Colca Canyon Trekking - Hiking Colca Canyon - Peru

Colca Canyon has a good range of trekking opportunities, from easy day hikes to longer, more intense treks in and around the canyon.One of the most popular treks—and one done on most one-day/two-night tours to the canyon—begins in Cabanaconde and plunges 1,200 meters (3,940 ft) to Sangalle. This riverside oasis provides hot springs, camping and cabañas.From Sangalle, 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 about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 mi) to the Cruz del Condór, where you can view the famous birds. The whole trip takes about two or three days.Cabanaconde is the hub for other canyon hikes, including short ones like that to the pre-Incan ruins of Kallimarka (20 min), and longer treks: San Juan Chuccho-Coshñirwa-Malata-Sangalle (3 days), San Juan Chuccho-Q’a Q’a Tapay-Tapay-Coshñirwa-Sangalle (4 days), San Juan Chuccho-Q’a Q’a Tapay-Tapay-Bomboya (2-3 days) and Achachiwa-Llahuar (2-3 days).Other treks follow the canyon rim, along a number of ancient Collagua and Inca paths that connect most of the villages in the canyon area. The best trekking can be found on the canyon’s northern side, which is relatively devoid of tourists. A longer, more adventurous trek leads from Cabanaconde to the Valley of the Volcanoes, which boasts legendary scenery.Provided that you have plenty of water, can speak a little Spanish and bring plenty of sun protection, Colca Canyon is a great place to meander in a choose-your-own-trek sort of style. A good trekking map is essential. Mules are available at several settlements. See Safety in the Colca Canyon for more information on making your trek safe. Trekking tours of up to 10 days may also be arranged with agencies in Arequipa.

Location:

Hiking, Trekking, Climbing Types:
Hike, Historical site, Camping, adventure, Lookout point, Nature trail

Getting There

Travel Tips:

Price Description:

Relative price: Mid-Range

Travel Skills: intermediate/somewhat difficult.

You Need to Bring:

Currencies accepted
Peruvian nuevo sol