Join us, in Peru, on this 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 have magnificent views of the pre-Incan terraces and the Colca River. We have dinner and stay overnight in bungalows at the Oasis. The next morning we have an exciting trek back up the Canyon, starting at 4am so we can experience the sensation of trekking under the stars and see the sun rising between the mountains. We have breakfast in the charming village of Cabanaconde. On the trip back to Arequipa we stop at Chivay for a relaxing swim in the thermal baths and lunch.
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Departures: All year round
Fitness Level: Moderate to good
ITINERARY: COLCA CANYON TREK TO OASIS SANGALLE
Day 1: Arequipa – Cabanaconde – Oasis Lodge
3am. Pick up from lodgings and travel to Cabanaconde (3300m). We stop at Chivay for breakfast, then continue to the Condor´s Cross viewpoint to see the spectacle of these mystic birds, soaring above. These impressive, largest birds in the world, fly between the heavens and the volcanic mountains. As well we see the deep section of Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world.
We arrive at Cabanaconde at 10am and we start trekking down to the bottom of the canyon, first passing through terraces and maize crops. On reaching the precipice of the canyon we descend by a zigzag path, getting magnificent views of the canyon. On the way down we can appreciate the geological features and discover the abundant vegetation at the Oasis Sangalle at the bottom. Here we have lunch and enjoy their lush garden and stunning mountain views. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool of clear water, and watch the sun setting behind the mountains.
At night, dinner is served under the shelter of a large “chirimoyal” (cherimoya fruit tree), next to the pool and thunderous waterfall. After dinner we enjoy conversation around an open fire; then sleep in the bungalows of bamboo.
Day 2: Oasis Lodge – Cabanaconde – Chivay – Arequipa
4:00 am. We depart from the Oasis of Sangalle, taking the trail to Cabanaconde. We enjoy the wonderful sensation of walking under the stars and moonlight and have the magical experience of being on the trail in the canyon as the sun rises between the mountains. The trek takes approximately 3.5 hours.
7:30am. We arrive in Cabanaconde and have an enjoyable breakfastat the Inn restaurant. We then drive through the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, Yanque and go to important viewpoints on our way to Chivay. We have lunch in Chivay. We also have an optional visit to the hot springs of La Calera where you can enjoy a relaxing swim to soothe your muscles after your morning trek. Then, we go back to Arequipa. On the way to Arequipa, we cross the highest point of the region, Patapampa (4850m), where we can see the snowy Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualcahualca and Mismi volcanoes.
We then descend to Tojrapampa, a wetlands area, with small ponds where wild birds, including flamingos, live and alpacas and llamas graze peacefully. Later we pass the Cañahuas Pampa, a vicuña reserve. In addition, we have the opportunity to see the volcanoes, Misti and Chachani.
Finally, we arrive at the “White City” and we take you back to your hostel.
INCLUDES:
- Shared tourist transportation
- 1 night accommodation in rustic bungalows
- All meals from breakfast on the first day until lunch of the last day
- Official guide, fluent in Spanish and English
- Swimming pool at Oasis Sangalle
- Tourist ticket required to visit the area
- Transfer to the thermal baths at La Calera
NOT INCLUDED:
- Drinks, including bottled water
Entry tickets for the thermal baths at La Calera
PRICE: US$130.00 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$210.00 per person (Minimum 2 passengers).
Please contact us for a quote as discounts may apply for more than 3 passengers.
