Based in Cusco, Peru, Heather is an expert on travel to Peru and South America. Heather writes on tourism, trekking, and social issues in Peru for publications including BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Matador Network, Thrifty Nomads, World Nomads, Frommer's, Flashpack, and more. Heather co-founded the Covid Relief Project with Henry Quintano Loaiza to assist vulnerable families in the Cusco region.
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Distance: 14km
- Duration: Two days
- Max elevation: 3,500 metres
- Start/end point: Cabanaconde
The Colca Canyon Trek is by far the most popular trek in the Arequipa region. The trailhead is in Cabanaconde, 220km (4/5 hour drive) from Arequipa. The route takes you into the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, and offers spectacular views of the Andes Mountains and the Colca River.
The standard two day trek from Cabanaconde to San Juan de Chuccho involves around 7km hiking each day. It doesn't sound like far, but the altitude will make you feel otherwise. Some agencies offer a three day itinerary that is easier and includes a night in Sangalle. There are also day tours from Arequipa, which aren't really advisable: it's mostly driving with a short hike.
Just 20 minutes before you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll stop at the Cruz del Condor, where condors soar so close to the canyon walls that you will feel like you can reach out and touch them. After you hike down into the canyon, the trail follows the Colca River, passing through small villages and terraced fields. The hike up out of the canyon from San Juan de Chuccho back to Cabanaconde is gruelling, especially if you don’t start early enough and you are subject to the harsh desert sun.
I'd strongly advise you don't attempt this (or any hike in the Andes) without giving yourself plenty of time to acclimatise.
Accommodation
There are both hotels and homestays in San Juan de Chuccho. If you book through an agency, they will already have a room reserved for you. If you are hiking on your own, you can find a place on arrival.
How to book
Guided treks are widely offered by agencies in Arequipa, Lima and Cusco. You can book ahead of time or upon arrival. If you are booking through an agency that’s not located in Arequipa, ask which local operator they use so you can check reviews of the guides and services.
At a glance
Destinations
Colca Canyon
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & TrekkingPhysical Level
Strenuous
Duration
2 days
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