sea level. Here we will have lunch and get ready for the hike. First we will pass by the viewpoint called Pampa San Miguel, from where we will be able to see the trails where we will walk.
From here we start descending into the canyon towards the village of San Juan De Chucho. This takes 4 hours approx. on the way we will cross the Colca river through a suspension bridge, during the hike, the guide will inform you about the flora and fauna, medicinal plants and the culture of the people living in the canyon. We will finish this day in Cosñirhua, a village 1 hour walk from San Juan De Chucho, in Cosñirhua we will have dinner and spend the night in a house of a local family and you will be able to see their daily life.
Day 2: San Juan de Chucho - Oasis Sangalle
After breakfast we will continue our hike through the canyon. On the way we will pass through Malata, a small village, after 2 hours of walking we arrive at Sangalle, better known as the Oasis, in the Oasis you can relax and swim in the pool. After lunch we will have time to explore the area, then we will have dinner and spend the night in bungalows, the accommodation has shared bathroom.
Day 3: Sangalle - Cabanaconde - Chivay - Arequipa - Cusco
In the morning, around 04:30 am, you will have a coca tea and we will start the hike to Cabanaconde, where we will have a breakfast, after that we will go back, but we will stop at the condor cross view point, here you will have a beautiful view of the geological shape of the canyon and the condors overflight. You will return to Cabanaconde to take the bus to Chivay, on the way we will make a stop to see Inca and pre-Inca agricultural terraces from the Wayrapunku viewpoint.
In Chivay you have the option to visit the hot springs for an hour, the medicinal water has a temperature of 38°C. Then you can have lunch in Chivay before returning to Arequipa. We will arrive in Arequipa at 6:30 pm. approx. so we will take the bus back to Cusco around 8 pm, so you will be in Cusco the next morning around 6 am.
Inclusions
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (spanish – english).
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Private transportation.
- Private tour.
- Entrance fees to the Colca.
- 01 night in a family house in Cosñirhua.
- 01 night in the bungalows.
- Entrance fees to the Sangalle Oasis.
- Entrance fees to the thermal baths in Chivay.
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
- First aid kit.
Not Included
- Last dinner.
What to bring
- Original passport and student card (ISIC) green card.
- Comfortable shirts and pants.
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 is recommended).
- Insect repellent minimum 30% DEET.
- Toiletries.
- Personal medications.
- Camera.
- Suggested extra contribution.
Pricing & Dates
FAQs
1️⃣ What makes this trek unique?
Walk alongside llamas and alpacas along ancient Inca trails, immerse in local communities, and experience authentic Andean culture.
Packing Guide
Essential Documents
- Original passport (required to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu)
- Valid Inca Trail permit and travel documents (provided by your tour operator)
- Travel insurance information (recommended)
- Student ID (if you booked with a student discount)
Trekking Essentials
- Daypack (20–30L)
- Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3 liters capacity)
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional, but highly recommended)
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- Warm thermal base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Hiking pants and moisture-wicking shirts
- Hat or beanie for cold mornings
- Sun hat or cap for daytime hiking
- Lightweight gloves
Personal Items
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Personal toiletries
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid essentials (blister treatment, pain relief, bandages)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toilet paper or travel tissues
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