From Arequipa: 3-Day Colca Canyon Trek
Adventure awaits in Peru! Trek through Colca Canyon over three days, enjoying spectacular landscapes and rich cultural interactions.
From Arequipa: 3-Day Colca Canyon Trek
Experience the awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant local culture, and breathtaking trekking routes of the Colca Canyon. This 3-day adventure takes you deep into one of the world’s deepest canyons, offering encounters with Andean condors, serene hot springs, lush oases, and ancient agricultural terraces. Perfect for adventurers seeking an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and physical challenge.
| Departure & Return Location | Your Hotel in Arequipa |
| Departure Time | 3:00 AM – 3:30 AM (Private service: 4:00 AM) |
| Estimated Return Time | 5:00 PM (Day 3) |
| Guide Languages Available | Guides fluent in English and Spanish |
| Key Attractions | Chivay, Cruz del Condor, Pampa San Miguel, San Juan de Chuccho, Sangalle Oasis, Maca Town, La Calera Hot Springs |
Arequipa – Chivay – Condor’s Cross – San Juan de Chuccho
Your adventure begins early with a pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. (private service starts at 4:00 a.m.). A scenic three-hour drive brings you to Chivay, the bustling principal town of the Colca region, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for the day ahead.
From Chivay, continue along the Colca River to the iconic Condor’s Cross viewpoint, a perfect location to observe the magnificent Andean condor in flight. Spend about 40 minutes marveling at these majestic birds as they glide gracefully across the vast canyon.
The trekking begins at Pampa San Miguel, where you’ll embark on a 3.5-hour descent into the depths of the Colca Canyon. Along the way, take in the diverse Andean vegetation, dramatic canyon vistas, and the opportunity to pick fresh prickly pears if in season. Throughout the trek, you may even spot the condors soaring above.
Your destination is the quaint village of San Juan de Chuccho, located near the Colca River. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore nearby attractions, such as Tapay and its pre-Inca ruins, with stunning views of the Sepregina snow peak and the towering Bomboya Mountain.
As evening sets in, gather for dinner and enjoy a conversation with your guide, who will share fascinating stories about the Colca Canyon’s culture and traditions and provide a briefing for the next day.
Accommodation: Family Lodge (Comfortable)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 3.5 hours, 7.5 km (4.68 miles)
San Juan de Chuccho – Cosñirhua – Malata – Sangalle (Oasis)
After a nourishing breakfast at 7:30 a.m., your journey continues deeper into the Colca Canyon. The trek begins with a gradual ascent to the town of Cosñirhua, situated at 2,600m. Here, you’ll visit a local school and meet the children, where you can share small gifts and gain insight into their way of life in this remote part of the canyon.
The trek proceeds to Malata, a village renowned for its variety of fruits such as avocados, cherimoya, figs, and prickly pears. Visit its charming 17th-century church, a testament to the area’s enduring cultural and spiritual traditions tied to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
At around 11:00 a.m., begin the descent towards Sangalle, a lush oasis nestled in the heart of the canyon at 2,100m. After crossing a suspension bridge, arrive at Sangalle and settle into your family guest house. Refresh yourself in the pool or relax and enjoy lunch amidst the beautiful surroundings.
The afternoon is free to explore this magical oasis, walk through the small forest, or simply relax and take in the serene landscape. As the day winds down, savor a delicious dinner while sharing stories and preparing for the next day’s trek.
Accommodation: Family Lodge (Comfortable)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 4.5 hours, 11 km (6.87 miles)
Sangalle (Oasis) – Cabana Pueblo – Arequipa
Your final day begins early at 4:30 a.m. with a challenging 3-hour ascent out of the canyon. With a steady pace, you’ll reach Cabana Pueblo at 3,300m, where a hearty breakfast and well-deserved rest await.
From here, board your transport back to Chivay, stopping along the way to admire the stunning pre-Inca terraces that line the Colca Valley. In the village of Maca, visit its colonial church and explore the small market for unique souvenirs.
The next stop is the relaxing thermo-medicinal baths, where the warm waters (38°C–40°C) will help soothe your tired muscles. Afterward, enjoy a final lunch in Chivay before beginning your journey back to Arequipa. Along the way, stop at the highest point, Patapampa, and the Vicuña National Reserve for one last glimpse of the majestic Andean landscapes.
Arrive in Arequipa at approximately 5:00 p.m., concluding an unforgettable adventure through the Colca Canyon.
Accommodation: Return to Arequipa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 3 hours, 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
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Special Discounts
- Group Discount: Automatically applied during online booking.
- Save 5% per person for groups of 5-9 people.
- Save 8% per person for groups of 10-14 people.
- Save 10% per person for groups of 15 or more people.
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Kindly take a moment to read our Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy before booking. Happy adventuring!
Payment Terms
Beginning Your Adventure – Booking Confirmation and Deposit
Your journey starts with a commitment: a 50% deposit of the total tour cost. This initial investment is pivotal in activating the extensive preparatory process, ensuring every aspect of your tour is curated to perfection.
Final Payment: The Last Step Before Your Journey Begins
The remaining 50% of the tour cost is due no later than 30 days before the commencement of your tour. This timely payment is critical to finalize all logistical arrangements, guaranteeing a hassle-free start to your adventure.
Expansive Payment Options for Ease and Flexibility
In line with our commitment to your convenience, Peru Tripper accepts a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal. Please be aware that additional fees may apply depending on the payment method selected. Detailed payment procedures and potential fees can be found on our dedicated payment page.
Implications of Late Payments – Protecting Your Reservation
Adherence to the payment schedule is crucial. Late payments can unfortunately lead to the cancellation of your reservation, with the deposit being retained as a non-refundable fee. We urge you to maintain timely payments to safeguard your tour plans.
Policy for Last-Minute Adventurers
For those inspired to join this tour on short notice, namely less than 15 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. This ensures that we can expedite all necessary preparations for your inclusion.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Terms for Clients
We recognize that life is ever-changing. However, due to the elaborate planning and expenses involved in preparing for this tour, we maintain a strict no-refund policy after booking confirmation. This underscores the importance of obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, which can offer protection against unforeseen cancellations.
Navigating Unpredictable Circumstances – Force Majeure
In extraordinary situations beyond our control, such as natural disasters or political upheavals, Peru Tripper will strive to offer alternative arrangements. This may include rescheduling your trip or issuing a credit for future travel, based on current availability and discretion.
Navigating Through Force Majeure
In the event of extraordinary and uncontrollable circumstances, such as natural disasters or significant political unrest, Huaynas Expeditions adopts a flexible approach. We prioritize your safety and satisfaction, offering to reschedule your trip or provide a credit for future travel, subject to availability.
Emphasizing the Need for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
To cover unexpected events, including trip disruptions and medical emergencies, we cannot stress enough the importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance. It’s your safety net, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey. Please note, Peru Tripper does not bear responsibility for costs arising from incidents not covered by your travel insurance.
Standard Inclusions
All package options include the following:
Exclusions:
Not included in our standard tour packages. Consider additional costs. Deluxe packages may cover some exclusions, as specified in the Additional Inclusions section.
Additional Inclusions
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Packing List
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