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Experience Colca Canyon on a 2-Day Trek from Arequipa
Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days / 1 Night located in the region of Arequipa. Is one of the most rewarding short hikes from Arequipa for travelers who want to experience the canyon on foot rather than from a viewpoint. The route begins near Cabanaconde, descends deep into the canyon, passes through traditional communities and reaches Sangalle Oasis, where you spend the night.
On the second morning, you tackle the demanding climb back to Cabanaconde before returning toward Arequipa. Along the way, the itinerary includes Cruz del Condor, local villages, canyon trails and the option to relax in thermal baths.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Packing List
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Why Hike the Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days in Peru?
The 2-day Colca Canyon Trek is for travelers who want more than simply stopping at viewpoints and taking photos. The route takes you deep into the canyon, through steep trails, small Andean communities, changing landscapes, and the Sangalle Oasis before the demanding climb back to Cabanaconde. It is a short but intense adventure that gives you a real sense of the canyon’s scale and character. Along the way, you experience the contrast between the dry upper canyon and the warmer, greener environment below, while spending a night far from the usual tourist circuit.
- Feel the difference between looking and experiencing: From the rim, Colca is impressive; from inside the canyon, every change in elevation, temperature, and terrain becomes part of the experience.
- Spend a night where the landscape completely changes: Reaching Sangalle means leaving the dry upper canyon behind and entering a warmer environment with vegetation and natural pools.
- Test yourself without committing to a long expedition: Two days are enough to challenge your endurance, especially during the climb back to Cabanaconde, while keeping the adventure manageable for travelers with limited time.
- Walk through communities that roads don't reach: The route can pass through places such as San Juan de Chuccho, Cosñirhua, and Malata, giving you a closer look at everyday life inside the canyon rather than simply observing it from a bus..
- Experience the canyon from completely different perspectives: You see it from above, descend through its walls, walk near the river, and then look back toward the rim from below. The changing perspective is one of the trek's strongest experiences.
- Earn the view instead of simply arriving at it: The final ascent is demanding, particularly when started before sunrise. Reaching Cabanaconde after that climb creates a genuine feeling of accomplishment that a sightseeing tour cannot provide.
- Expert Local Guides: Enjoy a personalized experience in small groups led by local guides who have completed the Colca Canyon Trek hundreds of times and know every section of the route.
Highlights: Colca Canyon, Andean Condor & Local Culture
Hiking distance: 21km/ 13 miles
Considerations: Acclimatization is recommended before the trek.
Season: April through November
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Arequipa – Chivay - Cruz del Condor - Sangalle
Inmerse in the most fascinating adventure to explore a remote area in the Peruvian Andes, with a view of Colca Canyon one of the deepest in the world. -
Day02
Sangalle - Cabanaconde – Chivay - Arequipa
Discover the marvel at the stunning pre-Columbian agricultural terraces that are still in use today.
Arequipa – Chivay - Cruz del Condor - Sangalle
We depart from Arequipa city early in the morning at approximately 3:30 am; we drive for 4 hours in private transport to the small village of Chivay (3,600 meters/11,811 feet). In Chivay we stop for our breakfast; later we continue to La Cruz del Condor, which is the best spot to observe the majestic condor and part of the Colca Canyon. Our guide will provide the information about the condor and wildlife that exist in the area.
After, we keep driving for another 30 minutes to reach the trailhead 3,300 meters (10,826 feet) where our trek starts. The first section of the hike will be around 2.40 hours down into the canyon. On the way, you will see wonderful and magnificent scenery of the canyon and feel how the temperature changes. Upon arrival we will get lunch at our restaurant and rest a bit, having an incredible view in front.
Later in the afternoon we continue our hike, descending towards the deepest part of our trek, until we reach Sangalle 1900 meters (6,233 ft) Once you arrive here, you will be able to join the pools and relax before getting our dinner. Spend the night next to the Oasis in the middle of the canyon with breathtaking views.
Sangalle - Cabanaconde – Chivay - Arequipa
We wake up early and begin the challenging three-hour ascent to Cabanaconde. As the sun rises, the trail offers impressive views of the canyon and surrounding Andean communities. Along the way, our guide will explain the local traditions, culture and history of the area.
After reaching Cabanaconde, we continue by bus toward Yanque, where you can relax in the thermal baths. We then have lunch before taking our transportation back to Arequipa in the afternoon.
At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded in our 2-Day Colca Canyon Trek. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.
WE INCLUDE
Vidal Expeditions Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Colca Canyon Trek departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details about the trek.
