When we think of traveling to South America, we think of Peru and its natural beauty. Cusco and Machu Picchu are among the most popular destinations in this country.
Mentioning Titicaca Lake in Puno and the famous Colca Canyon in Arequipa, it’s the fourth world’s deepest canyon, with a depth of 3,200 meters. It offers stunning landscapes, Andean condors, numerous natural hot springs, and charming towns. For these reasons, it is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Peru.
But is there a Colca Canyon tour? Where to start? Is it worth visiting? Can I do it solo? Is it easy to get there?
Don’t worry. In this blog, we will answer all your questions together with the expert team of Machu Travel Peru. Are you ready to know everything about this route?
This tour offers trips of 1 and 2 days in the world’s fourth-deepest canyon. Also, it’s 11,000 feet deep and is perfect for treks of 2 and 3 days.
All you need to know about the tours in Colca Canyon
- The Colca Canyon
- Tours vs Treks
- Colca Canyon tours
- Colca Canyon treks
- How to get to Colca Canyon?
- Best time to visit Colca
- What to bring
- By yourself or by a travel agency?
The Colca Canyon
The Colca is a south Peruvian canyon considered the fourth deepest worldwide (around 11,000 feet deep). With an extension of 12,000 square kilometers, it is even more profound than the world-famous Grand Canyon in the United States!
Colca Canyon is 130 miles northwest of Arequipa, an important city in southern Peru. Specifically, it lies in the Chivay district, over 2110 meters above sea level.
Therefore, the hikes themselves could be challenging due to the altitude sickness of certain Colca mountains, hills, and Vulcans. Keep in mind that most hikes last two or three days. You’ll also be able to see an example of the incredible biodiversity in Peru. The fantastic condors and diving into excellent hot springs in Colca Canyon are unique activities.
You should also visit the White City before arriving at the Colca Canyon. Acclimatizing well a few days beforehand is essential. Don’t believe that the Colca Canyon is the only activity to do in the city of Arequipa!
Alternatively, visitors can visit Colca Canyon in just one day because it’s more about getting there than trekking; in other words, this place is a conventional journey that includes transportation to and from different canyon zones.
You’ll get off and visit the zone for a brief time. However, you will not journey because this activity requires more than one day.
Tours vs Trek
Internet adverts and banners in Arequipa provide information about different activities and things to do in Arequipa. The majority (if not all) of them fall into two categories: Colca Canyon hikes and tours.
These are treks developed along the canyon in two or three days. Please pay attention; a one-day trek doesn’t exist. A one-day hike isn’t sufficient to see the leading places in the expanded Colca region, let alone reach the first spot. As you will see, going and enjoying a tour or trek in Concal Canyon can go from $80 to $200.
Colca Canyon tours
As previously said, these trips are designed to move you from site to destination without requiring you to hike. You generally never descend to the bottom of the canyon as the tour passes through towns and attractions near the top of the canyon. As transportation is used on these tours, they are generally provided by travel agencies.
This doesn’t mean you cannot do these tours independently (if you rent a car or have private transportation).
If you quote prices online, these may be higher than those offered in Arequipa. For this reason, we recommend hiring a tour from the same city. If you are one of the people who like to have everything planned, and you do not have much time in Peru, you can book in advance via the Internet. By the way, we can help you book an unforgettable tour or trek to Colca Canyon!
1. Colca Canyon day tour
Transportation from the travel agency will pick you up at 03:00 a.m. from your hotel in Arequipa. The trip from Arequipa to Cabanaconde is 4 hours (the town is the starting point for the tour). Previously, the transport stopped in Chivay (before Cabanaconde) for breakfast (included). To appreciate the majestic condor, you can also visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
Once in Cabanaconde, the transportation follows a specific route. You will be able to visit unique places and mountains. After lunch in any of the picturesque villages of the Colca (included) and rest in some thermal baths, the transport will pick you up, heading to Cabanaconde to arrive in Arequipa and end the tour.
The tours last 10 hours through 9.2 kilometers (5.7 miles), including bilingual (Spanish – English) tour guides and transportation. The entrance fee for Colca Canyon costs 70 Soles ($19), and the tour from Arequipa usually costs around $70 to $90 per person (including breakfast and lunch).
2. Colca Canyon – 2 Days / 1 Night
This tour includes transportation and a bilingual travel guide and covers 17 kilometers (10.5 miles). The points to visit are similar to those on the Colca Canyon full-day tour, with the difference that you will spend a night in Chivay or any town close to the canyon border.
