Colca Canyon is a magnificent natural wonder located in southern Peru, near the city of Arequipa. It is one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching a depth of 3,270 meters (10,725 feet). The canyon is carved by the Colca River, which runs through the canyon and is a lifeline for the local communities living in the area.
The canyon is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world. The condors can be seen soaring high above the canyon, providing a breathtaking sight for visitors. The canyon is also home to a number of other bird species, as well as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, which are native to the Andean region.
In addition to the stunning natural scenery, Colca Canyon is also home to a number of traditional Andean villages, where visitors can learn about the local culture and way of life. These villages offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
A trip to Colca Canyon is a must-do for anyone visiting Peru, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural immersion. Whether you are an avid hiker or just want to take in the stunning scenery, Colca Canyon is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Pickup from the hotel between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. and we will head to the town of Chivay, which is about a 4-hour drive from Arequipa. Along the way, we will stop in the town of Yanque where we will have breakfast (approximately 6:30 a.m.).
Then, we will travel for 1 hour to La Cruz del Condor, which is the best place to see the Canyon and the famous Andean condors. We will have 40 minutes to see the condors fly and admire the depth of the canyon.
At around 9:30 a.m., we will arrive at the Pampa San Miguel viewpoint, and we will immediately begin the descent hike into the canyon (3 hours), going from 3,300 meters to 2,100 meters.
Around 12:30 p.m., we will arrive at the first suspension bridge, where we will rest and then continue our hike for another 30 minutes. We will arrive at the community of San Juan de Chuccho for lunch. After lunch, we will continue our hike, this time to visit the towns of Malata and Cosñirhua.
Around 5 p.m., we will arrive at the Oasis Sangalle, a peaceful and charming place at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters, where we will enjoy its pool surrounded by vegetation.
We will rest in adobe bungalows typical of the area.
At 5:00 am, we will begin the 3-hour ascent hike. (It is recommended to bring snacks as breakfast is after the hike and also bring a flashlight.) This part of the hike will give you spectacular views as you will be walking during sunrise.
We will arrive at the town of Cabanaconde at 8:30 am where breakfast and a visit to the town will take place. In this town, we will take the bus back to the city of Chivay, and we will stop at a viewpoint to see the pre-Inca terraces of the valley.
At 11:00 am, we will arrive at the town of Yanque where we will have time to visit the thermal baths (approximately 1 hour) with water temperatures of 38 °C (optional). After lunch in Chivay, we will return to the city of Arequipa with stops at the Mirador de los Volcanes (4910 meters above sea level) and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve (to observe South American camelids such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos). This is where you can take a selfie with an alpaca or even a vicuña if you’re lucky.
At the end of the afternoon, you will arrive in Arequipa between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and we will drop you off on Santa Catalina street, next to the Santa Catalina Monastery.
