Arequipa: Trekking to the Colca Canyon 2 Days/1 Night

The Arequipa: Trekking to the Colca Canyon 2 Days/1 Night adventure offers an exhilarating journey into the heart of Peru’s stunning natural landscapes. This two-day trek combines breathtaking vistas, culture, and an opportunity to challenge oneself physically. Participants will venture to the iconic Cruz del Condor viewpoint, trek through the Sangalle Oasis, and unwind in natural thermal baths before tackling the ascent to Cabanaconde. With expert guidance, inclusive meals, and a flexible cancellation policy, this trek promises an unforgettable outdoor experience. But there’s more to this adventure than meets the eye – the true highlights await those who take the first step.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Chivay.

Key Points

• This two-day, one-night Colca Canyon trek is priced from $160 per person and includes transportation, expert guide, entrance fees, and most meals.
• The challenging trek involves a 3-hour hike to the Sangalle Oasis, an overnight stay with access to thermal baths, and an early start on the second day.
• The itinerary covers visits to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, Sangalle Oasis, and the town of Cabanaconde, with scenic stops on the return trip to Arequipa.
• The package includes hotel pickup, reliable transportation, professional bilingual guide, entrance fees, and most meals, providing a hassle-free experience.
• The trek is considered tough and suitable only for prepared participants, who should bring essential items like passport, change of clothes, and cash for a rewarding adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trek Overview and Pricing

The Colca Canyon trek is a two-day, one-night adventure that takes travelers from Arequipa deep into the heart of this stunning natural wonder.

Priced from $160 per person, the trek includes hotel pickup, transportation, an expert guide, entrance fees, and most meals.

Travelers can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, which allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.

Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later makes this excursion an attractive choice for those seeking to explore the Colca Canyon at their convenience.

Itinerary Details

The two-day, one-night Colca Canyon trek begins with an early pickup at 03:30 hrs from Arequipa.

After a 3-hour drive to Chivay, travelers enjoy breakfast before visiting the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to spot the majestic Andean condors.

The trek then continues for 3 hours, crossing the Colca River, to reach the Sangalle Oasis where participants can relax in thermal baths before an overnight stay.

The second day starts with an early 04:30 hrs trek to Cabanaconde for breakfast before the return trip to Arequipa, with stops at viewpoints and the town of Maca.

Travelers have the option to indulge in thermomedicinal baths in Chivay before arriving back in Arequipa by 17:00 hrs.

• The trek is considered tough, suitable for prepared participants.
• Meals included are 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
• Accommodation is provided for 1 night at the Sangalle Oasis.

Day 1 Activities

The two-day trek to Colca Canyon begins with an early morning pickup at 03:30 hrs from Arequipa. The group then travels for 3 hours to the town of Chivay, where they enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. This stunning vantage point offers panoramic views of the canyon and the chance to witness the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead. After the scenic stop, the trek continues with a 3-hour descent to the Sangalle Oasis, crossing the Colca River along the way. Lunch is served in the quaint village of San Juan de Chuccho before the group arrives at their accommodation for the night, where they can relax in the thermal baths.

Activity	Duration	Location
Pick up	03:30 hrs	Arequipa
Travel to Chivay	3 hours	Chivay
Cruz del Condor	–	Viewpoint
Trek to Sangalle	3 hours	Sangalle Oasis
Lunch	–	San Juan de Chuccho

Overnight Stay in Sangalle

Arriving at the Sangalle Oasis, trekkers can unwind in the soothing thermal baths and settle into their accommodations for the night.

The Sangalle Oasis provides a serene and tranquil setting, offering a welcomed respite after the challenging trek. Trekkers can look forward to the following during their overnight stay:

• Relaxing in the natural thermal pools, which are believed to have therapeutic properties
• Enjoying a hearty dinner prepared by the local staff, providing nourishment for the next day’s hike
• Resting in the simple yet comfortable lodgings, ensuring a good night’s sleep before the early morning departure

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Early Morning Trek on Day 2

When does the early morning trek on Day 2 begin?

Travelers set out on the trek at 04:30 hrs, heading from Sangalle Oasis to the town of Cabanaconde. This early start allows them to reach the town in time for breakfast.

From Cabanaconde, the group begins the return trip to Arequipa, with stops at various viewpoints along the way. One optional activity is visiting the thermomedicinal baths in Chivay before completing the journey back to Arequipa by 17:00 hrs.

This brisk morning trek caps off the 2-day, 1-night adventure through the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon.

Return Trip to Arequipa

After the early morning trek to Cabanaconde, the group embarks on the return trip to Arequipa.

Along the way, they make stops at various viewpoints to take in the breathtaking vistas of the Colca Canyon.

They also visit the town of Maca, known for its traditional architecture and rich cultural heritage.

As the journey nears its end, the group has the option to indulge in thermomedicinal baths in Chivay, a chance to soothe their tired muscles and relax before the final leg of the trip.

• Stops at scenic viewpoints along the return route
• Visit to the charming town of Maca
• Optional thermomedicinal baths in Chivay

Inclusions and What’s Covered

The package deal includes a hotel pickup in Arequipa, reliable transportation, and a professional tour guide fluent in both English and Spanish.

Entrance fees to the Colca Canyon are covered, ensuring hassle-free access to this natural wonder. Meals are provided, including 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner, so you can refuel during the trek.

Accommodation is also included, with a night’s stay at the Sangalle Oasis, where you can enjoy thermal baths and relax after a day of hiking.

The package offers flexibility, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Recommendations and Considerations

To make the most of the Colca Canyon trek, there are a few important items to consider.

The trek is rated as tough, so it’s suitable only for prepared participants. Trekkers should bring essential items like their passport, a change of clothes, a camera, sunscreen, and cash for any additional expenses.

Plus, the canyon’s remote location means limited access to facilities, so trekkers should be self-sufficient and anticipate a challenging but rewarding experience.

• The trek is rated as tough, suitable only for prepared participants.
• Essential items include passport, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, and cash.
• The canyon’s remote location means limited access to facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for a Shorter or Longer Trek Duration?

The trek overview provides only a 2-day/1-night option, but the operator may offer shorter or longer trek durations upon request. Travelers should inquire about alternative itineraries that better suit their preferences and fitness levels.

Can the Trek Be Customized for Solo or Small Group Travelers?

The trek can be customized for solo or small group travelers. The tour operator offers flexibility in group size and duration, allowing travelers to tailor the experience to their preferences and fitness level.

Are There Any Restrictions or Age Limits for Participating in the Trek?

There are no age restrictions, but the trek is not recommended for young children or those with limited mobility. The tour operator can accommodate solo travelers and small groups, tailoring the experience to their fitness levels and interests.

What Are the Cancellation and Refund Policies for the Trek?

The trek offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment, providing flexibility in planning their trip.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Base Price?

The base price of $160 per person includes all major expenses like transportation, accommodation, meals, and entrance fees. There are no additional hidden fees or costs, allowing travelers to budget their trek with confidence.

Recap

The Arequipa: Trekking to the Colca Canyon 2 Days/1 Night adventure offers an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Participants will be treated to stunning vistas, cultural insights, and the opportunity to unwind in natural thermal baths. With expert guidance, inclusive meals, and a flexible cancellation policy, this trek is a perfect choice for those seeking an exhilarating challenge amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Arequipa.

You can check if your dates are available here: