Description
Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 2:45 AM – 3:15 AM Pickup window from your accommodation Details: Your exact pickup time or meeting details are sent via WhatsApp no later than the evening before departure.
- Arrival in Arequipa
- 5:00 PM Approximate arrival time in the city where the tour ends
- Drive time to trailhead
- 4 hrs 30 min Typical one-way driving time to the tour start
- Hiking distance
- 17.2 km / 10.7 mi Total distance covered on foot during the tour
Highlights
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide (first-aid trained)
- Included meals: 3x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner
- Time to enjoy the swimming pool and amazing views on day 2
- Spot condors at Cruz del Condor and visit the La Chimpa thermal baths
- Free luggage storage, option to continue directly to Puno on day 3
A tour just for your group
Private Colca Canyon Trek 3 days?
Choose your own departure date, travel only with your group, and enjoy a pace shaped around you.
What is included
Included
- Pick-up from hotel/hostel in the historic city center of Arequipa
- Tourist transport with professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide (first-aid trained)
- 2 buffet breakfasts + 1 pancake breakfast
- 2 lunches and 2 dinners
- 2 nights in local accommodations (family house + eco-lodge with pool). By default, shared rooms for 2-5 persons.
- Drop-off close to Plaza de Armas in Arequipa
- Representation of a traditional “Pago a la Pachamama” ceremony
- First-aid kit and on-tour assistance
Not included
- La Chimpa thermal baths (15 PEN per person)
- Colca Canyon entrance ticket (70 PEN foreigners)
- Optional buffet lunch on day 3
- Optional activities: horseback riding, ATVs, zip-line, etc.
- Personal travel insurance and tips
Itinerary
Day 1 – From Arequipa to the Colca Canyon
Overview: Vehicle transfers + hike ~12 km. Start 3,600 m at Mirador de Tapay, finish 2,300 m at San Juan de Chuccho. Total descent about -1,200 m. Beginning of your colca canyon trek 3 days.
- Early morning: Pick-up from your hotel (2:45–3:15 am) and drive to Mirador de La Bruja at 4,900 m. A representation of a “Pago a la Pachamama” ceremony (about 10 minutes).
- Morning: Visit a Colca Canyon viewpoint to see pre-Inca terraces and the Andes mountains. Continue to Cruz del Cóndor for condor watching. Picnic breakfast near Mirador de Tapay.
- Late morning: Start your colca canyon hike from Mirador de Tapay at 3,600 m along the Qhapaq Ñan trails.
- Afternoon: Cross the hanging bridge and arrive in San Juan de Chuccho at 2,300 m. Lunch and free time.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.
Day 2 – Colca villages and Sangalle oasis
Overview: Hike ~9 km. Start 2,300 m, finish 2,200 m at Sangalle Oasis. Rolling terrain with small ascents/descents of max 400 m. Midpoint of your 3 day colca canyon trek.
- Morning: Pancake breakfast at 7:00 am. Begin hiking 9 km with gentle ascents and descents. Pass through Cosñirhua and Malata, tasting local fruit.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Sangalle (2,200 m), relax by the pool, and enjoy the oasis views.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in an eco-lodge.
Day 3 – Uphill challenge and hot springs
Overview: Steep uphill hike 4–5 km. Start 2,200 m at Sangalle, finish 3,280 m at Cabanaconde. Elevation gain +1,100 m. Then drive to hot springs and back to Arequipa to end your colca canyon 3 day trek.
- Early morning: Start the challenging uphill hike from Sangalle (2,200 m) to Cabanaconde (3,280 m). Reach “Sejana” and enjoy a short rest before breakfast in town.
- Late morning: Drive to Yanque and soak in the warm La Chimpa thermal baths (30–50°C).
