Overview
The Colca Canyon Trek from Arequipa is the walking version of the Colca valley route: you start and finish in Arequipa, but the heart of the trip happens on foot, inside one of the deepest canyons in the world. In two days you see the condors at Cruz del Condor, hike down to the Sangalle oasis at the bottom of the canyon, sleep by the river and climb back out to the rim.
Trek at a Glance
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night |
|---|---|
| Start | Hotel pickup in Arequipa between 3:00 and 3:30 am |
| Return | Arequipa in the late afternoon of day 2 |
| Trailhead | Cabanaconde, 3,287 m |
| Lowest point | Sangalle oasis, about 2,100 m |
| Descent | About 1,200 m, 3 to 4 hours |
| Ascent | About 1,100 m, 2.5 to 4 hours |
| Level | Demanding; good physical fitness required |
| Accommodation | Basic bungalow at the Sangalle oasis |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner on day 1, breakfast on day 2 |
The Route
The drive north from Arequipa crosses the Salinas y Aguada Blanca reserve and tops out at the Patapampa pass, 4,910 m, where vicuñas graze and a row of volcanoes fills the horizon. After breakfast in Chivay, at 3,635 m, the road follows the valley west past Yanque, Maca and Pinchollo to Cruz del Condor. Andean condors, with wingspans of up to 3.2 m, circle the rim on the morning thermals, usually between 8:00 and 10:00 am.
The trail starts in Cabanaconde, about 15 km further on. From the village the path drops in steep switchbacks to the Colca River and crosses to San Juan de Chuccho. The descent takes three to four hours and is harder on the knees than on the lungs. The trail then follows the north side of the canyon through Cosñirhua and Malata, small farming hamlets linked by irrigation channels and prickly pear terraces, where mules still carry most supplies. Finally it crosses back over the river to Sangalle.
The Sangalle Oasis
Sangalle sits at about 2,100 m on the canyon floor. Palm trees and spring-fed pools line the river, and after the descent you have the afternoon free to swim or rest. The bungalows are basic: cold showers, no wifi and electricity for only a few hours after dark. It is part of the experience: a quiet night at the bottom of the canyon under a sky full of stars.
The Climb Out
The ascent back to Cabanaconde is the hardest part of the trek: about 1,100 m of elevation gain in roughly 4 km. We start before dawn to climb in the cool of the morning, and it takes between two and a half and four hours. If you prefer, you can hire a mule the night before and ride up. After breakfast in Cabanaconde, the transport takes you back along the valley and over Patapampa to Arequipa.
Is This Trek for You?
This trek suits travelers in good physical condition who are comfortable with long, steep descents and a hard climb at altitude. Spend at least two days in Arequipa before you start. If you prefer to see the canyon without hiking, choose the 2-day Colca Canyon tour from Arequipa. If you want to finish in Puno, choose the Colca Canyon trek from Arequipa to Puno.
What Is Included
- Hotel pickup in Arequipa and return transport
- English-speaking guide
- Breakfast in Chivay on day 1
- Dinner and accommodation at the Sangalle oasis
- Breakfast in Cabanaconde on day 2
Not Included
- Colca Canyon tourist ticket (about S/ 70, paid in cash)
- Lunch
- Mule for the ascent (optional)
- Water and extra expenses
What to Bring
- Hiking shoes with good grip and a small daypack
- Trekking poles, which help a lot on the descent
- Warm clothes for the early start and the climb, 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, water 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
How hard is the Colca Canyon trek?
It is demanding. On day 1 you descend about 1,200 m on a steep trail, and on day 2 you climb about 1,100 m back to the rim in 2.5 to 4 hours, at altitude. You need good physical fitness.
Can I do the Colca Canyon trek in 2 days?
Yes. This trek leaves Arequipa early on day 1, descends to the Sangalle oasis the same day and returns to Arequipa on the afternoon of day 2.
What is the Sangalle oasis?
A green spot on the floor of Colca Canyon, at about 2,100 m, with palm trees, spring-fed pools and simple bungalows where you spend the night.
Can I ride a mule instead of climbing?
Yes. You can hire a mule the night before for the ascent to Cabanaconde. It is not included in the price.
Will I see condors?
We stop at Cruz del Condor in the morning, the best time to see them. Sightings are very likely but cannot be guaranteed, because condors are wild animals.
Is the entrance fee included?
No. The Colca Canyon tourist ticket costs about S/ 70 and is paid in cash. Bring your passport.
What is the accommodation like?
Basic bungalows at the oasis with cold showers, no wifi and electricity for a few hours after dark.