Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 2:45 AM – 3:15 AM Pickup window from your accommodation
- 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 with first-aid training
- Meals included: 2x breakfast, 1x lunch, and 1x dinner
- Stay at eco-lodge with swimming pool in the oasis of the Colca Canyon
- Visit Cruz del Condor to see condors and enjoy the La Chimpa hot springs
- Free luggage storage, option to continue directly to Puno on day 2
A tour just for your group
Private Colca Canyon Trek 2 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 (day 1 and day 2 after the climb)
- 1 lunch in a local family home and 1 dinner at the eco-lodge
- 1 night in Sangalle eco-lodge with pool. By default, shared rooms for 2-5 persons.
- Representation of a traditional “Pago a la Pachamama” ceremony
- Drop-off close to Plaza de Armas in Arequipa
- 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 2
- Optional activities: horseback riding, ATVs, zip-line, etc.
- Personal travel insurance and tips
Itinerary
Day 1 – Descend into the Colca Canyon
Overview: Vehicle transfers + hike about 14–15 km in total. Start at Mirador de Tapay (3,600 m), reach San Juan de Chuccho (2,300 m), finish at Sangalle Oasis (2,200 m). Total descent about –1,400 m and small rolling ascents later in the day.
- Early morning: Pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa (2:45–3:05 am). Scenic drive to Mirador de La Bruja at 4,900 m for a representation of a “Pago a la Pachamama” ceremony (about 10 minutes).
- Morning: Visit a viewpoint to see ancient terraces and the source of the Amazon. Continue to Cruz del Cóndor for condor watching. Picnic breakfast near Mirador de Tapay.
- Late morning: At Mirador de Tapay (3,600 m), start your colca canyon hike down from Pampa San Miguel on safe but steep trails (about 3 hours, –1,300 m elevation). Cross the hanging bridge to San Juan de Chuccho (2,300 m) for a local lunch.
- Afternoon: Second part of the hike (about 7 km) with gentle ascents and descents of up to 400 m. Arrive at Sangalle Oasis (2,200 m) and relax by the pool at the eco-lodge.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at the eco-lodge.
Day 2 – Hike up the Colca Canyon & hot springs
Overview: Steep, challenging uphill hike 4–5 km. Start at Sangalle Oasis (2,200 m), finish at Cabanaconde (3,280 m). Elevation gain about +1,100 m. Then vehicle transfer to La Chimpa hot springs and back to Arequipa. End of your 2 day colca canyon trek.
- Early morning: Begin the challenging uphill hike from Sangalle Oasis (2,200 m) to Cabanaconde (3,280 m) on a narrow, rocky trail (about 3 hours, +1,100 m elevation gain). Enjoy a well-deserved breakfast in Cabanaconde.
- Late morning: Drive to Yanque and soak in the warm La Chimpa thermal baths (30–50 °C) for about an hour (entry fee extra).
- Afternoon: Lunch at a family-run countryside restaurant. Drive back through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve to spot llamas, alpacas and vicuñas.
- Late afternoon: Arrival back in Arequipa around 5:00 pm.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Meeting and timing
- End point
-
Arequipa · 5:00 PM
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Tour duration
- 2 days
- Average group size
- 8 people
- Drive distance to trailhead
- 215 km / 133.6 mi
- Maximum altitude
- 3,450 m / 11,319 ft
Where you will stay
Stay in Sangalle
Room lodge (upgrade)
Colca Canyon Trek 2 days map
Full tour description
Discover the real beauty of the Colca Canyon on our Colca Canyon Trek 2 days. This small-group experience avoids the crowded routes and takes you to exclusive viewpoints and authentic local stops. With a buffet breakfast in the open air, a quiet start at Mirador de Tapay, and an expert English-speaking guide, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable mix of adventure and culture.
This 2 day Colca Canyon trek starts early from Arequipa and leads you deep into the canyon along safe, scenic trails. You will see dramatic volcanic rock formations, ancient terraces, and soaring Andean condors. Day one combines spectacular viewpoints and a guided descent to San Juan de Chuccho, then a gentle hike to the Sangalle Oasis with its natural pool and eco-lodge. Day two challenges you with an early-morning uphill climb out of the canyon to Cabanaconde, followed by a relaxing visit to La Chimpa hot springs and lunch at a countryside restaurant before returning to Arequipa.
