3 Day 2 Night Trek / Colca Canyon

Situated in the heart of Peru’s stunning Andes, the 3 Day 2 Night Trek through Colca Canyon offers adventurous travelers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the region’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. From scaling the canyon’s dramatic cliffs to catching glimpses of the majestic Andean condor, this moderately challenging trek promises an unforgettable experience. With well-organized meals, comfortable accommodations, and an engaging itinerary, the trek caters to a range of fitness levels. However, as with any high-altitude excursion, participants must be prepared to navigate the unique challenges that come with exploring this natural wonder.

Key Points

• This 3-day, 2-night trek through Colca Canyon in Arequipa, Peru offers stunning views of a deep canyon and opportunities to spot Andean condors and diverse wildlife.

• The trek is moderately challenging, with a descent of 1,200 meters on the first day and a challenging uphill climb of 1,400 meters on the third day.

• The tour includes meals, entrance fees, and access to hot springs, providing a comprehensive and immersive adventure experience with transparent pricing starting at $154.

• Participant reviews highlight the trek’s scenic beauty and condor sightings, but some note issues with poor guide treatment and altitude sickness.

• The trek’s itinerary allows trekkers to experience diverse flora, including cactus species and tropical vegetation, as well as visit local honey producers.

Overview of the Trek

The 3 Day 2 Night Trek through Colca Canyon, located in Arequipa, Peru, offers adventurous travelers a captivating experience.

This moderately challenging trek features stunning views of one of the world’s deepest canyons, with the opportunity to spot Andean condors and other wildlife.

The tour, which costs from $154, includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, as well as entrance fees to Colca Canyon and the hot springs.

With an average rating of 4.5 stars from 18 reviews, this trek is a popular choice for those seeking an immersive adventure in the Peruvian Andes.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, participants depart from Arequipa at 3:30 am and enjoy breakfast in Chivay before visiting Condor’s Cross to spot the majestic Andean condors.

They then trek downhill from 3300m to 2100m, a journey of 3.5 hours, to reach their overnight destination in San Juan de Chuccho.

On the second day, trekkers visit Cosñirhua to sample local honey before descending to the Oasis Sangalle at 1900m.

The final day begins with an early uphill trek to Cabanaconde, followed by a visit to the hot springs in Chivay before returning to Arequipa by 5:30 pm.

Day 1 Itinerary

Departing from Arequipa at 3:30 am, participants begin their three-day trek through the Colca Canyon.

After breakfast in Chivay, they visit the Condor’s Cross viewpoint, where they can spot the magnificent Andean condors soaring above the canyon.

Then, they commence their first day’s trek, descending 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) from 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) to 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) over the course of 3.5 hours.

The trek leads them to the village of San Juan de Chuccho, where they’ll spend the night, surrounded by diverse cactus species and tropical vegetation.

Day 2 Itinerary

Waking early, participants enjoy breakfast before visiting Cosñirhua, a local village renowned for its honey production.

After sampling the sweet treat, the group descends further into the canyon, reaching the oasis-like Sangalle Village at an elevation of 1900 meters.

This lush respite provides a welcome break from the trekking, allowing hikers to relax and restore their energy for the following day’s ascent.

The night is spent at the Oasis Sangalle, surrounded by the dramatic canyon walls and the tranquility of this unique setting deep within Colca Canyon.

Day 3 Itinerary

Participants rise early on the final day, preparing for the challenging uphill trek back to Cabanaconde. The 3-hour hike climbs over 1,400 meters, reversing the previous day’s descent.

Upon reaching the town, they enjoy breakfast before boarding transportation to Chivay. Along the way, they stop at the relaxing hot springs, where they can soak their weary muscles for 15 soles.

The tour then returns to Arequipa, arriving around 5:30 PM, completing the 3-day, 2-night adventure through the stunning Colca Canyon.

With breathtaking vistas, wildlife encounters, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment, this trek offers an unforgettable experience in Peru’s natural wonders.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes all meals as specified in the itinerary, with 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners included.

Entrance fees to the Colca Canyon and the hot springs are also covered. The Colca Canyon entry fee is 70 soles, while the hot springs fee is 15 soles.

The final lunch in Chivay is a 30 soles buffet.

Wildlife and Scenery

The Colca Canyon trek offers a chance to spot an array of wildlife, from the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead to the playful alpacas and llamas grazing on the slopes.

Hikers may also catch glimpses of the elusive vicuña, a relative of the alpaca. The diverse flora includes a variety of cactus species and lush tropical vegetation, particularly in the San Juan de Chuccho area.

The stunning landscape is the main draw, with the Colca Canyon being one of the world’s deepest canyons, deeper even than the Grand Canyon.

Trekkers can expect to be awed by the sheer scale and beauty of this natural wonder.

Participant Feedback

Travelers have largely raved about the Colca Canyon trek, with many highlighting the stunning scenery and abundance of condor sightings. The positive reviews praise the enjoyable trekking pace and well-organized meals, as well as the relaxation offered by the hot springs after the challenging hike. However, some participants reported poor treatment from guides and issues with altitude sickness management. Plus, there were mixed experiences with the overall tour organization.

Positive Reviews	Negative Reviews
Stunning scenery and condor sightings	Poor treatment from guides
Enjoyable trekking pace	Issues with altitude sickness
Well-organized meals	Mixed experiences with tour organization
Relaxation at hot springs

The trek appears to offer a rewarding experience for those with a moderate fitness level, though careful consideration of potential challenges is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Pack for the Trek?

For any moderate-level trek, pack layers of clothing, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, sun protection, snacks, water bottle, headlamp, and personal medications. Plus, consider bringing trekking poles, camera, and lightweight camp gear if the itinerary includes camping.

Is There an Option to Hire a Porter?

The tour operator does offer the option to hire a porter to carry participants’ luggage during the trek. This service comes at an additional cost and can make the trek more comfortable for those who don’t want to carry their own gear.

Can I Book This Tour if I’m a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book this 3-day, 2-night Colca Canyon trek. The tour company accommodates individual travelers, and the group size is typically small, allowing for a more personalized experience. Solo hikers should ensure they meet the moderate fitness level requirement.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Trek?

The tour does not appear to have any age restrictions. Travelers of all ages can participate, though the moderate fitness level required may make it challenging for some older adults. It’s recommended to consider one’s physical capabilities before booking.

Can I Extend My Stay in Arequipa Before or After the Trek?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Arequipa before or after the 3 Day 2 Night Colca Canyon trek. The trek organizers can provide recommendations for additional accommodations and activities to fill extra time in the area.

Recap

The 3 Day 2 Night Trek through Colca Canyon offers an exhilarating and immersive experience in the stunning landscapes of Arequipa, Peru. Despite some mixed reviews, the well-organized itinerary, including breathtaking views and the chance to spot Andean condors, promises unforgettable memories. While moderately challenging, this trek is a must-do for adventure-seekers seeking an authentic exploration of the region’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty.