Join us, in Peru, on an excellent trek into Colca Canyon, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 1986 as the deepest Canyon in the world, at over 4,000m deep. On the trek down into the canyon we will have magnificent views of the pre-Inca terraces and the Colca River.  At the bottom of the canyon, we enjoy traditional meals, swim in a cool pool, visit local villages and stay overnight in a lodge.  We trek back up the Canyon in the cool of the afternoon and stay overnight at the charming village of Cabanacode.  We have an early start the next morning so we can see the magnificent Condors soaring over the Canyon. On the trip back to Arequipa we stop for magnificent views of the volcanoes, visit the thermal baths at Chivay for a relaxing swim, have lunch and see birds, llamas and alpacas on the wetlands.

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights

Departures: All year round

Fitness Level: Moderate to Good

Reservations: Contact Us

ITINERARY: COLCA CANYON TREK TO SAN JUAN CHUCCHO

Day 1: Arequipa – Cabanaconde – San Juan De Chuccho

5:30 am. Pick up passengers from lodgings and drive to Cabanaconde (3300m). We arrive at 12:00 midday, for a traditional lunch of the area.

After lunch, we start trekking to the bottom of the canyon, passing through terraces and maize crops. On reaching the precipice of the canyon we have spectacular views of the canyon as we descend to the rapid River Colca. At the bottom of the canyon we discover abundant vegetation and after trekking for about three hours we cross the suspension bridge.

After a short break, we have a steep climb for a short distance until we reach a trail through an orchard and the lodge where we stay overnight.

Here, we will taste a plate of delicious local food for dinner which is served to us in an open air terrace restaurant with lush vegetation and stunning mountain views.

After a warm conversation, we make a toast to the “Pachamama” or Mother Earth for the gifts of nature she has given and shared with us, then we all go for a goodnight’s sleep.

Day 2: San Juan De Chuccho – Oasis Lodge – Cabanaconde

Breakfast is prepared with local ingredients. Later, we begin our ascent passing through the villages of Cosñirwa and Malata. It should take approximately one hour. In Cosñirwa we visit a beekeeping center and taste the rich honey and prickly pear salad with honey dressing.

In Malata, famous for its carnival, and the celebration of the Candalaria Virgin, we observe giant cacti over hundreds of years old. From this village we descend to the Oasis Lodge by a trail that goes down the slopes of the canyon and is surrounded by wild plants and prickly pear. As we descend, we have a beautiful view of the blue pools of the Oasis, amongst the green vegetation. The descent to the river takes about thirty minutes. We come to a suspension bridge near a waterfall coming out of the mountain.

After arriving at Oasis Lodge Sangalle, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool of clear water, and a relaxing sunbath.

Lunch is served under the shelter of a large chirimoyal tree, next to the pool and thunderous waterfall.

Later, when the sun sets behind the mountains, we start the climb to Cabanaconde. When we arrive at the hotel and we have a hot cup of coca tea in front of a fireplace that lavishes heat to the environment. We will enjoy snacks and conversation while we wait for our dinner. We stay overnight at this hotel.

Day 3: Cabanaconde – Cruz del Condor – Chivay – Arequipa

5:30 am. We have an early breakfast at the Inn Restaurant, before driving to the Cruz del Condor. Here we will see the magnificent large Condors using the thermals to glide effortlessly above us. We then drive to Chivay and visit Pinchollo, Maca, Yanque and important viewpoints along the way. At Choquetico’s lookout, we see the hanging tombs and the amazing blueprint stone or carved rock as well as terraces and streams. When we arrive at Chivay we visit the Thermal Baths to soothe our tired bodies after the trek, have lunch and then return to Arequipa.

On the way from Chivay to Arequipa, we cross the highest point of the region Patapampa (4850m). Here we have a panoramic view of the snowy volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya Hualcahualca and Mismi.

We then descend to Tojrapampa, the wetlands area, with small ponds where wild birds including flamingoes live, and alpacas and llamas graze peacefully. We pass by Pampa Cañahuas vicuña reserve and have a panoramic view of the Misti (5825m) and Chachani (6075m) volcanoes. Finally, we arrive back at the beautiful White City of Arequipa and your destination point which was previously agreed.

INCLUDES:

  • Shared tourist transport
  • First aid equipment
  • 2 nights lodging: 1 night in hostel at Cabanaconde, and 1 night in rustic hut cabins in the Canyon
  • All meals from lunch on the first day until lunch on last day
  • Official guide, fluent in English and Spanish
  • Tourist ticket required to visit the area.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Drinks, including bottled water.
  • Tickets for the thermal baths «La Calera», Chivay.

PRICE: US$170.00 per person

Note: For your convenience we can customize this program to suit your needs and/or make it a private trip that is, use private transport.

PRIVATE SERVICE PRICE: US$300.00 per person (Minimum 2 passengers).

Please contact us now for a quote as discounts may apply for more than 3 passengers.

Note: The price is based on double or twin accommodation.  A single supplement applies, if you request single accommodation.

Note: Prices are estimates and are subject to change slightly, until your reservation is confirmed.