Our guides are certified and first-aid trained, and we keep groups small to ensure a personal, safe, and well-organized experience. This is authentic colca trekking, ideal for adventurous travelers who want more than a quick photo stop.
Activities included on the Colca Canyon Trek 2 days
- Scenic drive from Arequipa with exclusive stops at Mirador de los Volcanes “La Bruja,”, and Cruz del Cóndor
- Guided colca canyon hike down from Pampa San Miguel to San Juan de Chuccho
- Buffet breakfast with mountain and farmland views
- Lunch in a local family home and dinner at the Sangalle eco-lodge
- Afternoon hike to the Sangalle Oasis and time to swim in the pool
- Early-morning uphill hike from the canyon floor to Cabanaconde (1,100 m elevation gain)
- Relaxing soak in La Chimpa thermal baths (optional, entry extra)
- Visit to a countryside restaurant for a traditional lunch
- Drive back through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve to see llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas
Practical information for your Colca Canyon Trek 2 days
Pick-up and start time
You will be picked up early in the morning (around 03:00–03:30 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 2 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.
Luggage and storage
From the starting point of the hike you can safely store extra luggage with us. We collect your luggage again on the way back to Arequipa in Cabanaconde. If you are going to Puno after the trek please bring all your luggage because you will not return to Arequipa. You take the bus from Chivay to Puno (about 5 to 6 hours) and your name is already on the list.
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.
Sun and mosquito protection
The canyon trails have very little shade and it is usually sunny, so strong sun protection is essential: sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. In some areas there can also be many insects, so do not forget mosquito repellent.
Our commitment
All these measures help us keep your colca canyon 2 day trek smooth, safe and enjoyable. We are here for you before and during your journey; just send us a message if you need help at any point.
Background information about the Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and forms part of the headwaters of the Amazon River. From one of the viewpoints you can see the highest and most distant source of the Amazon, a unique perspective few travelers experience.
This region is famous for its ancient agricultural terraces built by pre-Inca cultures, still used today by local communities. The canyon is also one of the best places to watch the Andean condor, a sacred bird in Andean culture with a wingspan up to 3 meters. Walking the trails from Pampa San Miguel down to Sangalle lets you experience the dramatic geology up close, with volcanic rocks and basalt columns rising above the path.
Staying overnight in simple, family-run accommodations and an eco-lodge at the oasis supports local people and offers a true taste of Andean hospitality. With this colca canyon 2 day trek you get a rich mix of scenery, culture, and adventure in a short but rewarding trip.
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes – essential for navigating the canyon trails safely
- Mosquito spray – bring bug or mosquito repellent to protect you during the hike
- Trekking poles – highly recommended for balance and more comfortable hike
- Warm layers – temperatures can vary greatly, especially during early morning starts and evenings
- Sun protection – sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to shield against the sun’s intensity at high altitudes, there is very little shade inside the canyon
- Water bottle – stay hydrated throughout the hike (1.5–2 liters for day 1)
- Sleeping clothes – for your night’s stay in Sangalle Oasis
- Toilet paper – the stays in the oasis are basic, it can be useful to bring some emergency toilet paper
- Snacks or energy bars – keep your energy up during the trek, especially before breakfast on day 2
- Camera – capture the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife
- Swimsuit and towel – for the natural pool in Sangalle and the optional hot springs visit
- Personal medications – along with any basic first-aid supplies you might need
- Cash in soles – for entrance fees not included in the tour, optional activities and personal expenses
- Light backpack – to carry your essentials comfortably during the hike
- Flashlight or headlamp – useful for early starts or in case of low light in the evening
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the 2 day trek to Colca Canyon?
The 2 day Colca Canyon trek is short but physically challenging. On day one, you hike downhill on rocky trails for several hours. On day two, you climb about 1,000 meters early in the morning to reach Cabanaconde. If you are fit and used to walking at altitude, the trek is very rewarding. You can also hire a mule for the uphill part on day 2 if needed.
