Moderate
Difficulty
10
Max. group size
02:45-03:15
Pick-up time
1
Duration in days
02:45-17:30
Duration in hours
Colca Canyon Trek 1 day
$ 35.00
The colca canyon trek 1 day is a nice hike off the beaten paths from Arequipa including Condor Cross, Qhapaq Ñan trail walking, volcano viewpoints, hot springs, and wildlife spotting. A balanced, non mass tourism colca canyon day tour combining nature, culture, and light hiking in one unforgettable experience.
- Experience the real Colca Canyon with a nice 6 km hike of the Inca trail Qhapaq Ñan
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide with first-aid training
- Including an outdoor breakfast, hike off the beaten paths, no mass tourism
- Visit Cruz del Condor to see condors and enjoy the hot springs in Yanque
Highlighted review from other travelers
Colca Canyon Trek 1 day trip details
Colca Canyon Trek 1 day itinerary
Early morning – Pick up and drive to Colca Canyon
Between 2:45 and 3:00 am, we pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa (historic city center). The drive toward Colca Canyon begins early so you can enjoy the best viewpoints and avoid crowds.
Around 6:00 am, we stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint at 4,910 meters. Here you can see several snow-capped volcanoes. Temperatures can be around 0°C during the drive, so warm clothing is important.
Morning – Condor Cross and outdoor breakfast
At 7:30 am, we arrive at Condor Cross, one of the most famous viewpoints in the canyon. This is the best place to observe Andean condors flying above the canyon walls.
At 8:00 am, we enjoy an outdoor breakfast surrounded by nature.
Late morning – Qhapaq Ñan hiking Colca Canyon
At 8:30 am, we begin the colca canyon 1 day hike along the Qhapaq Ñan, part of the ancient Inca road system. The hiking altitude ranges from 3,350 to 3,650 meters.
The hike covers approximately 6 km along the canyon’s edge. It takes around 2 hours and is rated easy to moderate. You visit Tapay Lookout, Qhaqha Tapay (pre-Inca ruins), and Pampa San Miguel.
During the hike, temperatures rise to around 22°C, so sun protection is essential.
Midday – Yanque and hot springs
At 10:30 am, the driver meets the group and transfers you to Yanque. You taste local fruit and traditional drinks before visiting the hot springs around 11:30 am.
You can relax in the thermal waters before heading to lunch.
Afternoon – Lunch and return to Arequipa
At 12:30 pm, we stop for a local buffet lunch. Afterward, we begin the return journey.
At 2:30 pm, we pass through the National Reserve, where you can see llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas in their natural habitat.
Arrival in Arequipa is around 5:30 pm.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change. Times are approximate and may vary.