Colca 3D/2N Mix Vivencial Tour + Trekking to Oasis $160.00 USD
If you’re looking for a trip that gets you out of the usual tourist traps the three-day Colca Canyon tour is a solid choice. It’s not your typical sightseeing gig; you’ll be hiking meeting locals and seeing views that stick with you. You’ll catch condors soaring check out old ruins and trek down to an oasis in the canyon. The idea is to see how people live here eat their food and get a feel for their culture. It’s a trip for people who want to see something different without all the frills.
The Colca Canyon is a tough but beautiful place. It’s not for everyone though. You’ll be walking on trails people have used for centuries. You’ll see the landscape change from high plains to the depths of the canyon. And you’ll meet communities that keep their traditions alive. It’s a real experience no filters just seeing how life is in the Andes. Seriously this place changes your perspective.
Now look you won’t find perfectly manicured trails or luxury accommodations here. What you will find is a genuine experience. You’ll be staying with local families eating meals they’ve prepared and getting a first hand look at their way of life. It’s about connecting with a place and its people not just snapping photos for social media. If you’re okay with a little discomfort and a lot of authenticity this trip is worth considering.
Departure at 7:30 AM for the Colca Canyon. The route follows the Yura highway. Peaks of the Chachani volcano are visible.
The drive crosses Pampa de Arrieros and Pampas Cañahuas. Vicuñas alpacas and llamas are observed along with volcanic formations. The route continues to Patahuasi. Wind-caused geological formations are visible. Arrival in Chivay occurs at 12:00 PM (11811 feet 3600 meters).
The group proceeds to Coporaque for a local family lunch. A 2.5 hour walk commences toward the San Antonio ruins and a pre-Inca cemetery. The Uyo-Uyo archaeological complex is visited. Agricultural terraces are visible en route.
The group then goes to the Yanque medicinal thermal baths. Water temperature is 38 degrees Celsius. The group arrives in Yanque. Local families provide lodging. A shared experience with the local people allows for insight into their customs and lifestyle. A dinner of organic Colca food is served.
A traditional Colca breakfast is served at 6:30 AM. A Folkloric Show takes place in the Yanque square at 7:00 AM. The Wititi dance a declared cultural heritage is performed. The group departs for the Condor Cross at 7:30 AM. This natural viewpoint is reached around 8:30 AM.
The group stays at the viewpoint for one hour. The Colca Canyon and condor flight are observed. The descent into the canyon begins at 10:00 AM. The 2.5 hour trek reaches Oasis del Colca.
This natural paradise is located on the Colca River banks. The 23 degree Celsius pools are available for relaxation. A typical lunch is served
A pre-arranged uphill trek begins at 5:00 AM. The trek lasts about three hours. Breakfast is served in Cabanaconde. The return journey includes a stop at the Antihuilque Choquetico Viewpoint. Archaeological remains hanging tombs amphitheatres and litho stone models are observed.
The town of Maca and its colonial church are visited. Lunch is served in Chivay. The return to Arequipa includes a possible visit to the Andes viewpoint (16108 feet 4910 meters) and the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Arrival in Arequipa is at 5:00 PM.