The Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s most important attractions and a must-visit destination in Arequipa. At more than 3,400 meters deep, it is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world, home to the majestic Andean condor and to ancestral villages that still preserve their traditions. There are different ways to explore it, from classic tours to multi-day trekking adventures.
Colca Canyon Tour – Full Day
This tour is designed for those with limited time who still want to see the essentials of Colca. The excursion begins at dawn in Arequipa (around 3:00 a.m.) and heads towards Chivay, the main town of the valley. After a light breakfast, the journey continues to the Cruz del Cóndor, the most famous viewpoint, where travelers can watch the flight of these emblematic birds.
Along the way, you’ll visit natural lookouts, pre-Inca agricultural terraces, and traditional towns such as Maca and Yanque, surrounded by breathtaking volcanic landscapes. The tour often includes a stop at the La Calera hot springs before enjoying lunch in Chivay. Return to Arequipa is around 5:00 p.m.
Includes: tourist transport, bilingual guide, breakfast, buffet lunch.
Not included: Colca entrance fees or hot springs.
Ideal for: travelers with limited time.
Colca Canyon Classic Tour – 2 Days / 1 Night
This is the most popular Colca tour, as it allows travelers to explore the valley more calmly. On the first day, you depart from Arequipa towards Chivay, passing through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. A stop is made at the Patapampa Volcano viewpoint (4,900 m.a.s.l.) before descending to Chivay, where lunch and an optional hot springs visit await. The afternoon is free, and the night is spent in a hotel in the valley.
On the second day, you rise early to visit the Cruz del Cóndor to observe condors in flight. Afterwards, the tour visits typical villages such as Yanque and Maca, known for their colonial churches and artisan markets. After lunch in Chivay, the return to Arequipa begins.
Includes: tourist transport, bilingual guide, 1 hotel night, 1 breakfast, 2 lunches.
Not included: Colca entrance fees or hot springs.
Ideal for: those seeking a complete experience without much hiking.
Colca Canyon Tour – 3 Days / 2 Nights
This is an extended version of the classic tour, designed for travelers who want to enjoy Colca at a slower pace with more cultural encounters.
Day one follows the same itinerary as the 2-day tour, with arrival in Chivay and hot springs visit. Day two is dedicated to exploring more remote villages such as Coporaque, Lari, and Sibayo, where visitors can appreciate daily Andean life and take short hikes through Inca terraces and scenic viewpoints.
On the third day, travelers return to the Cruz del Cóndor in the morning before continuing to explore the valley and finally returning to Arequipa.
Includes: tourist transport, bilingual guide, 2 hotel nights, breakfasts and lunches.
Not included: Colca entrance fees or hot springs.
Ideal for: those seeking a deeper cultural and natural experience.
Colca Trek – 2 Days / 1 Night
Trekking the Colca Canyon is ideal for adventure lovers. The 2-day trek begins with a visit to the Cruz del Cóndor, followed by a descent into the canyon, walking through terraces, villages, and unique landscapes.
On the first day, hikers descend from Cabanaconde to the Oasis of Sangalle, a natural paradise with pools and lush vegetation at the bottom of the canyon. The night is spent in rustic lodges.
The second day involves a challenging early morning ascent back to Cabanaconde, followed by transport to Chivay and Arequipa.
Includes: tourist transport, professional trekking guide, rustic accommodation, basic meals.
Not included: Colca entrance fees or hot springs.
Ideal for: fit travelers seeking intense adventure in a short time.
Colca Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights
This trek offers a more relaxed pace to fully enjoy the canyon’s beauty.
Day one includes the descent from Cabanaconde to the canyon, visiting villages like San Juan de Chuccho, where travelers spend the night in family lodges.
Day two continues through villages such as Cosñirhua and Malata, ending at the Oasis of Sangalle, where the second night is spent surrounded by nature.
Day three starts early with the climb back to Cabanaconde (3–4 hours). Afterwards, the tour includes a visit to Chivay, hot springs, and then the return to Arequipa.
Includes: tourist transport, professional trekking guide, 2 nights lodging in the canyon, basic meals.
Not included: Colca entrance fees or hot springs.
Ideal for: adventurers seeking the full Colca experience on foot.
Tips for Choosing Your Colca Tour
Time available: for short trips, choose the 1-day tour; with more time, the 2-day classic or 3-day cultural options.
Physical level: trekkings (2 or 3 days) are ideal for those seeking adventure.
Cultural interest: 3-day tours allow more immersion in local traditions.
Season: April to October offers the best conditions for hikes and condor sightings.
