The Ultimate Colca Canyon Travel Guide
If you’re planning to spend some time in Peru and are looking for something to do outside of the typical Cusco and Machu Picchu sites, Colca Canyon is a great place to spend a few days in nature.Â
Check out this guide to get some answers to your most-common questions:
What is Colca Canyon?
Located about 5 hours (by bus) outside of Arequipa, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world.Â
It is known for its hiking trails and famous "oasis" where backpackers and travelers can enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the pool before enjoying a starry night in nature.
Is Colca Canyon Worth It?
Short answer: Yes, it is.
But why? You'll get some truly amazing views, enjoy a unique experience staying in one of the homestays, or enjoy some alone time camping under the stars in one of the deepest canyons in the world. If you have the time, you won't want to miss this Peruvian experience.
How to Get to Colca Canyon
Public Buses
Most travelers make their way to Colca Canyon from Arequipa, the closest major city. There are two main ways to do this, one option is to take the bus that leaves twice a day from the main bus terminal and goes from Arequipa to Cabanaconde (about 5 hours).
The cost of these buses is around 35–50 soles (or about $9–13). I recommend using Redbus.pe to check the bus times and prices.
Collectivos
Another option is to take a collectivo (or local van) that waits until there are enough travelers and then takes you to Chivay. From there, you can take another collectivo to Cabanaconde to start your trek into the canyon. Or, enjoy a bit of Chivay and hike into the canyon from there.
The collectivo to Chivay costs around 25 soles (or ~$7).
Tour Buses
Another common choice among tourists is to take a tour bus. The tour buses usually pick you up from your accommodation in Arequipa in the morning (3am), take your to a condor lookout, and then to Chivay where you will enjoy lunch before starting your trek.Â
This option is for people who are looking for a more social experience. There are several different tours to choose from. The most common are the 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day tour. The tour will take care of all your transportation, food, and lodging so you don't have to worry.
Prices vary but the most common 2-day option is around 240 soles ( or $64).
How Many Days Should I Spend in Colca Canyon?
Typically 2–3 days is enough to see the landscape and enjoy the hiking. But there are a few waterfalls a bit off the beaten path for more experienced hikers that are worth the time if you have it.
Ultimately, it depends on what you want to do while you’re there. If you’re looking to get away from the creature comforts of the city, I could imagine staying in Colca for quite some time hiking and relaxing each day.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Colca Canyon?
January to March is the wet season, which means the valley is green and lively. But this greenery also comes with the chance of cloudy views. June to September is the dry season, which means you’ll be able to see views all day long and enjoy the starry nights in all their glory.
What to do in Colca Canyon?
Spot the Condors
One of the main things to do in Colca is to go to a lookout and watch for Condors. These are the largest flying land birds in the western hemisphere and are a site to see soaring through the sky.
The can be spotted in the canyon throughout your hike, but the most common place to visit if you're looking for the Condors is Mirador del Condor.
Enjoy the Desert Climate
Peru is a spectacular country because it has almost all types of weather within its borders. Colca is a quintessential desert with the typical flora and fauna you might expect to see traveling through this region. It’s a great change of landscape compared to Lima and Cusco.
Relax and Enjoy the Pueblo Culture
You’ll be able to get an inside look at the small towns and slow-life vibes that the pueblos here offer. People in these pueblos live a simple life, are very kind, and enjoy sharing. That’s why I’d recommend staying in a homestay for at least one night.
Mountain Biking and Rockclimbing
Since this is a tourist area, there are a ton of mountaineering shops and agencies in Colca. You can rent a bike or gear in these shops. Or book a day tour.
Visit the Chivay Local Market
If you're a self-proclaimed "foodie", like me, I'd recommend eating lunch at the Chivay market. If you make the trip by collectivo, you can get off at the square and walk there. Enjoy the traditional foods of the region like: chicharron de alpaca, caldo de cabeza, and sopa de chuño.
What Should I Bring With Me?
- Cash: Most accommodations only take cash.
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Snacks
- Comfortable Shoes
- Light clothes for day &Â Warm clothes for night:Â Since it is a desert, Colca Canyon can get pretty hot during the day and pretty cool at night.
Is Colca Canyon Budget-Friendly?
