Colca 4D/3N Fure Trekking

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.

From here, the journey continues by vehicle for approximately 20 minutes to the town of Cabanaconde (3,280 m / 10,761 ft), the starting point of the trek. After a brief stop to prepare and gather your gear, the hiking portion begins.

You’ll follow a well-marked trail leading toward the Achachihua viewpoint, which offers expansive views of the canyon, including glimpses of the Colca River and the remote Llahuar area far below. The landscape gradually shifts from highland farmland to dramatic canyon cliffs, creating an impressive visual transition.

From Achachihua (approx. 3,100 m / 10,170 ft), the descent begins in earnest. The trail zigzags steeply down for about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles), dropping over 1,200 meters (3,937 ft) in elevation. Expect the hike to take around 3 to 4 hours, depending on pace and trail conditions. Along the way, you’ll pass layers of geological strata, sparse vegetation, and wide canyon views that showcase the immense scale of Colca.

Just before reaching Llahuar, keep an eye out for a unique natural phenomenon: thermal springs emerging directly from the rock along the riverbank, releasing visible jets of hot water that mix with the Colca River. These natural hot water vents are not true geysers, but they create a fascinating and rare geothermal display in the canyon environment.

At the bottom, you’ll reach Llahuar (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) — a tranquil riverside settlement located at the confluence of the Colca and Huaruro rivers. Here you’ll find natural hot springs, perfect for relaxing after the long descent. After soaking your muscles, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and spend the night in a rustic yet comfortable guesthouse, falling asleep to the sound of rushing water under a sky full of stars.

After breakfast in Llahuar (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), the second day of the Colca Canyon trek begins with a scenic and gradual ascent along the Huaruro River. This route leads toward one of the most remote and less-visited corners of the canyon: the village of Fure and the powerful Huaruro Waterfall.

The first segment takes approximately 2 hours, heading upstream toward the small village of Llatica (2,400 m / 7,874 ft). This quiet community, inhabited by a handful of families, offers a good opportunity for a short break and water refill.

From Llatica, the trail continues uphill toward Fure (2,750 m / 9,022 ft). This section takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on pace and trail conditions. The path traverses narrow canyons, small cultivated plots, and scenic ridgelines overlooking deep sections of the Colca Canyon. The area is less frequented by tourists, which adds to its remote and authentic character.

Upon arriving in Fure, hikers are welcomed with a freshly prepared local lunch and a well-deserved rest at a basic homestay run by local families.

In the afternoon, the hike continues towards the Huaruro Waterfall, one of the hidden gems of the canyon. The trail from Fure to the waterfall is about 2 km (1.25 miles) each way, with mild elevation gain, taking roughly 45 minutes each way. The waterfall itself drops from a height of over 70 meters (230 feet), creating a powerful and visually stunning cascade amid the rocky cliffs.

After enjoying the view and taking photos, hikers return to Fure following the same path. The day ends with a traditional dinner and overnight stay in the peaceful setting of this remote Andean village.

This stage of the Colca Canyon trek offers not only physical challenge but also a rare chance to experience the canyon’s lesser-known beauty and cultural isolation, far from the main tourist trails.

After an early breakfast in Fure, the trek proceeds westward along a less-traveled path, offering expansive views of the Colca Canyon. The trail ascends gradually, leading to the Apacheta Viewpoint (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), a notable spot where travelers often pause to rest and appreciate the panoramic vistas of the canyon and the oasis below .

From the Apacheta Viewpoint, the path descends towards the small village of Malata (2,400 m / 7,874 ft). This segment of the hike takes approximately 2 hours, traversing through terraced fields and traditional Andean landscapes. Malata offers a brief respite, with opportunities to interact with local residents and observe the rustic architecture.

The final leg of the day's trek descends to Sangalle, also known as the Oasis, located at approximately 2,100 meters (6,890 ft). This descent covers about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) and takes around 1.5 hours. Sangalle is a verdant enclave featuring palm trees, fruit orchards, and natural pools fed by nearby springs.

Upon arrival in Sangalle, a well-deserved lunch awaits, followed by an afternoon of relaxation. The natural pools offer a refreshing respite after the day's hike. Dinner and overnight accommodations are provided at a comfortable lodge, preparing you for the ascent back to Cabanaconde on the following day.

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.