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Thi W TripadvisorSignature Peru Tour
Colca Canyon Llahuar Trek 3 Days
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StartsStarts at
Duration3 Days
Physical LevelEasy
SitesCusco, Soraypampa
Trip Overview
Thinking about hiking deep into the Colca Canyon? This 3-day trek takes you down to Llahuar a spot known for its natural hot springs right by the river. It’s a bit different from the more common Sangalle route and gives you a real taste of the canyon’s depth and the local life. This isn’t just a walk in the park though it involves some serious ups and downs!
Day by Day Schedule
So the first day kicks off super early like 3 am yeah really early We gotta pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa (which sits at about 7,661 ft / 2,335 m). Then it’s a drive for about 3 hours.
Around 6:30 am we’ll hit Chivay town (way up at approx 12,018 ft / 3,663 m) to grab some breakfast fuel up for the day. After that we keep going towards the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint (around 10,760 ft / 3,280 m).
We get to Cruz del Condor about 8:30 am You’ll have maybe 30 minutes here It’s pretty awesome you might see the giant condors soaring on the air currents and you really get a sense of how massive the canyon is.
Around 9:15 am we hop back in the transport and head to Cabanaconde village (also around 10,760 ft / 3,280 m) arriving about 10 am. This is where the real trek begins We start walking down towards Llahuar.
The trail down has some killer views We’ll stop at the Achachihua viewpoint You can see the Colca River snaking below and tiny villages across the canyon like Tapay Coshñirgua Malata Paylla and Llanca. We’ll also pass along the Achachigua River and see some geysers bubbling away near a place called ‘plowed’ (might be a local name or landmark).
The hike down takes roughly 4 hours It’s downhill but can be tough on the knees poles help if you got ’em. When we finally reach Llahuar (deep in the canyon maybe around 6,560 ft / 2,000 m) we’ll get settled into our basic lodging. The best part? You can then go soak in the natural thermal pools right by the river Super relaxing after the hike. Dinner is around 6 pm then it’s time to crash for the night.
Day two starts a bit more relaxed Breakfast is around 6 am. Then about 6:30 am we hit the trail again this time hiking towards Sangalle (often called the ‘Oasis’ also deep in the canyon maybe around 6,890 ft / 2,100 m).
On the way we’ll pass through a little village called Paclla You’ll see loads of different kinds of cactus and just the raw beauty of the canyon walls around you.
We should arrive in Sangalle around 11:30 am just in time for some lunch. Sangalle is famous for its swimming pools It’s like a little green paradise at the bottom of the dry canyon. So after lunch you can chill out take a dip swim around enjoy the sun and the unique vibe down there. Dinner is served around 6:30 pm then it’s another night sleeping deep inside the Colca Canyon.
Okay this is the big challenge day We start hiking early like 5 am pitch black so bring your headlamp! We need to hike all the way back up out of the canyon to Cabanaconde. It’s steep and takes effort but doing it in the cool morning air before the sun gets strong is the way to go.
We should reach Cabanaconde around 8:30 am feeling tired but proud Time for a very well-earned breakfast.
After eating we get back in our transport and start the drive back towards Chivay. We’ll make a few photo stops on the way back like at the Choquetico and Antahuilque viewpoints You can see some cool pre-Inca tombs hanging on the cliffs (‘litomaquetas’) and maybe some ‘enchanted lagoons’. We’ll also make a quick stop in Maca district (around 10,700 ft / 3,262 m) to see its colonial church which survived earthquakes and maybe check out some local crafts.
Around 12:30 pm we arrive back in Chivay. Now you have an option If you want you can visit the La Calera hot springs nearby to soothe those aching muscles (entrance fee not included see below). After that or if you skip the springs we head for lunch in Chivay usually around 2 pm (this lunch is also not included).
Then it’s the final leg the drive back to Arequipa. But we make a couple more cool stops First at the ‘Mirador de los Andes’ or Patapampa Pass This is the highest point on the trip at a whopping 4,910 meters (16,109 ft!). On a clear day the views of the volcanoes are unreal: Hualca Hualca Sabancaya Ampato (where Juanita the mummy was found) and even Chachani and Misti near Arequipa. It can be cold and windy up here!
Our last stop is usually in the Pampas Cañahuas National Reserve (around 13,100 ft / 4,000 m). This is high plains area where you can spot herds of wild vicuñas they’re related to llamas and alpacas but protected and super graceful. You’ll see the unique high-altitude plants too.
We expect to be back in Arequipa around 6:00 pm maybe a bit later depending on traffic and how long the stops take. We’ll drop you off near your hotel. What a trip huh?
Inclusions
What’s Included
So when you book this trip what exactly are you paying for?
- Transport: You get picked up and dropped off near your hotel in Arequipa and all the driving between spots is included usually in a tourist minivan or small bus.
- Guide: A local trekking guide who speaks English (and Spanish of course!) will be with you the whole time They know the paths the culture the plants everything It’s great having someone who knows the canyon inside out.