Yes, if you want it to be.Â
There are so many levels of what you can pay for this experience.
But, you can choose to camp, making this experience even more affordable. And if you're making all your food out of the trail, you can really bring the cost down.Â
One thing to note, the cost to enter the canyon is 70 soles for foreign nationals.
Is the Hike Hard?
If you are in reasonably good shape, I consider this a moderately challenging hike. Since you are hiking on some steep trails you will have to be prepared for that.Many people start their trek into the canyon in the city of Chivay, which has an altitude of 3,600m, then hike down into the canyon to around 1,900m.
Can you Hike Colca Canyon By Yourself?
Yes. And that’s exactly what I did. Plus, I got extremely lucky because the trails weren’t crowded at all when I was there!
Where to Stay in Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon has several campsites, hostels, and homestays. They vary from budget-friendly to luxury.
Budget-Friendly Options
But if you are looking for a social and budget-friendly option, I recommend Llahuar Lodge and/or Posada Gloria.
When trekking into the canyon from Cabanaconde, Llahuar Lodge is a great place to spend your first night. It has a restaurant, private rooms, and a beautiful thermal pool located right next to the river.
The next day of your trek, you can walk to Posada Gloria (in San Juan de Chuccho). It is a lovely little 'glamping' site with a restaurant and a view of the valley. Bonus: the family that runs this place is amazing.
Do I Have to Stay in a Hostel/Homestay?
No. Many people hike Colca Canyon with their tents. And you’ll find several budget-friendly campsites along the route.
What Should I Eat When I'm There?
You can choose to bring all your meals OR eat at the local places along the way. If you decide to go with the second option, I recommend you try the two local favorites in the area: alpaca and trucha (trout).
Hiking Solo: Colca Canyon Itineraries
Since the hiking trails are well-marked, you shouldn't have much of a problem hiking by yourself in Colca Canyon. But here are the most common routes.
2-days/1-night Itinerary
- Cabanaconde → Sangalle → Cabanaconde OR
- Cabanaconde → Llahuar Lodge → Cabanaconde
Day 1: Bus to Cabanaconde and Hike Down to Sangalle's Oasis
The most common route is 2 days and 1 night in the canyon. If you do the 2-day tour and take the bus from Arequipa in the morning, you will arrive in Cabanaconde around 9:30am. From there you can grab some snacks in the small square and head down to Sangalle.
Day 2: Hike back up to Cabanaconde and Head Back to Arequipa
The next day you wake up and hike back up from the canyon.
The benefit of doing this 2-day hike on your own, instead of with a tour, is that you can start earlier and hike down into the canyon on your own. This way you will have more time in the valley to enjoy Sangalle’s pool and avoid hiking in the heat.
3-days/2-nights Itinerary
This is the option I chose and is a great option if you have the time and want to get away for a while but not too long.
- Cabanaconde → Llahuar → Sangalle → Cabanaconde OR
- Cabanaconde → San Juan → Llahuar (or Sangalle) → Cabanaconde
Day 1: Travel to Cabanaconde from Arequipa & hike into the Canyon
Hike to Sangalle (or Llahuar Lodge) Each of these accommodations has a place to swim or enjoy a dip in water. Colca Canyon offers stunning night skies. Take time to stargaze after dinner.
Day 2: Hike from your first accommodation to San Juan for a homestay
Enjoy a slow morning in the pueblo with a nice filling breakfast and then start your day 2 hike. The hike won’t take the full day and you’ll have time to find a river to take a dip in or relax at your homestay with a book in the afternoon.
Day 3: Hike back up to Cabanaconde and head back to Arequipa
The last bus back to Arequipa from Cabanaconde leaves at 1:30 pm. But, I’d recommend starting the ascent earlier and trying to aim to get on the 9:30 am bus back to Arequipa.
My Personal Experience Reflection
I had an amazing time on my solo hiking trip to Colca Canyon. It was a great experience with beautiful starry nights and amazing locals who taught me so much about cooking and life away from the city.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. And since I didn’t end up going to Sangalle’s Oasis, I think I’d check it out next time.
Peru is a beautiful South American destination known mainly for Machu Picchu. But the country is full of so much more. From its amazing history, and incredible nature, to jungle getaways and retreats; I have fallen in love with it all.
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