The next day, you’ll continue visiting Salinas Aguada National Reserve. This tour is perfect for tourists who have two days to see the canyon and don’t want to make much physical effort. Condor sightings and relaxation: You’ll see some stunning views and are almost sure to spot condors. Thermal baths and walks through natural gardens, among other experiences, can be enjoyed on this tour.
This tour can cost around $120 to $150 per person. It includes transportation, two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast, a bilingual tour guide, and a one-night hotel room. (Not including entrance fees).
Colca Canyon treks
This section will concentrate on the two- and three-day hiking trails.
As its name indicates, they are hikes, and no type of transport is involved (compared to a Colca tour). Both trips go the same way, but they have differences. Visitors can also do extra things, and you can plan these activities yourself or get help from a travel agency or tour guide.
As the name suggests, these are hikes with no transportation.
1. Colca Canyon trek – 2 Days / 1 Night
Cabanaconde – San Juan de Chuccho – Sangalle – Cabanaconde
The person who chose this option has to be in good physical condition. If you realize this trek yourself, consider the 70.00 S/ to Colca Canyon entrance fee and around $80 of the budget per person. If you hire a travel agency, you can consider a higher price than $120. There are many trek packages.
The two-day hike takes you along the canyon wall for 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). On the first day, you will depart from Cabanaconde at 06:00 am and have a long and pleasant walk, descending to the canyon bottom. The path is not very steep but has parts of loose gravel, so you have to walk carefully. Plus, you’ll constantly be walking in the scorching sun, which can be tiring. Once at the bottom of the canyon, you will cross the Colca River, where the landscape becomes more vigorous. You will have a scheduled lunch stop in a small nearby town called San Juan de Chuccho.
Then you will continue the walk to Sangalle, where you will have dinner and spend the night. You will surely take advantage of and enjoy this town’s best Colca hot springs. These are ideal for relaxing after a long day of hiking. On the second day, the hike will start early in the morning with destiny to the top of the Canyon. The path is steep and requires physical effort. You will have some beautiful views available, and condor sightings are assured. A great possibility to know the Canyon and its stunning valley before returning to Cabanaconde and finishing the tour.
2. Colca Canyon trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights
Chivay – San Juan de Chuccho – Sangalle – Cabanaconde
We can answer three days if you ask us how many days you need to see the Colca Canyon. In the same way, the trek begins at 06:00 am and runs about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).
On the first day, you will arrive early in Chivay, where you will enjoy your first stop. You’ll experience the famous viewpoint “Cruz del Condor”, where you can see some Colca Canyon condors.
Then, the hike begins descending to the bottom of the canyon. You will spend the night in San Juan de Chuccho, where you’ll also enjoy dinner. On the second day, you will continue walking to some beautiful traditional villages to enjoy various activities. We can mention participating in traditional dances and planting typical products among them.
Then they will descend towards Sangalle, where they will stay and have a dinner.
On your third day, you’ll have an uphill walk to Cabanaconde, where you will enjoy breakfast. Then, take your transport back to Arequipa. The route is the same as the two-day trek, but the difference is that you stay in San Juan de Chuccho and Sangalle. You will have much more time to explore the villages and your surroundings—the best short-term option.
If you realize this trek by yourself, the cost (including the Colca Canyon entrance) is around $180. If you hire a travel agency, this amount can double, even triple.
How to get to Colca Canyon?
1. From Arequipa to Cabanaconde
To begin a good tour, you can take a public bus from the Arequipa central bus terminal to Cabanaconde via Chivay. The cost is around $10 – $13 per person. The trip lasts 4 to 6 hours, depending on the traffic in Arequipa. The schedule of departure goes from 4 to 7 a.m.
Or, if you want to get to Cabanaconde faster, you can hire a Colectivo. The Colectivos are cars and minivans that offer transport services. These depart from one side of the bus terminal. It costs around $20 per person, and the trip lasts 5 hours (whether there is traffic).
2. From Cabanaconde to Arequipa
The frequency of return transportation from Cabanaconde to Arequipa is low. At the time of writing this article, there are only three frequencies:
- “Reyna” transport company departs at 06:30 am.
- 09:30 am departing Andalucia bus company.
- 1:30 pm departing another bus from the company “Reyna”.
