Colca Trek (3 Days & 2 Nights)

The Colca Trek (3 Days & 2 Nights) is an immersive adventure through one of Peru’s most stunning natural landscapes. Over three days, you’ll explore the majestic Colca Valley, traverse scenic trails, and encounter traditional Andean villages. This trek combines moderate hiking with cultural experiences, offering breathtaking views of the Colca Canyon—one of the deepest canyons in the world—while observing local wildlife and the iconic Andean condors. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the trek provides a unique blend of trekking, cultural immersion, and unforgettable landscapes.

Detailed Itinerary (3 Days)

Adventure & Trekking • Colca Canyon & Sangalle Oasis

Day 1: Arequipa — San Juan de Chuccho
03:00 – 03:30

Hotel Pick-up in Arequipa

Pick-up from your accommodation and direct transfer to the breathtaking Colca Valley, enjoying the changing Andean landscapes under the sunrise.

06:30

Breakfast in Chivay

A brief technical stop in the town of Chivay to enjoy a refreshing American breakfast before starting the mountain circuit.

08:30

Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint

Arrival at the main viewpoint. Estimated time of 40 minutes to contemplate the geological depth of the Colca Canyon and the majestic flight of the Andean condors.

09:30

Descent from San Miguel Viewpoint

Official start of the trekking descent from 3,300 m (10,826 ft) above sea level towards the bottom of the canyon along winding trails (Approximately 4 hours of hiking).

13:00

Lunch in San Juan de Chuccho

Arrival at the first village at the bottom of the canyon. Lunch made with local ingredients, followed by a hike towards the traditional communities of Malata and Cosñirhua.

Afternoon

Route to Cosñirhua and Overnight Stay

Cultural immersion with the local villagers, historical tales of the valley shared by the guide, and the first overnight stay in the heart of the canyon.

Day 2: Malata — Sangalle Oasis
06:00

Andean Wake-up Call

Early morning call to make the most of the cooler morning hours, ideal for the intermediate trail.

06:30

Breakfast in Cosñirhua

An energizing morning meal prepared at the community lodge.

07:00

Hike towards Malata

A short 20-minute Andean trek heading directly to the neighboring village.

07:20

Malata On-Site Museum

Guided cultural stop to closely explore ancestral customs, textiles, and the pre-Hispanic heritage of the area.

08:00

Descent to the Heart of the Canyon

Resuming the walking circuit, descending through rock formations while enjoying incomparable panoramic views of the semi-arid ecosystem.

12:00

Arrival at Sangalle Oasis

Arrival at the tropical paradise at the bottom of the canyon. Check-in at your respective rustic adobe bungalows.

Afternoon

Relaxation at the Oasis

Full free time assigned to swim in the natural thermal water pools, relax under the exotic vegetation, and recover your physical strength.

Day 3: Oasis — Cabanaconde — Chivay — Arequipa
04:00

Night Ascent to Cabanaconde

Start of the demanding vertical ascent hike, timed early to avoid extreme solar radiation (Approximately 3 hours of continuous uphill trekking).

08:00

Breakfast in Cabanaconde

Arrival at the top, a full breakfast in town, and a prudent time margin for muscle recovery.

09:00

Circuit of Viewpoints and Attractions

Tour in our tourist transport, visiting key landmarks across the valley:

  • Cruz del Cóndor (Second photo opportunity)
  • Antahuilque Viewpoint (Ancient ancestral agricultural terraces)
  • Wayrapunku (Grand panoramic view of the canyon)
  • Maca Traditional Village
11:00

Valley Hot Springs

Time dedicated to muscle relaxation in the thermo-medicinal pools of Colca. Optional entry fee not included

12:00

Buffet Lunch in Chivay

Final stop to taste local gastronomy at a tourist restaurant. Optional dining at passenger's expense

13:00

Return to Arequipa City

We board the transport with scenic stops along the way: the Andes Viewpoint (Patapampa at 4,900 m / 16,076 ft) and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve to spot wild vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas.

17:30

End of Services

Estimated final arrival in the historical center of Arequipa, concluding the drop-off around the perimeter of the Plaza de Armas.

What's Included

  • Pick-up from the door of your centrally located hotel or Airbnb Valid if pick-up option is selected
  • Round-trip tourist transportation (Arequipa ➔ Chivay ➔ Arequipa)
  • Meals on route: 3 energizing breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 traditional dinners
  • 2 nights of accommodation in traditional rustic adobe bungalows (Shared bathroom)
  • Bilingual official tour guide (Spanish / English) specialized in high mountain trekking
  • Permanent safety assistance: First aid kit and medical oxygen tank

Not Included

  • Colca Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) Mandatory - Paid directly at the road control checkpoint
  • Buffet lunch on the third day in the town of Chivay
  • Entrance ticket to the valley's thermal hot springs
  • Accommodation in Arequipa or private medical travel insurance policies
  • Tips for the guide and route logistics team
💡 Financial Tip: It is essential to have cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) to pay for the Mandatory Tourist Ticket at the official destination checkpoints.

🎒 Suggested Packing List for Trekking

  • 🥾
    Specialized hiking shoes, waterproof boots, or sneakers with high-grip soles
  • 🧥
    Layered clothing: thermal jackets, windbreakers, gloves, and a beanie for freezing nights
  • 🌧️
    Waterproof poncho or rain jacket (Crucial during the rainy season)
  • ☀️
    Comprehensive sun protection: high-spectrum UV sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
  • 💧
    Reusable water bottles or mountain hydration systems
  • 💊
    Personal medical kit or medication, and preventative pills for altitude sickness (soroche)
  • 🍫
    High-calorie pocket snacks (chocolates, dried fruits, cereal bars, or coca leaves)
  • 📸
    Cameras/phones with power banks or spare batteries (No regular electricity at the canyon bottom)
  • 🪙
    Small denomination cash in local currency for extra personal expenses along the way
General Meeting Point

Passengers outside the central pickup zone

If you are staying in outlying residential areas, the coordinated gathering will take place directly at the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa by prior agreement.

🗺️ Locate Plaza de Armas on Maps
Pick-up Operation

Logistics Window: 03:00 AM — 03:30 AM

Please be ready in the lobby or reception area of your hotel within the indicated time frame. Due to traffic regulations and tour schedule fluidity, the transport vehicle will make a quick stop at your establishment's road access point. Please keep your WhatsApp active for real-time proximity updates.

* Special Conditions: Pick-up times may vary by 5 to 10 minutes due to unpredictable traffic conditions or minor delays from preceding passengers in the hotel route sequence.

✨ Limited availability. Book your experience with official local operators

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