- Afternoon: Lunch at a countryside restaurant. Drive back to Arequipa, passing through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve to spot llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
- Evening: Arrive back in Arequipa around 5:00 pm.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Booking details
- Minimum group
- 4 participants
Meeting and timing
- End point
-
Arequipa · 5:00 PM
- Languages
- English, Spanish
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Tour duration
- 3 days
- Average group size
- 6 people
- Drive distance to trailhead
- 215 km / 133.6 mi
- Maximum altitude
- 3,450 m / 11,319 ft
On the trail
- Route type
- Point to point
- Trail surface
- Dirt trail, Rocky, Steep sections, Many steps, Mud possible
- Fitness level
- Good - regular cardio or hiking
- Experience
- No technical experience required
- Drinking water
- Water can be purchased en route
Where you will stay
Stay in San Juan de Chuccho
Room in San Juan de Chuccho (upgrade)
Stay in Sangalle
Room in Sangalle (upgrade)
Colca Canyon Trek 3 days map
Full tour description
Join our Colca Canyon Trek 3 days and experience one of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes in a small, friendly group. This non-classic route takes you off the crowded paths and into the heart of the canyon. You will enjoy spectacular views from exclusive viewpoints like Mirador de Tapay and La Bruja, hike along ancient Qhapaq Ñan trails, and see pre-Inca terraces and ruins.
This 3 day Colca Canyon trek combines adventure, authenticity, and comfort. Watch the majestic Andean condor soar overhead, taste fresh fruit from local villages, and relax in warm thermal baths after a day of hiking. You will spend two nights in small family-run accommodations: the first in a traditional home in San Juan de Chuccho and the second in an eco-lodge with a pool in Sangalle.
Our licensed English-speaking guides are members of the Arequipa trekking guides association and trained in first aid. We keep groups small (maximum 10 people) to ensure a more personal and safe experience. This is perfect for travelers who want a true sense of the canyon without crowds, a unique form of colca trekking.
Practical information for your Colca Canyon trek 3 days
Pick-up and start time
You will be picked up early in the morning (around 02:45–03:15 AM) from your accommodation in Arequipa. This early start allows us to cover the long drive safely and arrive at the canyon in daylight. Beginning your colca canyon trek 3 days early also means fewer crowds at the viewpoints.
Guides and safety
Our licensed guides explain the daily program and give short briefings each morning. Please follow their instructions closely and stay nearby; the canyon is a remote area and your safety is our priority. Occasionally, for logistical reasons, a guide change may happen at the starting point, which can mean a short wait before departure.
Travel light
We recommend bringing only what you need for the trek. You can buy water and small essentials like toilet paper along the route. Walking sticks can also be rented at the start of the colca canyon hike if you don’t have your own.
Sun and mosquito protection
The canyon trails have very little shade and it’s usually sunny, so strong sun protection is essential: sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. In some areas there can also be many insects, so don’t forget mosquito repellent.
Our commitment
All these measures help us keep your colca canyon 3 day trek smooth, safe, and enjoyable. We’re here for you before and during your journey, just send us a message if you need help at any point.
Activities included on the Colca Canyon Trek 3 days
- Guided colca canyon hike along official Inca trails (Qhapaq Ñan)
- Visit to exclusive viewpoints: Mirador de Tapay and La Bruja
- Short stop at the classic Cruz del Cóndor for condor watching
- Basic representation of a traditional Pago a la Pachamama ceremony at La Bruja
- Picnic breakfast with panoramic views
- Local fruit tasting in villages like Cosñirhua and Malata
- Swimming in the pool at the eco-lodge in Sangalle
- Relaxing in thermal baths of La Chimpa (30–50°C)
- Two nights in local accommodations (family house + eco-lodge)
More about the Colca Canyon 3 days trek
The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. It is home to ancient terraces still used by local farmers and dotted with small villages where traditions have been kept alive for centuries.
This area is also the best place to see the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world, with a wingspan up to 3 meters. The canyon forms part of the headwaters of the Amazon River, and from viewpoints like AGOTREK you can see the highest and most distant source of the Amazon.
The paths you will hike are part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca road network that connected the empire. Walking these trails lets you experience the same routes used by messengers and traders hundreds of years ago. This is more than a hike; it is a journey through history and living culture.
