Arequipa – Colca Canyon 3D/2N

The tour begins with a timely pick-up from your hotel and a drive to the traditional district of Yanahuara. There, you’ll visit its iconic viewpoint, known for its beautiful white ashlar arches and for offering panoramic views of the city framed by the majestic Misti volcano.

We’ll then head toward Arequipa’s historic city center to explore the Plaza de Armas — the heart of the city — where you'll admire the grand Cathedral, the colonial arcades, and the emblematic Church of the Society of Jesus, known for its elaborate baroque facade and its richly decorated chapel.

Finally, we’ll visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a remarkable architectural complex founded in the 16th century that resembles a miniature city. Walking through its colorful streets, peaceful cloisters, and preserved rooms will give you a unique glimpse into the colonial era and monastic life.

The tour ends at the entrance of the monastery, right in the heart of Arequipa, where you can choose to continue discovering the city on your own or return at your leisure to your accommodation.

Your Colca Canyon adventure begins early in the morning, with a pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa around 3:00 a.m. The drive takes you across the scenic high Andean plateau, where you’ll witness a dramatic change in landscapes—from desert-like plains to snowcapped volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll make a short stop at Patapampa Pass, located at 4,800 meters (15,748 ft), the highest point of the journey. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Hualca Hualca volcanoes.

Around 6:30 a.m., you'll arrive in Chivay (3,635 m / 11,926 ft), the capital of the Colca Valley, where a local breakfast awaits. Afterward, the journey continues along the left bank of the Colca Valley. Keep your eyes open for traditional villages, colonial churches, ancient agricultural terraces, and local farmers working the land in colorful traditional dress.

By approximately 8:30 a.m., you’ll reach one of the highlights of the day: the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). This is one of the best spots in South America to observe the majestic Andean condor as it soars effortlessly above the depths of the canyon.

After soaking in the views, the vehicle takes you to the town of Cabanaconde (3,280 m / 10,761 ft), where the trek begins. You’ll start descending into the canyon from the San Miguel viewpoint, following a zigzagging trail carved into the mountain. The descent covers approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and takes about 3 hours, with an elevation drop of over 1,200 meters (3,937 ft). The arid terrain and towering canyon walls create a dramatic backdrop for the hike.

At the base of the canyon, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Colca River and arrive at San Juan de Chuccho (2,300 m / 7,546 ft), a small Andean village surrounded by lush vegetation. Here you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch in a local guesthouse and take a short rest.

After lunch and a brief break, the journey continues as you trek along the inner canyon, passing through the traditional villages of Cosñirhua and Malata. This part of the trail covers approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) and takes about 2 hours, offering stunning views of the canyon, native flora, and glimpses into daily life in these remote communities.

Eventually, you’ll arrive at Sangalle, also known as The Oasis (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), a hidden paradise of palm trees, natural springs, and gardens nestled at the bottom of the canyon. Here, you can unwind and relax in refreshing natural pools, surrounded by peaceful nature and silence. Dinner is served at the lodge, where you'll also spend the night in basic but comfortable accommodations, resting up for the challenging ascent the next morning.

The day begins early, around 4:30 a.m., while the sky is still dark and stars twinkle above the canyon. After a light breakfast, the ascent starts from the Sangalle Oasis (2,100 meters / 6,890 feet above sea level) towards the village of Cabanaconde (3,280 meters / 10,760 feet). This section covers approximately 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) and involves an elevation gain of over 1,100 meters (3,600 feet), usually completed in about 3 hours, depending on your pace and acclimatization. As you climb, the sunrise gradually lights up the canyon walls, offering spectacular views that reward your effort. The trail is steep and winding, demanding determination, but the breathtaking scenery and sense of achievement motivate every step.

Upon reaching Cabanaconde, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved breakfast to refuel. Then, the journey back to Arequipa begins with several stops along the way to make the most of the route and appreciate the region’s natural and cultural richness. The first stop is at the Yanque hot springs, where you can relax in natural thermal waters at around 38°C (100°F), perfect for soothing tired muscles after the hike. This visit lasts approximately one hour and is optional.

Next, you continue to Chivay for a buffet lunch featuring traditional regional dishes, a great opportunity to recharge. The route then climbs to the highest point at the Patapampa Viewpoint (4,800 meters / 15,750 feet), offering panoramic views of the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Hualca Hualca volcanoes.

Further along, you pass through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can spot native Andean camelids such as vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat. Before reaching Arequipa, there’s a final stop at Patahuasi to use restroom facilities and stretch your legs before continuing the last leg of the trip.

The journey concludes with your arrival in Arequipa around 5:00 p.m., marking the end of an unforgettable experience in one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in the world.