These itinerary details a three-day trek through the Colca Canyon, extending the standard two-day route with an additional night within the canyon.
The trek involves a four-hour descent on the initial day, followed by four hours of combined ascent and descent on the second day. The final day requires a three-hour ascent out of the canyon.
Pickup occurs between 3:00 and 3:30 AM from the designated lodging. A three-hour vehicle transit leads to Chivay (11,811 feet/3600 meters). A basic breakfast is provided, consisting of bread, butter, jam, tea, mate, and coffee.
The journey continues to the Condor Cross Viewpoint. A 45-minute stop allows for observation of the Colca Canyon and potential condor sightings. Subsequently, a short drive to San Miguel (10,826 feet/3300 meters) initiates the trek.
The route descends to San Juan de Chuccho. A simple lunch, comprising vegetable soup, rice, potatoes, and alpaca, is served. A vegetarian alternative is available. The remaining afternoon is allocated for leisure in San Juan de Chuccho and relaxation in shared bamboo bungalows. Overnight accommodation is in San Juan de Chuccho.
A 7:00 AM wake-up is followed by a breakfast of pancakes, tea, and coffee. The trek resumes towards Sangalle, passing the villages of Cosñirhua and Malata. Sangalle (6,233 feet/1900 meters) the lowest point of the trek, is reached. A standard lunch is served. Options for leisure include relaxation in the natural pools, fishing, or soccer. Dinner, typically consisting of vegetable soup, pasta, and tea, is served. Overnight accommodation is in bamboo bungalows.
A 5:00 AM wake-up initiates the ascent to Cabanaconde. A basic breakfast of bread, butter, jam, tea, coffee, and mate is provided. A vehicle transfer back towards Chivay includes stops at pre-Incan and Incan terraces, colonial towns, and scenic viewpoints.
The Yanque hot springs are visited for approximately one hour. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Chivay before the return journey to Arequipa.
The route descends from 15,846 feet/4830 meters to 7,627 feet/2325 meters, with stops in the National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and Salinas and Pampa Cañahuas. Four South American camelid species are observed: alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
Arrival in Arequipa is estimated at 5:30 PM.
Note: Mule rental is available for fatigued trekkers.
Required Items:
Note: Small shops in the villages sell water, beverages, and snacks.
Traveling through the canyon can be a bit of a grind, and you might think “this is a bit of a stretch” when thinking about the up hill parts. But, “at the end of the day” it’s worth it. It’s also important to remember that things can get “a little hairy” on the trails, so good footwear is key. It’s also a good idea to “keep your eyes peeled” for condors. You’ll hear people say “no worries” a lot when discussing the difficulty of the trek.
At Arequipa Andean Explorer, we are passionate about showcasing Arequipa’s natural beauty through responsible tourism. We offer personalized tours—from scenic hikes to classic adventures—designed to match your unique preferences.