That is why you must finish your walk on the last day before 1:00 p.m. in Cabanaconde. The service costs around $6.
If you’re in a hurry, you can take a minivan to Chivay. There are many frequencies from Cabanaconde, and the cost is around $1.5 per person.
The trip lasts 30 minutes. From Chivay, you can take transport to Arequipa. The trip lasts 3 hours, costing around $4 per person.
Best time to visit Colca
To enjoy clear skies, cool breezes, and good trails, visit Colca Canyon from April to November during the dry season. Disadvantage? Well, you will find a crowd of tourists hiking the same routes as you.
If you hike the Colca Canyon from December to March (the rainy season), there will be fewer tourists and more quiet. However, expect more rain, cloudy skies, cold winds, and a higher risk of slipping on muddy paths, which could lead to falling from cliffs.
As you can see, the best time to visit Peru coincides with the recommended time to visit the Colca Canyon!
Is Colca Canyon worth visiting?
If you ask us if visiting the Colca Canyon is worth it, definitely yes. One of the advantages of visiting the Colca Canyon is that you can walk on your own. There is no need to be in a large group or a travel agency.
But this also means bringing your backpack, as there are no porters for independent hikers (as is the case of the Inca Trail). People can rest in villages along the marked trails.
The travel agency’s offices in Cabanaconde have guides available, and you can hire them to accompany you. Given all these facts about the Colca Canyon, being able to do so is quite an achievement, even more so if you do it within the Colca Valley. On your journey, you will be in front of nature, high mountains, a deep canyon, hot springs, imposing condors, and liberty and enjoy different activities.
What to Bring
- Layered Clothing: Temperatures can vary significantly, so pack layers.
- Moisture-Wicking Shirts: For comfort during hikes.
- Warm Jacket: Especially for the early mornings and evenings.
- Rain Jacket: In case of unexpected rain.
- Hiking Pants and Shorts: Depending on the weather.
- Hat and Gloves: For the cold mornings and nights.
- Sun Hat and Sunglasses: To protect from the intense sun.
By yourself or by a travel agency?
Generally, the routes, paths, and trails that cross Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa are well-signed. This is why one can develop treks there independently.
However, don’t forget that the fourth-deepest canyon worldwide is so extensive. And there is a probability that you will get lost and take a few hours to find the right.
Whether you travel alone or with a travel agency depends on how well you know the route and how ready you are. This includes your physical fitness, mental state, and budget for the trip.
1. Where do the tours begin?
Arrival in Arequipa should be the first thing to think about. Luckily, Peru’s second-largest city is easy to reach. It has daily flights from Lima and Cusco.
Regular buses leave from Lima, Cusco, Puno, and Tacna. You can also travel by boat.
The second and starting point for a tour in Colca is Cabanaconde. Cabanaconde is the leading destination for adventure seekers in the Colca Valley. You will notice how many different itineraries have stops within this town.
Either they go to this point, or they return from it. Here you will find some places to sleep, not very glamorous but clean. Besides, there are numerous places to eat and drink beer. But to get to Cabanaconde, you must first go through Chivay.
2. Hiking independently
If you choose to hike independently, there are many hostels. So you don’t need to bring a tent or search for campsites. These local homestays available are basic accommodations with shared bathrooms and showers, which will cost you nothing.
There are no three-star hotels in this area. You can only find one-star hotels and hostels in Cabanaconde or Chivay. Also, if you plan to trek during the high season in this Peruvian Andes region, you may need to reserve in advance. Hostels tend to sell out very quickly in the high season.
3. Hiking with an agency
But if you want to go with an agency, there are many options in Arequipa. Take the time to compare prices and ensure you understand what your hike includes. Remember that sometimes the cheapest tours will not always be better. “You get what you pay for”.
If you buy a cheap trip, you should verify that the price and service are correct. It is essential to select a reputable travel agency. Also, do your research and make sure it offers good service.
Therefore, choosing a Peru vacation package before leaving home can be a good solution. Some tours include hiking options, ziplining, rappelling, or rafting in the Colca Canyon, so look at our travel programs online.
“THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS TO ANY PLACE WORTH GOING”
As you will see, the options for suitable Colca Canyon trek tours from arequipa are varied. Remember that some tours do not usually include the walk, so see what your travel program comprises. Together with the experts from Machu Travel Peru, we hope we have been helpful. If you want to know more about our travel packages, you can consult with our team of advisers. They will be happy to help you.
