The Colca Trekking Adventure promises an unforgettable journey through Peru’s stunning Colca Canyon. Over two days, visitors embark on a challenging descent, seeing the region’s rich history and diverse wildlife. With meals, thermal baths, and expert guidance included, this adventure caters to those seeking an exhilarating outdoor experience. Though not for the faint of heart, those up for the challenge will be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and cultural insights that make this trek a truly exceptional opportunity.
Good To Know
- This 2-day, 1-night Colca Canyon trekking tour offers a 99% recommendation rate, focusing on the rich history, diverse flora, and fauna of the region.
- The tour includes meals, entrance fees, thermal baths, and a final meal in Chivay, with a 6-hour bus ride and stops along the way.
- The trek involves a strenuous 3-4 hour descent to San Juan de Chuccho, requiring strong physical fitness and not recommended for certain health conditions or individuals.
- Pricing starts at $104.00 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the trek and consistent outstanding reviews.
- The tour includes early morning pickup, transportation, meals, access to Colca Valley, and the thermal baths, with a focus on preparation for the physical demands.
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Tour Overview
The Colca Trekking Adventure is a 2-day, 1-night excursion that takes travelers through the stunning landscapes of the Colca Canyon in Arequipa, Peru. Rated 99% recommended by previous participants, this tour focuses on the canyon’s rich history, diverse flora and fauna.
Included are breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees, thermal baths, and a final meal in Chivay. The 6-hour bus ride from Arequipa features stops for breakfast and the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
The 3-4 hour trek from Pampa San Miguel to San Juan de Chuccho immerses visitors in the canyon’s natural beauty. Strong fitness is required, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible or recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions.
Itinerary and Activities
Typically, the Colca Trekking Adventure departs between 3:00 am and 3:30 am. Travelers are picked up from their hotel or the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa. The journey to the trek’s starting point, Pampa San Miguel-Cabanaconde, takes around 6 hours, with stops for breakfast and a viewpoint at the Cruz del Condor. The actual trekking portion lasts 3-4 hours as hikers descend to the village of San Juan de Chuccho.
| Departure | Transportation | Trekking |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 am – 3:30 am | Bus ride to Pampa San Miguel-Cabanaconde | 3-4 hours descent to San Juan de Chuccho |
| Pickup from hotel or Plaza de Armas, Arequipa | 6-hour journey with stops | – |
| – | – | – |
Difficulty Level and Accessibility
The Colca Trekking Adventure requires a strong physical fitness level, as the trek involves a 3-4 hour descent into the canyon.
The trail isn’t wheelchair accessible, so participants must be able to navigate the steep and uneven terrain. Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems, as the high altitude and strenuous activity may pose health risks.
Travelers should be prepared for a challenging but rewarding experience. Public transportation is available near the tour’s starting point, making it accessible for those who don’t have their own vehicle.
Pricing and Booking
The Colca Trekking Adventure is priced from $104.00 per person.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.
This 2-day, 1-night trek includes breakfast on the first and second days, lunch on the first day in the canyon and a second-day buffet, dinner, Colca Valley entrance fees, thermal baths, and a final lunch in Chivay.
With an average rating of 5.0 from 11 reviews, 99% of travelers recommend this adventure focused on history, flora, and fauna in the stunning Colca region of Peru.
Traveler Reviews
According to traveler reviews, the Colca Trekking Adventure has consistently received outstanding ratings, with an average of 5.0 out of 11 reviews.
Reviewers praised the tour guide’s attentive service, the punctuality of the schedule, and the breathtaking landscapes encountered throughout the trek.
Highlights mentioned included the thermal baths, the awe-inspiring condor flights, and the cultural insights gained.
Travelers expressed complete satisfaction with the quality of the food, accommodations, and the overall experience.
Two reviewers gave a 4-star rating, but the vast majority awarded the tour a perfect 5-star score, making it a highly recommended Colca Valley adventure.
Included Experiences
What experiences does the Colca Trekking Adventure include?
The 2-day, 1-night trek includes breakfast on the first and second days, lunch on the first day in the canyon and a second-day buffet, and dinner.
Travelers also enjoy the Colca Valley entrance, access to thermal baths, and a final lunch in Chivay.
The journey begins with an early morning pickup from the hotel or meeting point in Arequipa, followed by a 6-hour bus ride with stops for breakfast and the famous La Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
Trekking from Pampa San Miguel to San Juan de Chuccho takes 3-4 hours descending into the canyon.
Transportation and Pickup
From the hotel or meeting point in Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas, the Colca Trekking Adventure begins with an early morning pickup, typically between 3:00 am and 3:30 am.
After gathering the group, the tour sets off on a 6-hour bus ride to Pampa San Miguel-Cabanaconde. During the journey, there’ll be stops for breakfast and to admire the breathtaking views at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
This scenic drive allows travelers to get a glimpse of the stunning Colca Valley before the trek begins. The adventure truly commences as the group disembarks the bus and sets off on the 3-4 hour descent to San Juan de Chuccho, where the first day’s activities will take place.
Recommended Preparation
Prospective trekkers should ensure they’re in strong physical condition prior to embarking on the Colca Trekking Adventure. The trek requires a high level of fitness, as the descent into the canyon can be challenging.
To best prepare, consider the following recommendations:
- Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise, such as hiking or jogging, to build endurance.
- Strengthen your leg muscles through activities like squats and lunges.
- Improve flexibility with a stretching routine to prevent injury.
- Stay hydrated and get enough rest in the days leading up to the trek.
- Bring appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots, layers, and sun protection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Gear Do I Need for the Trek?
For this trek, you’ll need sturdy hiking boots, lightweight breathable clothing, a rain jacket, sun protection, a water bottle, snacks, and trekking poles. Proper gear is essential for a comfortable and safe experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Trek?
You can bring your own food on the trek, but the tour includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so additional food may not be necessary. Bringing snacks or water is generally recommended to have on hand during the hike.
Is There Any Additional Cost for Single-Person Accommodation?
The tour price typically includes shared accommodation. However, there may be an additional cost for single-person accommodations. Travelers should check with the tour operator for more details on any single supplement fees.
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The tour has a small group size, typically between 2-10 participants. The size allows for a more personalized experience and easier navigation through the Colca Canyon. Group size may vary depending on demand and bookings.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
The tour does not appear to have any age restrictions. However, it requires a strong level of physical fitness and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems due to the strenuous trekking involved.
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The Sum Up
The Colca Trekking Adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Peru’s breathtaking Colca Canyon. Catering to adventurous travelers in strong physical condition, this 2-day, 1-night experience promises stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and exceptional service at an affordable price. With meals, entrance fees, and thermal baths included, this exhilarating journey is not to be missed by those seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in Peru’s natural wonderland.