Colca Trek 3D/2N: Caminando al Ritmo del Cañón
Colca Trek 3D/2N: Caminando al Ritmo del Cañón
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Modality: Trekking – Cultural – Living Nature
- Level: Moderate
- Maximum altitude: 3,600 meters above sea level / minimum: 2,100 meters above sea level
Itinerario Colca Trek 3D/2N: Caminando al Ritmo del Cañón
Day 1: Arequipa – Cabanaconde – San Juan de Chuccho
3:30 am – Pick up at hotel (Arequipa)
We start very early with pickup from your hotel in Arequipa. Your transportation will be waiting for you to begin the journey to the Colca Canyon. During the journey, you can sleep or enjoy the nighttime scenery as we head toward the high plateau.
7:00 am – Breakfast in Chivay
We arrive in Chivay, where we’ll stop for breakfast. This is a good time to stretch our legs, use the restrooms, and prepare for the trek.
10:00 am – Arrival in Cabanaconde
We arrive at Cabanaconde (3,287 meters above sea level), the starting point of the trek. Here we prepare for the descent into the heart of the canyon. Final safety instructions will be given here.
10:30 am – Descent to San Juan de Chuccho
We begin the scenic descent along a cobblestone trail that zigzags along the canyon’s slope. For approximately three hours, we’ll walk among terraced landscapes, giant cacti, and spectacular views of the Colca River in the background.
1:30 pm – Arrival in San Juan de Chuccho (2,300 meters above sea level)
We arrive at this picturesque village nestled in the middle of the canyon. Here, you’ll be welcomed by local families who will offer you a homemade lunch and a place to rest. The afternoon is free for:
- Explore local gardens
- Talking to families
- Walk through the town
- Enjoy the silence of the canyon
- Dinner and overnight stay in family accommodation
Day 2: San Juan de Chuccho – Sangalle Oasis
7:30 am – Breakfast
Typical Andean breakfast with bread, butter, honey, tea or coffee.8:30 am – Walk to Cosñirhua and Malata
We begin a gentle hike toward the villages of Cosñirhua and Malata, two small communities that preserve their traditional architecture and ancestral way of life. Here you can:
- Observe the rural life of the canyon
- See active cultivation terraces
- Chat with the locals
- Learn about Andean agriculture
11:30 am – Descent to the Sangalle Oasis (2,100 meters above sea level)
We descend toward the Sangalle Oasis, a hidden paradise at the bottom of the canyon. This place is known for its palm trees, natural pools, and eco-friendly accommodations. The contrast between the desert of the canyon and this green oasis is simply magical.Free afternoon at the oasis
Free time for:
- Swimming in the natural pools
- Relax in hammocks
- Explore the surroundings
- Enjoy the unique landscape
- Dinner and overnight stay at an eco-lodge
Dinner under the stars and accommodation in rustic bungalows overlooking the canyon. An unforgettable night surrounded by nature.
Day 3: Sangalle – Cabanaconde – Cruz del Cóndor – Arequipa
4:30 am – Ascent to Cabanaconde
We begin the day with the most challenging climb of the trek: we’ll ascend from the oasis (2,100 meters above sea level) to Cabanaconde (3,287 meters above sea level). This hike takes between two and three hours and requires a good level of fitness. The effort will be rewarded with incredible sunrise views over the canyon.
7:30 am – Breakfast in Cabanaconde
Breakfast at a local restaurant to recharge your batteries
9:00 am – Cruz del Cóndor
We arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor Lookout, one of the most spectacular points of the trip. Here you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor
- Take photographs of the canyon from different angles
- Learn about the spiritual importance of the condor in Andean culture
11:00 am – Visit to Maca and Yanque
On the way back, we visited the towns of Maca and Yanque, known for their:
- Colonial churches with baroque altarpieces
- Local crafts: textiles, ceramics, jewelry
- Traditional clothing of the communities
12:30 pm – Lunch in Chivay
Time for lunch in Chivay.
1:30 pm – Return to Arequipa
We begin the return to Arequipa with an estimated arrival at 5:30 pm
Physical fitness: It’s important to be in good physical condition, as you’ll be hiking for 3 to 5 hours daily on uneven trails and steep slopes. The final climb from Sangalle to Cabanaconde (day 3) is demanding.
Altitude: This tour takes place between 2,100 and 3,600 meters above sea level. We recommend acclimatizing in Arequipa (at least one day) before beginning the trek.
Clothing and equipment:
- Light and breathable clothing for the day (ideal in layers).
- Warm jacket and thermal clothing for the night (it gets cold in the canyon).
- Trekking shoes or sneakers with good traction.
- Hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Swimsuit and small towel if you wish to use the oasis pool.
Backpack: Carry only the essentials in a small backpack (5 to 7 kg). The rest of your luggage can be stored at your hotel in Arequipa or Chivay. If you’d like to rent a mule to carry your backpack, we can arrange this in advance.
Hydration and snacks: Bring a reusable water bottle and some energy snacks (nuts, bars, chocolates). Drinks are available in rustic accommodations, but sometimes in limited quantities.
Electricity and connectivity: There’s no phone service during the trek, and access to electricity is very limited. Charge your devices before you set off and bring a power bank if you need it.
Personal first aid kit: Although the guide carries a basic first aid kit, we suggest you bring your own medications (altitude sickness, anti-inflammatories, bandages, etc.) if you use them regularly.
Respect and local culture: In the Andean communities we visit, hospitality is simple and genuine. We appreciate your open attitude, your respect for local times and customs, and your ever-present smile.
Include
- Transportation (Arequipa – Cabanaconde – Arequipa)
- Professional trekking guide
- 2-night accommodation (family hostel + eco-lodge)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- Entrance to the Colca Canyon
- Trekking poles
Not included
- Additional drinks
- Tips
- Personal travel insurance
- Pack mules (optional: US$ 45/day)