2 Day 1 Night Trek / Colca Canyon

Exploring the captivating Colca Canyon in Peru is an unforgettable adventure that trekkers won’t soon forget. This 2-day, 1-night trek offers a chance to witness the majestic Andean condors, hike through stunning landscapes, and take in the canyon’s serene beauty. With a comfortable overnight stay and delicious meals included, the trek provides a personalized experience tailored to adventurous spirits. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking an exhilarating introduction to Peru’s natural wonders, this trek promises to leave you with memories that will stay with you long after the journey’s end.

Key Points

• The Colca Canyon trek is a 2-day adventure near Arequipa, Peru, offering breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to spot Andean condors.
• The trek includes a short hike to the Condors Cross viewpoint, trekking down into the canyon, and an overnight stay in a bungalow.
• The package includes transportation, entrance fees, meals, and comprehensive arrangements for a comfortable and immersive trekking experience.
• A moderate fitness level is required, and the trek is not recommended for individuals with back problems or serious medical conditions.
• The booking policy is non-refundable, and the tour is available in English and Spanish, with service animals permitted to assist participants with disabilities.

Overview of the Trek

The Colca Canyon trek is a 2-day adventure that takes participants through one of the deepest canyons in the world, located near the city of Arequipa in Peru.

This stunning trek has earned an impressive 4.5-star rating from 84 reviews, with travelers raving about the breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to spot the elusive Andean condor.

The experience includes a cozy overnight stay in a bungalow, allowing trekkers to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking a unique adventure, the Colca Canyon trek promises an unforgettable journey through one of Peru’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Itinerary Details

In an article titled ‘Day 1 Night Trek / Colca Canyon’, it’s now time to discuss the itinerary details.

The trek begins with a drive from Arequipa to Chivay, where participants then embark on a short hike to the Condors Cross viewpoint.

From there, they trek down into the Colca Canyon, eventually reaching the Cielo Azul lodge for an overnight stay.

The itinerary for Day 1 includes:

1. Driving from Arequipa to Chivay.

2. Hiking to the Condors Cross viewpoint.

3. Trekking down into the canyon and staying overnight at the Cielo Azul lodge.

This immersive experience allows trekkers to witness the stunning landscapes of the Colca Canyon and potentially spot the majestic Andean condors.

Inclusions

As part of the Colca Canyon trek, the package includes several key elements to enhance the overall experience.

Meals provided consist of two breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner, ensuring trekkers are well-fed throughout the journey.

Plus, the tour includes private tourist transport and hotel/hostel pickups, allowing for convenient and comfortable transportation to and from the trailhead.

Entrance fees to both the Colca Canyon (70 soles) and the hot springs (15 soles) are covered, providing access to the natural wonders and relaxation opportunities.

The final meal is a buffet lunch in Chivay, which costs an additional 30 soles per person.

Fitness and Safety Considerations

Moderate fitness is required for the Colca Canyon trek, as it isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

Caution is advised regarding mule rides, as they lack regulation and safety standards. The group size is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers.

The trek poses several fitness and safety considerations:

1. Travelers should be prepared for the physical demands of hiking down and up the canyon.

2. Mule rides, though available for the ascent, come with safety risks due to the lack of regulation.

3. The small group size ensures a more personal and manageable trekking experience.

Customer Feedback

Travellers have provided mixed feedback on their Colca Canyon trekking experiences, with many praising the incredible landscapes and competent guides, while others raised concerns about the tour company’s services and safety issues surrounding the mule rides. Some customers enjoyed the overall experience, while others noted issues with the quality of transportation and the size of meals provided. Plus, a few travellers mentioned that they were able to find lower prices for similar treks locally in Arequipa. Despite these concerns, the majority of reviews were positive, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 84 reviews.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Incredible landscapes	Transportation issues
Competent guides	Meal size concerns
Enjoyable experiences	Safety concerns with mule rides
Overall 4.5-star rating	Lower prices available locally

Additional Information

The booking policy for the Colca Canyon trek is non-refundable, and no refunds are provided for cancellations. Guiding services are available in both English and Spanish, catering to the diverse needs of international visitors. While the trek isn’t wheelchair accessible, travelers can bring service animals along for the journey.

The trek offers a few additional considerations for adventurers:

1. The group size is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

2. Mule rides are available for the ascent, though caution is advised due to the lack of regulation and safety standards in the area.

3. Travelers should be aware that some reviews have noted lower prices available locally in Arequipa, so it’s worth exploring all options before booking.

Booking Policy

Travelers can’t receive refunds for cancellations, as the booking policy for the Colca Canyon trek is non-refundable. This policy is in place to ensure the tour company can properly plan and accommodate the limited number of trekkers accepted on each departure.

While disappointing for those with unexpected schedule changes, it helps maintain the intimate group size and high-quality experience. Guests should carefully review their travel plans before booking to avoid any issues.

The company stands behind the value of the trek, but can’t offer flexibility on refunds or rescheduling.

Travelers are encouraged to purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances that may interfere with their Colca Canyon adventure.

Languages and Accessibility

Guiding for the Colca Canyon trek is available in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse range of international visitors.

While the trek isn’t wheelchair accessible, the tour company does permit service animals to accompany participants, ensuring accessibility for those with specific needs.

Travelers should communicate any requirements in advance to ensure the trekking experience is tailored to their individual needs and abilities.

The trek’s accessibility considerations include:

1. Limited mobility options, as the rugged terrain and steep inclines make the trek challenging for those with physical limitations.

2. Availability of service animals to provide assistance for participants with disabilities.

3. Advance communication with the tour company to accommodate any special needs or requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Do We Need to Wake up on the First Day?

Travelers need to wake up between 3:00 – 3:30 am on the first day of the Colca Canyon trek. This early start allows them to reach the canyon and complete the day’s activities.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Trek?

There are some basic restroom facilities available during the trek, including at the Cielo Azul lodge where hikers stay overnight. However, options may be limited along the trail, so hikers should plan accordingly and bring any necessary supplies.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Snacks on the Trek?

Hikers can bring their own snacks and food on the trek. However, the tour includes two breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner, so additional provisions may not be necessary. Checking with the tour operator about any restrictions on outside food is recommended.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Sleeping Bags for the Overnight Stay?

Guests don’t need to bring their own sleeping bags for the overnight stay. The lodge provides bedding and blankets for the cozy bungalow accommodation included in the tour package. Travelers only need to pack essential personal items for the trek.

Is There Any Cell Phone Coverage in the Canyon?

Cell phone coverage in Colca Canyon is limited. Travelers should expect minimal to no signal, as the canyon’s remote location and steep walls can block cellular connectivity. Bringing a backup power bank and other means of communication is recommended for safety.

Recap

The 2 Day 1 Night Trek to Colca Canyon offers an unforgettable experience for adventure-seekers.

Travelers can expect breathtaking landscapes, the chance to spot majestic Andean condors, and a comfortable overnight stay at the Cielo Azul lodge.

With meals, a small group size, and personalized service, this trek provides a memorable and hassle-free journey into the heart of Peru’s natural wonders.