Overview
The Colca Canyon Trek from Arequipa to Puno combines a trek into one of the deepest canyons in the world with your journey to Lake Titicaca. Instead of returning to Arequipa, you hike down to the Sangalle oasis, climb back out at sunrise, see the condors at Cruz del Condor and continue across the altiplano to Puno. In two days you cover the trek and the trip between the two cities.
Trek at a Glance
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night |
|---|---|
| Start | Hotel pickup in Arequipa between 3:00 and 3:30 am |
| End | Puno, in the evening of day 2 |
| Trailhead | Cabanaconde, 3,287 m |
| Lowest point | Sangalle oasis, about 2,100 m |
| Descent | About 1,200 m over 8 km |
| Ascent | About 3 hours, starting at 4:30 am |
| Level | Demanding; good physical fitness required |
| Accommodation | Basic cabins at the Sangalle oasis |
| Meals | Breakfast and lunch on day 1, breakfast on day 2 |
Why Finish in Puno
Most travelers go from Arequipa to Puno anyway, and the bus between the two cities takes a full day. On this trek the canyon becomes part of that journey: after the trek you cross the altiplano past the Lagunillas lakes, where flamingos feed at nearly 4,200 meters, and arrive in Puno in the evening, ready for a boat trip to the Uros, Taquile or Amantani islands the next day.
The Route
The drive from Arequipa crosses Pampa Cañahuas, where vicuñas are common, and the Patapampa lookout at 4,910 meters, with a line of volcanoes that includes Ampato, Hualca Hualca and the smoking cone of Sabancaya. After breakfast in Chivay we continue to Cabanaconde, where the trek begins.
The trail drops in tight switchbacks to the Colca River and crosses a bridge to San Juan de Chuccho, where we have lunch at a family-run restaurant. The path then climbs for about an hour to Cosñirhua, continues on flatter ground to Malata and descends to Sangalle, the oasis: a green pocket of palm trees, orchards and spring-fed pools near 2,100 meters. You can send your bags by mule if you prefer to walk light.
The ascent back to the rim starts in the dark, at around 4:30 am, and takes most walkers about three hours. It is steep but rewarding, with the canyon slowly filling with light behind you. After breakfast in Cabanaconde we drive to Cruz del Condor, where condors rise on the morning air currents along the cliffs, and then past the terraced villages of the valley on the way to Chivay and Puno.
Is This Trek for You?
This trek suits travelers in good physical condition who are traveling from Arequipa to Puno. The descent is long and steep and the climb out is hard at altitude, so spend at least two days in Arequipa first. If you prefer to see the canyon without hiking, choose the 2-day Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa to Puno. If you want to return to Arequipa, choose the Colca Canyon trek 2 days from Arequipa.
What Is Included
- Hotel pickup in Arequipa
- Transport from Arequipa to the canyon and on to Puno
- Professional guide
- Breakfast and lunch on day 1
- One night in a basic cabin at the Sangalle oasis
- Breakfast on day 2
- Stop at Cruz del Condor
- Drop-off in Puno
Not Included
- Colca Canyon tourist ticket (paid in cash)
- Dinner on day 1 and lunch on day 2
- Mule for your bags (optional)
- Sleeping bag and walking poles
- Travel insurance and tips
What to Bring
- Hiking shoes with good grip and a small daypack
- Walking poles, which help a lot on the descent
- Warm clothes for the early start and light clothes for the canyon floor
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel for the oasis pools
- Headlamp for the night and the pre-dawn climb
- Sun protection, at least 2 liters of water and snacks
- Cash in soles for the tourist ticket, meals and the optional mule
- Your passport, which is checked with the tourist ticket
How to Book
Choose your date and number of travelers in the booking box on this page and complete the form. We confirm your reservation and send you the pickup time for your hotel in Arequipa. Compare all our options on the Colca Canyon tours page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trek Colca Canyon and end in Puno?
Yes. This 2-day trek starts in Arequipa, descends to the Sangalle oasis, climbs back to Cabanaconde and finishes in Puno in the evening of day 2.
How hard is this trek?
It is demanding. You descend about 1,200 meters on day 1 and climb back to the rim in about three hours on day 2, at altitude. You need good physical fitness.
What time do we arrive in Puno?
In the evening of day 2, after the trek, Cruz del Condor and the drive across the altiplano.
Can a mule carry my bags?
Yes. You can send your bags by mule if you prefer to walk light. It is not included in the price.
What happens to my large luggage?
Bring only a daypack on the trail. Tell us when you book, and we will arrange how your large luggage travels to Puno.
Is the Colca tourist ticket included?
No. You pay the Colca tourist ticket in cash. Bring your passport.
What is the accommodation like?
Basic cabins at the Sangalle oasis, simple but comfortable after a long day on foot. A sleeping bag is not included.