- Meals: Most of your food is covered You get 3 breakfasts (days 1 2 3) 2 lunches (days 1 2) and 2 dinners (days 1 2). It’s usually simple but filling Peruvian food perfect for trekking energy.
- Accommodation: Two nights of basic lodging inside the canyon (one night in Llahuar one in Sangalle). Expect shared rooms maybe bunk beds and shared bathrooms It’s part of the adventure! Sometimes upgrades to a private room/bathroom might be available for an extra cost (like maybe S/.30 soles per room per night) but you need to ask your tour operator about availability beforehand.
- Towel? Maybe not Check with your operator Some basic lodges might include them others charge a small rental fee (like S/.5 soles). Best to bring your own lightweight one just in case.
What’s Not Included
There are a few things you’ll need extra cash for:
| Item | Estimated Cost (Soles) | Notes |
| Colca Canyon Entrance Fee | S/. 70 | Mandatory tourist ticket (‘boleto turístico’). Pay this directly. |
| Hot Springs (Chivay) | S/. 15 | Optional visit on Day 3 (La Calera). |
| Last Lunch (Chivay) | S/. 30 approx. | On Day 3 Operators often suggest a buffet but it’s optional. |
| Drinks & Extra Snacks | Varies | Water soda beer snacks you buy along the way or at the lodges. |
| Towel Hire (if needed) | S/. 5 approx. | If not included by the lodge and you don’t bring your own. |
| Mule Hire (optional) | Varies | If you struggle with the hike uphill on Day 3 you can sometimes hire one. |
| Tips for Guide/Driver | Your discretion | Not obligatory but appreciated if you had a great experience. |
Note: Prices are estimates and can change Make sure you bring enough cash in Peruvian Soles as ATMs are not available in the canyon and card payments are rare.
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Packing Essentials – What You Should Bring
Packing light is key but make sure you have the essentials:
- Passport Copy: Always good to have a copy separate from the original.
- Backpack: A small daypack or hiking pack (around 30-45 Liters is plenty). You’ll carry this yourself.
- Water: Bring at least 1.5 to 2 liters for the first day’s hike down. You can usually buy more water at the lodges in the canyon but it will be more expensive. Consider a water filter or purification tablets too.
- Sun Protection: Crucial! High altitude sun is strong. Bring high SPF sunscreen a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Footwear: Broken-in hiking shoes or boots with good grip are essential. Sandals or flip-flops are nice for the evenings/pools.
- Clothing:
- Lightweight pants or shorts for hiking.
- Breathable shirts (wicking material is good).
- Warm layers! A fleece jacket or sweater is vital It gets cold at night and very cold on the bus journey at high altitude especially the early morning start.
- Rain jacket or poncho Just in case weather can change quickly.
- Swimsuit: For the thermal pools in Llahuar and the swimming pools in Sangalle!
- Towel: A lightweight quick-dry travel towel is ideal.
- Headlamp/Flashlight: Absolutely necessary for the early morning hike out on Day 3. Don’t forget spare batteries!
- Toiletries: Basic stuff toothbrush toothpaste soap toilet paper (important!). Wet wipes can be handy.
- Snacks: Bring high-energy snacks like trail mix energy bars fruit nuts chocolate. Especially important for the hike out on Day 3 as breakfast comes after the climb.
- Insect Repellent: There can be some biting insects especially near the river or pools.
- Personal Meds: Any prescription or personal medication you need Band-aids pain relievers etc. Altitude sickness medication if you’re prone to it (consult your doctor).
- Hiking Poles (Optional): Many people find these really helpful especially for the steep downhill sections (saves your knees) and the uphill climb. You can often rent them in Arequipa.
- Cash: Enough Peruvian Soles for the things not included (entrance fee optional activities drinks snacks tips souvenirs). Don’t rely on cards.
Good to Know – Extra Tips
- Health Check: If you have any significant health problems like heart issues bad knees asthma or past major injuries please let the tour operator know when you book This is important for your safety and the guide’s awareness. The altitude and physical exertion are real factors here.
- Altitude Sickness: The trek itself goes down but the bus journey reaches very high altitudes (up to 4910 m / 16,109 ft). Take it easy in Arequipa for a day or two before the trek to acclimatize Drink lots of water coca tea can help Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before and during the trip. If you feel unwell tell your guide immediately.
- This Trek is Tough: Seriously be prepared It involves steep downhill walking on Day 1 and a very challenging steep uphill hike for about 3 hours on Day 3. Some people find it physically harder than the Inca Trail Don’t underestimate it Good fitness helps a lot.
- Mule Option: If you’re really struggling on the hike back up on Day 3 it’s usually possible to hire a mule to carry you or your backpack part of the way You’ll need to arrange and pay for this down in the canyon (ask your guide) it’s not included in the tour price.
- Be Flexible: Sometimes things change slightly schedules might adjust road conditions weather etc Go with the flow and enjoy the adventure!
- Respect Local Culture: You’ll be passing through areas where people live Be respectful take photos politely (ask permission especially for close-ups of people) and support local communities by buying water snacks or handicrafts if you wish.
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