How far do you hike on the 2 day Colca Canyon trek?
On the 2 day Colca Canyon trek, you hike a total of around 17 to 19 kilometers.
On day 1, you start in Cabanaconde at about 3,300 meters and hike down into the canyon to Sangalle Oasis at around 2,100 meters. This part covers about 12 to 14 kilometers and includes a descent of 1,200 meters. Along the way, you pass through traditional villages like San Juan de Chuccho, Cosñirhua, and Malata.
On day 2, you hike uphill from Sangalle back to Cabanaconde. This is a steep climb of 1,200 meters in elevation gain over about 5 kilometers. The hike starts early in the morning, usually before sunrise, and takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on your pace.
This trek is short in days but intense in elevation change, which makes it a great challenge for active travelers.
How difficult is the Colca Canyon Trek?
The Colca Canyon trek is considered moderate to hard. The trails are steep and uneven, especially during the early morning climb. The 2 day version is more intense than the 3 day Colca Canyon trek because the distances are done in a shorter time. Good fitness and acclimatization to altitude are recommended.
Is a Colca Canyon hike hard?
Yes, the Colca Canyon hike can be hard, especially the second day. You start early in the morning and hike steep uphill for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The downhill sections on day one are also tough on the knees. But if you’re in good shape and take your time, it’s doable and very rewarding.
Is Colca Canyon harder than Machu Picchu?
The Colca Canyon trek is often considered harder than the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, especially the 2 day version. The uphill on day two is steep and not as well-maintained as the Inca Trail. However, it’s shorter in total distance and doesn’t require a permit.
How long does it take to hike Colca Canyon?
The 2 day Colca Canyon trek includes about 6 hours of hiking on day one and 3 hours of hiking on day two. In total, you walk around 16 to 17 kilometers through the canyon. The trek can feel longer due to the altitude and steep paths.
Do you need hiking boots for Colca Canyon?
Yes, good hiking boots are strongly recommended for the Colca Canyon trek. The trails are rocky, dusty, and steep in parts. Boots with ankle support and good grip will help protect your feet and knees during both the descent and the climb.
How to dress for Colca Canyon?
For the 2 day Colca Canyon trek, dress in layers. Mornings are cold, but it gets hot during the day. Wear lightweight hiking clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a warm jacket for the night in Sangalle and a swimsuit if you want to swim in our oasis pool.
Is the Colca Canyon trek 2 or 3 days?
The Colca Canyon trek is available in both 2 day and 3 day options. The 2 day trek is faster and more intense, while the 3 day Colca Canyon trek has shorter hiking days and a more relaxed pace. Both visit the same villages and the Sangalle Oasis.
What is the difference between 2 day and 3 day Colca Canyon?
The main difference is the pace. The 2 day Colca Canyon trek combines long hiking hours and early starts, while the 3 day trek spreads the route over more time. If you’re fit and want to do it in a short time, choose the 2 day trek. If you prefer a slower pace, go for the 3 day version.
Can I continue to Puno after the 2 day Colca Canyon trek?
Yes, you can end the 2 day Colca Canyon trek with a transfer to Puno instead of returning to Arequipa. After the trek, you’ll travel to Chivay and board a bus to Puno around 1:00 PM. You’ll arrive at the main square in Puno around 7:00 PM. This option is perfect if you want to continue your trip to Lake Titicaca without going back to Arequipa. You can select this option when booking with us.
Can I bring all my luggage on the Colca Canyon trek?
For the 2 day Colca Canyon trek, we recommend hiking only with a small backpack. You will need to carry your luggage during the trek. Anything you don’t want to bring along can be stored through us. At the starting point of the hike, you can safely store your larger bags with a local lady in the village. She charges around 8 soles per item, and we’ll help you arrange this on the day of the tour.
If you are continuing to Puno, you can bring all your luggage with you in the transport, it will be safely kept during the trek and handed back to you afterward.
Please let us know during booking if you need luggage storage or if you’re continuing to Puno.