Enjoy an exciting adventure that is the most popular in the white city of Arequipa. During this tour, we will explore the charming town of Chivay, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a folklore show and relax in the hot springs.
A highlight of our tour is the visit to La Cruz del Cóndor, known as the Colca Canyon viewpoint. From here, you can marvel at the majestic appearances of the Andean condors, while admiring the stunning views of the canyon. Additionally, we’ll make stops at picturesque traditional villages along the way and enjoy spectacular views of different types of auquénids, expansive landscapes, and archaeological remains.
This 2-day tour will immerse you in the natural beauty and culture of the region, giving you an unforgettable experience in the Colca Canyon.
We begin the tour by picking you up at your hotel in Arequipa at 8:00 in the morning. We will board the transport that will take us to the town of Chivay. Along the way, we will make some stops to appreciate and take photos of places of interest, such as the Pampas of Cañahuas, Patahuasi , Taqora and Patapampa . These extensive landscapes present rock formations, lagoons, snow-capped mountains, flora and fauna typical of the region.
Approximately at noon, we will arrive in Chivay and we will go to the reserved hostel to settle in and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the thermal baths of La Calera and a small museum next to them, where we will enjoy a folklore show. In the evening, we will have dinner on our own and spend the night.
We will start the day early, at 5:30 in the morning, after having breakfast. We will go to the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint. On the way, our first stop will be in the town of Yanque, where we can appreciate some typical dances and its colonial church with beautiful portals.
At approximately 8:00 in the morning, we will arrive at La Cruz del Cóndor, from where we will be able to observe the flight of the condors, immense birds in danger of extinction, and we will enjoy spectacular views of the canyon. We will also have the option of taking a 40-minute walk along the edge of the canyon (optional).
On our return route to Chivay, we will make a stop at the Antahuilque viewpoint , from where we can take impressive photos of the Colca Canyon in its entirety. Then, we will visit the tombs of Choquetico , where we will contemplate its archaeological remains, holes excavated in the slopes of Cerro Cabanaconde. Next, we will visit the town of Maca and its mestizo baroque style church.
Finally, we will arrive in Chivay for lunch and begin our return trip to Arequipa, arriving around 5:30 in the afternoon.
There are 15 km from the start, at the Mirador de San Miguel, to Cabanaconde.
The Colca Canyon route is done in two days and one night.
Yes, you can take a regular bus from Arequipa to Chivay, which takes 3 hours and costs 15 soles.
The Colca Canyon reaches 4,150 meters deep in some points, it is very deep.
It is not difficult in technical terms, but it is tough because of the altitude. The trekking is safe, has no technical difficulty and is well signposted. Therefore, it is recommended to do it on your own and without a tour.
The Sangalle Oasis is located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level (6,232 feet above sea level) in the district of Cabanaconde (at 3287 meters above sea level) in the province of Caylloma, in the Arequipa region. Sangalle is a valley that is part of Cabanaconde and is known as the Oasis of Sangalle in tourist terms. To reach this unique place, it is necessary to zigzag down the side of the canyon along a bridle path, which takes approximately two to two and a half hours.
Food during this tour will be coordinated by the travel agency, although it is also recommended to bring snacks and drinks for the tour.
What is the weather like on the route to the Sangalle Oasis ? The climate on the route is warm and humid, which is ideal for the growth of flora and fauna in the area. This makes the area primarily a fruit-growing region. All this is located in an area of 50 hectares surrounded by vegetation, majestic mountains and natural beauty.
It is possible to visit Colca throughout the year, but the optimal season is between April and May, since it marks the end of the rainy season and these months exhibit the most intense greenery of the platforms in the Colca Valley and its landscapes.
In general, you can do the hike with children from 9 years old, since the trail is not complicated. However, in the case of older adults, it is recommended to contact us to adapt the tour according to your needs.
The hike takes a total of about 7 hours, most of which is downhill, with time to rest and eat. There is only a 1.5 hour stretch from San Juan de Chuccho to Malata where the gradient can be challenging, but the view is certainly worth it.
It is important to bring enough water and snacks for the hike, warm clothing and sunscreen, insect repellent, a backpack suitable for trekking, appropriate hiking shoes, sunglasses, a waterproof jacket (since rain can be unexpected) and money. in cash, since there are no ATMs on the route.
The difficulty level is moderate. Although it is not technically complicated, it is recommended to be in good physical shape, as there are demanding sections. Furthermore, the altitude, which reaches 4000 meters above sea level, is an important factor to take into account.
It is mandatory for the passenger to report any health problems or previous injuries to ensure their safety during trekking.
Tips for guides are not included in the price.
It is advisable to wear extremely warm clothing for the morning transport, as the route to the Canyon reaches altitudes of almost 5000 meters above sea level and temperatures can be very cold.
NOTE: THIS TREKKING IS NOT EASY, SOME CONSIDER IT MORE DEMANDING THAN THE MACHU PICCHU TREKKING.
It is possible to hire mules for people who feel fatigued during trekking.
I hope these tips help you enjoy your trekking in the Colca Canyon safely and pleasantly. Good hike!