SUMMARY
- Modality: Adventure, Landscape and Cultural
- Departure days: daily departures
- Season: from March to January
- Travel Duration: 3 Days – 2 Nights
- Accommodation: 2 nights of lodging
- Group Size: 2 – 8 People
- Maximum height: 4,910 mt
- Difficulty: Moderate
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arequipa – Chivay – Cruz del Cóndor – San Juan de Chuccho
3:00 am pick up from the hotel and departure to Chivay there we will have breakfast and then we will go to the Cruz de Cóndor, where we will appreciate the majestic and fantastic flight of the condors and the deepest canyon in the world. Then we will continue for about 20 minutes to the pampas of San Miguel from where we will start our walk and from where we will have an impressive view of the Colca Canyon. Then we will descend for four hours to the first community of San Juan de Chucchu, where we will have lunch. descending about 900 meters to the Colca River. Place where dinner will be and our first night in comfortable family cabins.
Day 2: San Juan de Chuccho – Malata – Cosñirhua – Oasis Sangalle
After breakfast prepared by the family, we will start the 1 hour walk to the towns of Cosñirhua and Malata, observing on the tour part of the flora and fauna of the place such as typical fruits, medicinal plants that our Guide will explain to us in order to know more about the Colca Canyon culture. Continuing with the trip we begin the descent towards the deepest part of our route arriving at Sangalle (oasis) at noon, a place with a tropical climate and beautiful palm trees that is at a height of 1,160 meters. Here we are going to enjoy a 24º pool. C, have lunch, spend the second night and the afternoon is free to go for a walk around the oasis. At approximately 7:30 pm we will have dinner and have a magical and incredible night because we will have the opportunity to observe a hundred stars and constellations.
Day 3: Oasis Sangalle – Cabanaconde – Chivay – Arequipa
Around 5:00 in the morning we get up to start the way back to the town of Cabanaconde. The approximate time will be about 3 hours and about 1,100 meters of ascent in a vertical line. After enjoying a beautiful view and a moment at the top of the Canyon we will continue to the town of Cabanaconde where we will have breakfast. The next places we will visit as part of our program are the viewpoints of Antauilque, Choquetico, the traditional town of Maca and the thermo-medicinal baths of «Calera» in Chivay or Yanque that have a temperature between 36 ° and 39 ° C. After enjoying the hot springs, we will go to the town of Chivay where we will have a delicious buffet lunch. To end this trip we will return to the city of Arequipa, with some stops such as to see Alpacas, Vicuñas, Llamas and the Misti, Chachani volcanoes, arriving in Arequipa at approximately 6:00 pm. End of the Colca Canyon 3 Days Tour
It includes:
- Pick up from your Hotel
- Tourist transport Arequipa – Chivay – Cruz del Condor – San Miguel
- 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 3 breakfasts (varied food)
- 1 buffet lunch in Chivay
- Hike in the Colca Canyon
- 2 nights of lodging with basic service
- Entrance ticket to Colca Canyon
- Entrance ticket to the hot springs in Yanque
- Professional bilingual guide service during the 3 days
- Private bus (Cabanaconde – Chivay – Arequipa)
- Assistant guide (for more than 8 passengers)
- First aid kit
- Vegetarian food option
Does not include:
- drinks: mineral water, soda, beers, chocolates
- Mule service Oasis – Cabanaconde
Recommendations:
- For the 2-day trek, you only need to bring a small bag or backpack. Large luggage can be stored at your accommodation in Arequipa.
- Photocopy of passport and migration card (TAM)
- Light backpack
- 1.5 to 2 liters of water for the first day (if you need more, you can buy in small towns, BUT it is expensive)
- Sunscreen (very important)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Trekking shoes or boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Jacket, shirt or warm jacket (IMPORTANT) – The temperature can reach 10 ? C.
- Shorts or pants to wear on the hike
- Swimwear, sandals, towel – There are swimming pools in the oasis and thermal baths in Chivay (on the way back to Arequipa)
- Flashlights / Headlamps – The hike out of the Canyon starts at 5am before sunrise so it can be dark.
- Basics like toilet paper, etc.
- Snacks (Breakfast on the last day is AFTER the hike out of the Canyon – bring enough snacks to go up!)
- Repellent
- Personal medications (if necessary)
- Walking sticks for the excursion (optional)
- Local money
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to get to the Colca Canyon?
The Colca Canyon is located about 4 hours outside the city of Arequipa. The best way to get there is by taking our excursions that include among their services: Tourist transport, professional guide, accommodation and breakfast.
Will we see condors on Colca Canyon 3 Days Tour?
The Colca canyon is the best place in South America to see the Andean condor and during our tours we will visit different viewpoints to increase the chances of having the experience of seeing them up close; We do not guarantee the amount or that they are present, but if you are lucky you will see them flying over your head.
I am worried that I will get altitude sickness on my excursion to the Colca Canyon.
Altitude illnesses can be an undesirable discomfort and can give to any traveler. We recommend that you stay at least one night in the city of Arequipa (2,300mts) in order to help you acclimatize. Drinking coca tea the first day you arrive in Arequipa and during your trip through the Andean areas will be very positive! It is also important to avoid alcoholic beverages and try to drink plenty of water. Our transports provide oxygen if necessary.
I don’t want to bring all my luggage for the Colca Canyon 3 Days Tour. Where can I leave my luggage?
For the excursion to the Colca Canyon with return to the city of Arequipa, the hotels usually offer the «luggage room» until your return from the tour (so you only take what you need to the tour). If your trip continues to the city of Puno on Lake Titicaca, is it not a problem either? When you make your reservation, inform us about this point in advance and we can provide a transport with enough space for your luggage. DO NOT HESITATE to put the details in your reservation request to give you the best facilities? – We are here to help you!
For the Colca Canyon 3 Days Tour, do I require any kind of equipment?
You don’t need any special equipment for our 3-day canyon descent tour. Overnight stays take place in basic accommodations at the bottom of the Canyon (they provide beds, clean blankets and bathrooms). Rather, it can be cold at night and the accommodations do not have heating, so it is important to bring warm clothing for the night and also light clothing for the day because in the Andean zone during the day it can be very hot. Very good walking shoes or trekking boots is important and you may see some energy bars to help you while you walk.
What is the difference between the TOURS and TREKS to the Colca Canyon?
During the tours you will have limited time for the walks since most of the time you spend on the bus, you only get off at the main stops to appreciate the landscape. Tours are more recommended for travelers who want (or due to physical conditions) to do it in an easier way. However, the treks are perfect for people in good physical condition. With the treks you will definitely get more intense and unique views of the beautiful landscape of the Colca Canyon.
What is the difference between the 2 and 3 day Trek?
The routes for both tours are the same. The 3-day trek only offers more time to relax and enjoy the Canyon. This is why the 3-day trek is easier than the 2-day trek. But still both treks are not easy!
Can I rent mules?
Yes, the cost is S / .80 soles per day or S / .60 soles during the last day’s climb from Sangalle to Cabanaconde.
