Sangalle Oasis Trek - Trekking Colca Canyon - Peru

The popular Sangalle Oasis trek begins in Cabanaconde and plunges 1,200 meters (3,936 ft) to Sangalle (1,900 m / 6,232 ft altitude). In contrast to chilly Chivay, the climate here is subtropical and lends itself to lounging in the thermal pools there.

The trek to the Sangalle Oasis at the bottom of the Canyon can be made in one day, or at a slower pace, in two. Most people who hike down camp overnight at one of three campgrounds (Paraíso, Oasis and El Edén) or stay at the cabañas of Las Palmeras. The trail can be treacherous in places and the way down can take two to three hours with the steeper return route taking up to four hours.

From the campsite you can continue another two or three hours, where you’ll find another good camping spot further upstream on Río Colca. The path leading away from the camp heads uphill to the Cruz del Condór, where you can view the famous birds. The whole trip takes about two or three days.

Location:
Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon, Peru

Trekking

Getting There

Most two-day / one-night Colca Canyon tours do this trek. It is easy to do on your own.

Travel Tips:

Beware of locals posing as officials, trying to take money from you. At the time of writing you do not have to pay to hike here.

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring:

Make sure to take lots of water, sunscreen and snacks with you on the hike. Snacks, simple food and water (expensive) can be purchased at the bottom, but you’re probably better off packing a stove and cooking your own outdoor feast.

You can leave your organic trash with the campsite manager, but take all cans, glass, and plastic with you. The abundance of trash strewn throughout the area should remind you of the importance of being environmentally conscious.

Currencies accepted
Peruvian nuevo sol

About this Page

By Paula Newton
I am V!VA's operations expert. With an MBA and a background in the Interactive Television industry in the U.K. I am the organizing force behind the...

Updated: 01 Jun 2012