Colca Canyon Trek 3 Day 2 Night

The Colca Canyon Trek in Arequipa, Peru offers adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty of one of the deepest canyons in the world. Over a 3-day, 2-night journey, hikers can enjoy the rugged landscapes, spot majestic Andean condors soaring overhead, and gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region. With a range of amenities and experiences, the trek caters to those seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure. But beneath the surface, there lies a deeper layer of significance that may captivate the curious mind.

This experience made our list of the 18 Best 3 Day Tours In Arequipa.

Key Points

1. The 3-day, 2-night Colca Canyon trek in Arequipa, Peru, is a strenuous hike rated 5.0 with 233 reviews and a starting price of $115.00.
2. The trek includes 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, accommodation, guide, transportation, and a tourist ticket, with pickup between 3:00 AM and 3:40 AM.
3. The hike requires moderate physical fitness due to rocky terrain and high altitude, offering scenic views, giant hummingbirds, and potential condor sightings.
4. Accommodations are basic with limited amenities, and the quality of food can vary, with an optional visit to hot springs and a bus tour on the final day.
5. Traveler reviews highlight mixed experiences with guides, with some praised for their knowledge and support, while others noted communication challenges and unprofessional behavior.

Overview of the Trek

The Colca Canyon Trek is a 3-day, 2-night hiking expedition located in Arequipa, Peru that has received 233 reviews with a 5.0 rating.

Priced starting from $115.00, the trek includes 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 nights’ accommodation, a guide, round-trip transportation, a tourist ticket for the Colca BTC reserve, and optional access to hot springs.

The itinerary involves an early morning pickup from hotels, followed by hiking through the scenic Colca Canyon. This strenuous trek requires moderate physical fitness due to the rocky terrain and high altitude.

Highlights include breathtaking views, sightings of giant hummingbirds, and the possibility of observing condors.

Itinerary and Logistics

Travelers can expect to be picked up from their hotels between 3:00 AM to 3:40 AM, with the confirmation of pickup location available up to 24 hours prior to the start of the trek.

The trek itself kicks off at 03:30 AM, marking the beginning of a journey through the scenic Colca Canyon.

Accommodation during the 3-day, 2-night trek is basic, with limited amenities such as no hot water and shared bathrooms.

The itinerary includes hiking through the Colca Canyon, an optional visit to the hot springs, and a bus tour on the final day to explore additional sites in the area.

Travelers should be prepared for a strenuous hike requiring moderate physical fitness, as the terrain is rocky and the altitude is high.

Hiking Experience

The Colca Canyon trek is considered a strenuous hike that requires moderate physical fitness, as the terrain is rocky and the altitude is high. Hikers will encounter a challenging descent and ascent through the canyon, necessitating the use of hiking poles to navigate the uneven ground. Sunscreen is essential due to the high temperatures during the descent, and hikers can expect to be rewarded with scenic views, sightings of giant hummingbirds, and potential opportunities to observe condors.

Difficulty	Terrain	Recommendations
Strenuous	Rocky	Use hiking poles
High Altitude		Wear sunscreen

The impressive scenery and wildlife of the Colca Canyon make the physical demands of the trek worthwhile for adventurous travelers.

Food and Accommodations

On the matter of food and accommodations, the reviews generally speak well of the meals provided, with options available for those with specific dietary requirements like vegetarian or dairy-free.

However, some travelers have noted that the quality of the food can vary, with the first night’s fare being well-received but the second night’s offerings sometimes falling short.

The lodgings themselves are described as basic but clean, though there have been reports of limited amenities, such as the lack of hot water and shared bathroom facilities.

Travelers should keep in mind that drinks aren’t included and may be overpriced.

Guide Experiences

How do guide experiences factor into the Colca Canyon trek? The reviews present a mixed picture, with some travelers praising the knowledge and support provided by their guides, while others have been critical of their language skills and overall behavior.

Guide Qualities	Positive Reviews	Negative Reviews
Knowledge	Praised for their expertise in the local area and ability to provide insightful commentary on the canyon’s history and wildlife.	Lacking in-depth knowledge about the region and unable to fully engage with participants.
Communication	Effectively conveyed important information and instructions in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.	Struggled with language barriers, making it difficult for non-Spanish speakers to fully follow along.
Professionalism	Supportive, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for trekkers.	Displayed unprofessional behavior, such as being impatient or disrespectful towards participants.

Customer Feedback

Travelers’ overall satisfaction with the Colca Canyon trek was a mixed bag, as evidenced by the range of opinions expressed in customer reviews.

While some hikers raved about the stunning scenery and well-organized logistics, others voiced dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the experience.

Many praised the knowledgeable guides who enhanced the trek, but some criticized the language skills and behavior of their leaders.

Meal quality was also a point of contention, with some reporting tasty, well-catered food, while others found the cuisine to be basic and lacking.

Pricing for optional activities like the hot springs was another sore spot, as some travelers felt the costs were excessive.

Pricing and Inclusions

The Colca Canyon trek offers travelers an inclusive package starting from $115.00, providing a comprehensive experience over the course of 3 days and 2 nights. This package includes 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 nights of basic accommodation with limited amenities. Plus, travelers will enjoy the services of a knowledgeable guide, round-trip transportation, and a tourist ticket for the Colca BTC reserve. While drinks are not included and may be pricey, the overall value of this trek is evident in the wide range of activities and services provided.

Included	Not Included
3 Breakfasts	Drinks
2 Lunches	–
2 Dinners	–

Transportation and Pickup

Pickup for the Colca Canyon trek commences between 3:00 AM to 3:40 AM from participants’ hotels, with the confirmed pickup location communicated up to 24 hours prior to the start of the excursion.

The trek kicks off at 3:30 AM, ensuring an early start to make the most of the day’s activities.

Travelers are advised to be ready and waiting at their hotel lobby during the designated pickup window to avoid any delays.

This early morning departure allows the group to beat the crowds and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Colca Canyon as the sun rises over the dramatic landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?

Unfortunately, most trekking companies don’t allow pets on their tours due to logistical and safety concerns. The Colca Canyon trek likely has a similar policy, so it’s best to leave your pet at home for this strenuous hike.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trek Duration?

Yes, the trek can be extended beyond the standard 3 days, 2 nights. Travelers can opt for longer durations to explore more of the canyon and surrounding areas at an additional cost. The extended options provide more flexibility to customize the experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy typically allows full refunds for cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours, a percentage of the total cost may be charged as a cancellation fee.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Drinks on the Trek?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional snacks and drinks during the trek. Some reviews note that drinks not included in the package may be overpriced, so it’s best to bring extra cash for any supplemental purchases.

Is There an Age or Fitness Requirement to Join the Trek?

There’s no strict age or fitness requirement, but the 3-day Colca Canyon trek is considered strenuous. Hikers should have moderate physical fitness to handle the rocky terrain and high altitude. Consulting the tour operator is advised for individual assessments.

Recap

The Colca Canyon Trek offers an exhilarating 3-day, 2-night adventure in Peru’s breathtaking landscape.

Hikers can expect moderate physical demands, stunning vistas, and a chance to spot wildlife like giant hummingbirds and condors.

Despite basic accommodations and mixed reviews on guides, the overall experience promises an unforgettable journey for adventurous travelers seeking to enjoy the Andean wilderness.