Professional Adventure Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation for customer service. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the amazing Colca Canyon.
Accommodations
At Vidal Expeditions, we include accommodations for one night along the Colca Canyon trek. We provide a night in Sangalle lodge, which will be shared only with 2 people to ensure your comfort and enough space for your luggage. If you want to upgrade to a private room, it will have extra fees S/ 60 soles.
Transportations
Private Transport
All transportation during the tour is included. We pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa and take you to the trailhead. After the trek, our return transportation takes you back to Arequipa and drops you off at your hotel.
Equipment
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides at Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every six months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained on how to supply balloon oxygen if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
At Vidal Expeditions, we know food is such an important part of any vacation, and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. We include 2 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food you've ever had with local and organic ingredients.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Water bottle
Every trekker along the Colca canyon trek needs water bottle, two littler is well recommend, if you need more you can buy more water along the route.
Entrance fee to Colca
We don't include the entrance to Colca Canyon, the entrance ticket cost S/70 Peruvian soles ($25USD aprox.) and it need to be paid upon the entry on the first day.
Hot Springs Tiket
If you decided to join the hot springs on the second day, the ticket is not included and it cost S/15 Soles
Last lunch
Travel Insurance
Tips for our team
We do not included the last lunch, however our team will stop in a resturant in Chivay where you can get lunch.
We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Colca Canyon, and although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team's hard work.
What to Pack for the Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days
At Vidal Expeditions we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack?
Important
- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
Personal items:
- 2 wicking t-shirts
- 1 hiking pants
- 2 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
- Small towel
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
IMPORTANT EXTRA ITEMS:
A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger, try to make it as light as possible. Water: We supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning's water only, as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days FAQs
The 2-day trek is the most popular, fast-paced adventure option to explore the Colca Canyon, which is one of the world's deepest canyons.
Well, you need more than two days to explore the complete natural wonder that has Colca canyon; however, a two-day tour is perfect for those who are limited in time and want to see the beauty of the Andes..
The Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days is considered a moderate to challenging hike, mainly because of the long descent on Day 1 and the demanding ascent from Sangalle to Cabanaconde on Day 2. Previous acclimatization in Arequipa and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.
The trek reaches at 3,300 meters as the highest point during this 2 days trek.
No, we recommend bringing the necessary items for these two days; these will fit enough in your day backpack. If you have extra luggage, you can store these in your hotel or hostel in Arequipa.
The trek is moderate to challenging, with the most demanding section on Day 2. The ascent from Sangalle to Cabanaconde requires sustained uphill hiking, so travelers should have a reasonable level of fitness and prepare with regular walking or hiking before the trip.
Our guides carry first-aid equipment and emergency oxygen, but travelers should take altitude symptoms seriously and inform their guide immediately if they feel unwell.
Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you're hiking through a difficult terrain, especially on day 2, some of them are slippery, now uneven, and at varying heights. The extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.
The complete 2-day route covers approximately 21 km (13 miles). Day 1 covers around 12 km, while Day 2 involves approximately 9 km including the ascent and walking sections.
Yes. Cruz del Condor is one of the best places to look for Andean condors. Sightings are common, but wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well.
All hotels in Arequipa have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free even if you'll change hotel after the trek, In case they will say no, we have storage available in the Vidal Expeditions office. Get more information from our office team.
Weather in Colca Canyon can change quickly, even when the forecast looks favorable. April through September is generally drier, while November through February tends to be wetter, with March and October often acting as transition months. We recommend preparing for both sun and rain throughout the year. Mornings and evenings can be cold, so bring warm layers and rain protection.
From: USD 100.00 per person
USD 100.00: from 4 people to more
*Pair of trekking poles $8USD
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Vidal Expeditions will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at vidalexpeditions@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
2 Days / 1 Night Colca Canyon Trek
What's it like
Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days / 1 Night Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Vidal Expeditions we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along group size is a capped at 10 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Lodge: Stay at a cozy lodge in the Sangalle Oasis, featuring a refreshing swimming pool, comfortable rooms, and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by deep canyon walls after your rewarding downhill hike.
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Bus to the Trailhead: Enjoy a comfortable round-trip journey in a tourist bus from Arequipa, featuring scenic stops at high-altitude volcanic viewpoints and the Salinas National Reserve to observe wild vicuñas and alpacas.
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Camping Equipment: WWe provide high-quality trekking gear if needed (like walking poles) and ensure all facilities used are thoroughly sanitized. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
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Best Trekking team: At Vidal Expeditions we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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