What to bring
- Light backpack (we advise avoiding heavy luggage)
- Trekking poles – highly recommended for balance and more comfortable hike
- Valid passport or ID (copy/photo)
- 1.5–2 liters of water for day
- Sun protection is essential: sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. It can get very warm during the day with almost no shade
- Trekking shoes or boots with good grip
- Waterproof jacket (December–March)
- Warm sweater or fleece for chilly nights at higher altitude
- Shorts or lightweight hiking pants for daytime. It can be hot on the trail
- Swimsuit, sandals, and towel for the pools and optional hot springs
- Personal hygiene products and toilet paper
- Flashlight or headlamp (useful for early morning uphill trek)
- Mosquito repellent: in the canyon itself there can be many insects
- Snacks and cash in soles for entrance fees, tips, and personal expenses
- Any personal medication (especially for altitude or allergies)
Frequently asked questions
Is Colca Canyon harder than Salkantay?
No, Salkantay is longer and at higher altitude. The Colca Canyon 3 Day Trek is shorter but has a very steep climb on the last day, which some find intense.
What is the difference between a tour and a trek at Colca Canyon?
A “tour” usually means sightseeing by vehicle with short walks to viewpoints. A “trek” like our Colca Canyon hike means walking down into the canyon, staying overnight, and experiencing the landscape up close.
Is it better to do Colca Canyon for 1 or 2 days?
If you have limited time, a 2-day trek gives a good taste of the canyon. For a more relaxed pace, local experiences, and less rush, the Colca Canyon Trek 3 days is the best option.
How long is the bus ride from Arequipa to Colca Canyon?
It’s about 3.5 to 4 hours from Arequipa to the starting point of the trek, with scenic stops at high-altitude viewpoints along the way.
Is Colca Canyon worth it?
Absolutely. You’ll see one of the deepest canyons in the world, soaring Andean condors, ancient terraces, traditional villages, and hot springs. Our Colca Canyon 3 day trek gives you time to enjoy all of these highlights.
How long does it take to hike Colca Canyon?
Our 3 day Colca Canyon trek takes about 5–6 hours of hiking on day 1, 4 hours on day 2, and 2–3 hours uphill on day 3. One-day hikes can take 8–10 continuous hours and are very demanding.
Is Colca Canyon harder than the Inca Trail?
It can feel harder than the Inca Trail because of the steep descent on day 1 and the steep ascent on day 3. However, it is shorter overall and at a lower altitude than the highest passes of the Inca Trail.
How hard is the Colca Canyon Trek?
This is a moderate to challenging Colca Canyon hike. The trails are safe but steep, with hot sun and little shade. The hardest part is the 1,100 m uphill climb on the last morning. Good fitness and trekking shoes make it much easier.
How many days is the Colca Canyon Trek?
Most visitors choose a 2- or 3-day itinerary. We recommend the Colca Canyon Trek 3 days because it allows a slower pace, more time in local villages, and a night at the Sangalle Oasis. See here our in Colca Canyon trek 2 days. One-day hikes are possible but involve very long, strenuous hours.
How long is the Colca Canyon Trek?
The classic Colca Canyon Trek 3 days covers about 30 km of hiking in total. Day 1 is the longest descent (around 12 km), day 2 about 9 km of rolling terrain, and day 3 is a steep 4–5 km climb back up to Cabanaconde.
Can I store my suitcase or backpack if I’m going to Puno after the trek?
Yes. If you plan to continue to Puno after your Colca Canyon trek (whether it’s 1, 2 or 3 days), you don’t need to carry all your luggage on the hike. Our guides and drivers arrange for any suitcase or large backpack you don’t take on the trek to be safely stored at a hotel-restaurant in Cabanaconde (for 2- or 3-day treks). When you return from the trek, your bags will be loaded onto the transport so you can enjoy the hot springs and lunch, and then we’ll transfer you together with your luggage to the bus terminal for your onward journey to Puno.
Is Colca Canyon the deepest canyon in the world?
Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world at about 3,270 m deep. This is more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. Nearby Cotahuasi Canyon is even deeper, but Colca is the most accessible for trekking.