From Arequipa: Trekking to the Colca Canyon |2Days-1Night|

Embark on an unforgettable adventure deep into the captivating Colca Canyon, just a scenic drive from the charming city of Arequipa. Over the course of two days and one night, you’ll descend into this geological wonder, enjoying its serene beauty and passing through quaint Andean villages. The challenging return hike awaits, but the journey is far from over – a rejuvenating visit to the hot springs in Chivay promises a well-deserved respite after an exhilarating trek. Discover the true essence of Peru’s natural wonders as you uncover the hidden gems of the Colca Canyon.

Key Points

• The Colca Canyon trek departs from Arequipa, either at 3:00 AM or 3:30 AM, and travels to the town of Chivay.
• The trek includes a visit to the Condor’s Cross viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the Colca Canyon and the Andes Mountains.
• Trekkers descend into the Colca Canyon, passing through various villages and landscapes, and stay in basic hostel accommodations at Sangalle.
• The return journey involves a challenging hike from Sangalle to Cabanaconde, with stunning views of the canyon during the climb.
• The tour includes a visit to the hot springs in Chivay, where trekkers can relax and rejuvenate after the day’s exertions.

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Departure and Scenic Drive

The tour departs Arequipa at either 3:00 AM or 3:30 AM, providing an early start to the day’s adventure.

Adventurers will then travel to the town of Chivay, where they’ll visit the Condor’s Cross viewpoint. This vantage point offers stunning panoramic views of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.

The drive is filled with breathtaking scenery, as the road winds through the Andes Mountains, passing small villages and remote landscapes. This scenic journey sets the stage for the exciting trekking to come, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the Colca Canyon region.

Trekking Through the Canyon

From the Condor’s Cross viewpoint, the trek begins as adventurers descend into the heart of the Colca Canyon.

They’ll hike through the picturesque village of Cabanaconde, taking in the stunning vistas of the canyon walls towering above.

The trail then leads them through La Pampa de San Miguel, San Juan de Chucho, Coşñirhua, and Malata, each offering unique glimpses into the local communities and their way of life.

The challenging yet rewarding descent culminates at Sangalle, where trekkers will spend the night in basic hostel accommodations, immersed in the canyon’s serene ambiance.

Arrival at Sangalle

Upon reaching Sangalle, trekkers will find themselves immersed in the serene ambiance of the canyon’s lush oasis. Here, they’ll settle into the basic hostel accommodations, preparing to rest and recharge after the challenging descent. The hostels offer modest yet comfortable rooms, providing a welcome respite from the day’s exertions.

Amenities	Description
Lodging	Basic shared rooms with bunk beds
Dining	Simple, hearty meals served family-style
Facilities	Shared bathrooms, limited hot water
Activities	Relaxing, taking in the views, exploring nearby trails

After a well-deserved dinner, trekkers can revel in the serene surroundings, gazing up at the star-studded sky before settling in for the night, ready to tackle the return journey in the morning.

Early Morning Hike

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Trekkers arise early in the morning, preparing to embark on the challenging return hike from Sangalle back to Cabanaconde. They’ll need to muster their energy and determination for the steep ascent out of the canyon. The trek begins with a steady climb, the paths winding through lush vegetation. As they ascend, trekkers are rewarded with stunning views of the canyon below. The final push to Cabanaconde is the steepest, but the sense of accomplishment makes it all worthwhile. With the hardest part behind them, trekkers can look forward to visiting the hot springs in Chivay before returning to Arequipa.

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Visit to Chivay Hot Springs

After the challenging return hike, trekkers get to look forward to a well-deserved soak in the rejuvenating hot springs of Chivay. These natural thermal pools offer a chance to relax and unwind after the day’s exertions. The hot springs are fed by geothermal sources, providing a soothing and therapeutic experience.

Chivay Hot Springs
Water Temperature	40-45°C	Ideal for bathing
Mineral Content	High in sulfur	Beneficial for skin
Facilities	Changing rooms	Showers

Rejuvenated and refreshed, trekkers can then return to Arequipa, their Colca Canyon adventure complete.

Return to Arequipa

The Colca Canyon trekkers then board the tourist transport for the return journey to Arequipa, which they typically reach around 6:00 PM, completing their adventure through this breathtaking natural wonder.

The drive back provides a chance to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the past two days. The itinerary includes a stop at the hot springs in Chivay, where trekkers can soak their weary muscles and savor the stunning mountain views one last time.

The return to Arequipa marks the end of an unforgettable journey, leaving the trekkers with lasting memories of the Colca Canyon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, welcoming villages, and the personal sense of accomplishment from completing the challenging trek.

Included Amenities

The Colca Canyon trekking package includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for participants. It provides hotel pickup, tourist transportation, and the services of a bilingual tour guide to lead the group throughout the journey.

Meals are also included, with two breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner. Participants will stay in basic hostel accommodations during their overnight stay in Sangalle.

The package also covers tourist entrance fees and includes access to the hot springs in Chivay. With these inclusions, travelers can focus on enjoying the stunning natural scenery and cultural experiences the Colca Canyon has to offer without worrying about logistics.

Restrictions and Considerations

This Colca Canyon trekking package comes with certain restrictions and considerations for prospective participants. It isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals over 70 years of age, likely due to the physical demands of the hike.

Travelers should carefully assess their fitness level and any health conditions before booking the tour to ensure they can fully participate and enjoy the experience.

Some key factors to consider include:

1. The trek involves several hours of hiking over steep, uneven terrain.

2. The high altitude may pose challenges for those not acclimated to the elevation.

3. Basic hostel accommodations during the overnight stay may not be appropriate for all travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Difficult Is the Trekking Difficulty Level?

The trekking difficulty level is moderate. The trek involves descending and ascending steep terrain, but the pace is relaxed and there are breaks. It’s suitable for most physically active adults, but not recommended for those with limited mobility.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this trekking tour. The trek involves challenging terrain and remote areas, so only human participants are permitted for safety and logistical reasons. Bringing a pet would not be feasible or recommended.

Is There an Option to Explore the Canyon Alone?

No, the tour does not offer an option for solo exploration of the Colca Canyon. The guided trek is required for safety and to experience the villages along the way. Travelers must join the group hike.

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Trek?

The trekking tour requires a minimum group size of 2 people. Solo travellers can’t book this trek, as it’s designed for groups. The tour operator doesn’t offer private bookings for individual hikers.

Can I Extend My Stay in the Colca Canyon?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in the Colca Canyon. The standard trek is 2 days and 1 night, but travelers can add extra nights and days to explore the canyon further and visit more villages.

Recap

The Colca Canyon trek offers an unforgettable adventure.

After a challenging descent and overnight stay, trekkers embark on a strenuous hike back up the canyon.

The journey culminates with a relaxing visit to the hot springs in Chivay, providing a well-deserved respite.

Trekkers will be rewarded with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment upon completing this remarkable Andean experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: