Colca Canyon Three Day Trek

02:45–03:15 a.m. | Hotel Pickup in Arequipa

Our adventure begins with an early-morning pickup from your hotel in downtown Arequipa. We will travel approximately three hours to the picturesque town of Chivay, where we will enjoy a traditional breakfast before continuing our journey.

Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint

After breakfast, we will head to the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. We will spend approximately 30 minutes admiring the spectacular depth of Colca Canyon and, weather permitting, watching the majestic Andean condor soar through its natural habitat.

Pampa San Miguel – Start of the Trek

We will continue to Pampa San Miguel, the starting point of our trek into Colca Canyon. After taking in the panoramic views, we will begin an approximately three-hour descent into the canyon.

Along the way, we will cross a suspension bridge over the Colca River and tackle a short uphill section before reaching the traditional village of San Juan de Chuccho.

Lunch in San Juan de Chuccho

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch and take a well-deserved break in this peaceful Andean village.

Afternoon at Leisure

The afternoon will be free to explore the surroundings, observe local fruit trees, and learn about medicinal plants found in the area. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and experience rural life within the canyon.

Breakfast and Morning Trek

After an energizing breakfast, we will continue our trek through the heart of Colca Canyon, following scenic trails surrounded by dramatic canyon walls and beautiful Andean landscapes.

Visit to Cosñirhua and Malata

Along the way, we will pass through the traditional villages of Cosñirhua and Malata, where you can learn about local customs, rural life, and the agricultural practices that sustain these communities.

Descent to Sangalle Oasis

We will continue along the trail, descending toward the famous Sangalle Oasis, a lush retreat nestled deep within Colca Canyon. We expect to arrive at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Lunch and Check-in

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a restorative lunch before checking in to our accommodation. You will have time to rest and recharge after the morning's hike.

Afternoon at Leisure

Spend the afternoon relaxing in the oasis and enjoying its natural swimming pools, surrounded by palm trees and the impressive landscape of the canyon. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and appreciate the unique environment.

Dinner and Overnight Stay

In the evening, we will gather for dinner and spend the night in the oasis bungalows, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Sangalle.

05:00 a.m. | Ascent to Cabanaconde

Our final day begins early with a challenging ascent from Sangalle Oasis to the traditional town of Cabanaconde. After coordinating with our guide, we will start the approximately three-hour hike along a steep, zigzagging trail with sections of stone steps.

Along the way, we will reach the Cross Viewpoint, where we can rest, take photographs, and admire the sunrise over the spectacular Colca Canyon.

Breakfast in Cabanaconde

After a short, relatively flat walk, we will arrive at Cabanaconde’s main square and enjoy a well-deserved breakfast before continuing our journey.

Transfer to Chivay and Scenic Stops

We will board our transport to Chivay, making several stops along the way.

• Antahuilque Viewpoint: Admire the impressive pre-Inca agricultural terraces that cover the surrounding hillsides.

• Maca Village: Explore this traditional Andean village, known for its colonial church, local handicrafts, and colorful market stalls.

La Calera Hot Springs

Upon arrival in Chivay, we will visit the La Calera hot springs. Enjoy approximately one hour of free time to relax in the thermal pools and soothe your muscles after the trek.

Afterward, we will head to a local restaurant for lunch, which is at your own expense.

Patapampa Viewpoint

In the afternoon, we will begin our return journey to Arequipa, stopping at Patapampa, approximately 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) above sea level. Known as the Viewpoint of the Andes, this spectacular location offers panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Andean Wetlands and Wildlife

We will also stop at high-Andean wetlands, or bofedales, where you may observe South American camelids, such as alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas, in their natural habitat.

Approximately 05:30 p.m. | Arrival in Arequipa

We expect to arrive in Arequipa at approximately 5:30 p.m., ending the service near the Plaza de Armas.