Overview
Leaving the volcanoes behind and finishing on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon Trek from Arequipa to Puno turns what is usually a long transfer day into a three-day walking route. Trekkers descend to the canyon floor, climb back out at sunrise, and then continue east across the altiplano to Puno instead of returning to Arequipa.
The first morning starts in Arequipa, at 2,335 meters, with Misti and Chachani visible above the city as the road heads north. Vicuñas are common along the flats of Pampa Cañahuas, and the Patapampa lookout at 4,910 meters gives a line of volcano summits, including Ampato, Hualca Hualca and the smoking cone of Sabancaya.
Chivay, the valley's main town at 3,650 meters, is where the first night is spent. Its Sunday market draws farmers from across the valley, and the La Calera hot springs, five minutes away by road, are a common stop before dinner.
Walking starts the next day from Cabanaconde at 3,287 meters. The trail drops around 1,200 meters in 8 kilometers of tight switchbacks to reach the Colca River, then follows the far bank to Sangalle, a green pocket of orchards and spring-fed pools sitting near 2,100 meters. Bags can be carried by mule if you prefer to walk light.
The ascent back to the rim begins in the dark, around 4:00 in the morning, and takes most walkers three to four hours. It is steep but rewarding, with the canyon slowly filling with light behind you.
Cruz del Condor comes shortly afterwards. Condors nest in the cliffs below this viewpoint and rise on warm air currents as the day heats up, gliding within a few meters of the wall where the canyon reaches over 3,400 meters in depth. Yanque, Maca and Achoma follow on the drive back, each with terraces cut by Collagua farmers long before the Incas arrived.
From Chivay the road climbs again toward Imata and the Lagunillas lakes, where flamingos feed in shallow water at nearly 4,200 meters. The Colca Canyon Trek from Arequipa to Puno ends in the evening in Puno, at 3,827 meters, well placed for boat trips out to Uros, Taquile and Amantani the following day.