Trekking in Colca Canyon - home of the condor

Colca Canyon trek

Colca Canyon - Gorges and Gorgeous!

Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and is also home to some amazing wildlife, notably the giant Andean condors which are so emblematic of Peru. Naturally this makes for some great treks, and the three-day trek we've detailed here is just one of the options you could look at.

Leaving Arequipa by private bus, we pass through the Aguada Blanca Wildlife Preserve where we see vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and a variety of Andean birds. We stop at the Mirador de los Andes, 15,360ft, to view the surrounding mountains - Misti, Chanchani, Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca Hualca, etc. Reaching Chivay, deep in the canyon, we spend the night in our hotel. The next morning we hike for about three hours to the Oasis of Sangalle, in a tropical ecosystem. After enjoying the thermal waters and our dinner, we camp. The next day we ascend the canyon walls (4 or 5 hours) and continue to Chivay, where we catch our bus back to Arequipa.

Difficulty: Easy+


Trek Itinerary

Trek into Colca Canyon Day One - Travel to Chivay

After an early breakfast this morning we will pick you up and take you by minibus out into the Colca Canyon. During the journey we will pass through the Aguas Blancas Nature Reserve where we will see vicuñas and other animals. We will also visit some local villages on our way to the small town of Chivay, where we will have lunch. We will then visit some thermal baths in the afternoon and you can relax and get used to the altitude (3,800m) ahead of your trekking!

Cruz del Condor Day Two - Cruz del Condor

Another early morning today as we want to be at the Cruz del Condor in plenty of time so we are well-placed to see the giant Andean Condors set off from their nests for their day's hunt. Once we have seen these enormous birds launch themselves into the Canyon’s thermals, it's time to take a deep breath and start our trek! We will walk down the sides of the Canyon, treating you to some truly amazing views, on our way to the night's camp lower down in the Canyon at the oasis of Sangalle.

Cabanconde Day Three - Cabanaconde

Today we will climb back up the sides of the Canyon by a different route as we head for the village of Cabanaconde. From here we will head back to Chivay so you can soak in the hot springs before we head back to Arequipa for a well-earned celebratory drink!

Prices

This trek can fit into any of our tailormade Peru holidays and the price of £195pp includes the following:

  • All transfers to/from Arequipa
  • The services of a guide and mules for the duration of the trek
  • All meals on the trek

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Colca Canyon trek

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We just wanted to say a big thank you for arranging such a fantastic honeymoon.

JL, Leeds
June 2008
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