With the Colca Canyon Tour, you will enjoy the Valley of the Volcanoes, the region’s rich flora and fauna, and the breathtaking Colca Canyon. The Colca Valley is located in the northeastern part of the Arequipa region, at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level, near the Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes. It is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching approximately 4,160 meters in depth. Blessed with privileged Andean vegetation due to its climate, it is one of the most extraordinary destinations in the country. Throughout the valley, you can see colorful pre-Inca terraces, and at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, you can witness the majestic flight of the Andean condors.
At the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, you will be able to admire the flight of the condor, a majestic and endangered bird that inhabits the canyon. The region’s diverse fauna allows travelers to spot animals such as alpacas, vicuñas, viscachas, foxes, pumas, eagles, hawks, and owls. You can experience all of this on the Condor Flight Tour.
During the Colca Canyon Tour, you will also have the opportunity to visit the La Calera Hot Springs, located 5 kilometers from the town of Chivay. These thermal baths offer five pools with water temperatures of 38°C, allowing visitors to bathe and enjoy their healing properties, which help with bone, muscle, and skin ailments. The waters of La Calera contain 30% calcium, 19% zinc, and 18% iron, elements known to relieve muscle and bone pain. Here, you can also visit a small archaeological museum, walk across a hanging bridge, and take in a magnificent view, as the complex is located on the banks of the Colca River.
This will be a reward for those with tired legs!
CAÑON-DE-COLCA We start from Arequipa at 7:30 am.; we pick you up from your
hotel. After 2 hours driving we cross by the National Reservation
of Vicuñas (Salinas and Aguada Blanca). Then we stop at
Patahuasi, where we can appreciate the Misti Volcano. Here we
have to drink a “Coca Tea” (Mate de coca) to avoid altitude
sickness, in this stop there is a market of local handicrafts, then
we continue and arrive at 4,900 mts., of altitude, and from there
we can appreciate the view of all the volcanoes of the area, like
Misti, Chachani, and Ampato (the mountain where Mummy
Juanita was found), and also we can see mountains like
Sabancaya, Halka Halka, Chucura and more. We continue in our
transport and we arrive to Chivay at 13.00 (the capital of
Colca/Caylloma region). Here we have lunch in a traditional
restaurant.After that we visit the Hot Springs, very hot and clean
swimming pools, then we go to our hotel. Dinner accompanied by
a folklore show
We have breakfast at 6:00 am. 06:30 We will go to the Cruz del
Condor viewpoint, a strategic observation point of the canyon
and the spectacular flight of the condor. On the way back we will
stop in the towns of Maca and Yanque; which have beautiful
colonial churches, as well as the viewpoints of Antahuilque,
Huayrapunko and Peña Blanca, from where we can appreciate
the beautiful landscape of Colca with its impressive pre-Inca
terraces. After having lunch in Chivay, then we will go to
Arequipa arriving at 16:30 hours.
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!
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
Terra Quechua Peru is dedicated to providing the ultimate in value and personal attention to its customers, striving to make travel simple, worry-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers.
Terra Quechua Peru, initially started by Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, is a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator headquartered in Cusco. Their extensive personal experience in trekking, along with the fact that it's a 100% Cusquenian Company without any shareholders, sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru distinguishes itself by its dedication to providing exceptional value and personalized attention to its clients. Since its establishment in 2012, it has been committed to making travel straightforward, stress-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers. Additionally, being a family-owned business with a strong local presence and a wealth of experience in trekking further sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru's uniqueness lies in its origins as a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator. Its founders, Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, have personal experience spanning many years in trekking, offering travelers an authentic and knowledgeable perspective of Peru.
Travelers with Terra Quechua Peru can anticipate a personalized and friendly experience during their trekking adventures. The guides are dedicated to making travelers feel like they are hiking with their own family or friends. Their in-depth knowledge of the region and culture adds an extra layer of authenticity to every journey.
Yes, Terra Quechua Peru specializes in fully customizable trips. They can work with travelers to create personalized itineraries that cater to their specific interests and preferences, ensuring a tailored and unforgettable experience in Peru.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
