Trip Info
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Touristic transportation
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4,900 m / 16,076 ft above sea level
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San Juan of Chuccho
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Moderate to Challenging
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Hiking
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English / Spanish
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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Overview
Experience the raw beauty of the Colca Canyon from a different angle with this unique reverse trek. Unlike the traditional route, this adventure begins with a descent into the canyon’s dramatic depths and ends with a rewarding ascent—flipping the journey and offering a fresh perspective.
Hike through breathtaking landscapes, cross hanging bridges, and discover remote villages like Sangalle and San Juan de Chuccho, where time seems to slow down. Along the way, you’ll witness the canyon’s vastness, its natural contrasts, and the daily life of its people.
This reverse version is perfect for travelers seeking a more gradual rhythm on day one, more time to connect with local communities, and a deeper immersion in one of Peru’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins early, with a pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa around 3:00 a.m. As we drive across the breathtaking Andean plateau, you'll witness stark desert landscapes blending into majestic snowcapped volcanoes. A quick stop at Patapampa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), the highest point of the route, offers panoramic views of the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Hualca Hualca volcanoes.
Around 6:30 a.m., we reach Chivay (3,635 m / 11,926 ft), the gateway to the Colca Valley, where you'll enjoy a local breakfast to start your day. The journey continues through the left side of the Colca Canyon, passing charming Andean villages, terraced fields, and stunning pre-Inca agricultural landscapes.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., we arrive at the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), one of the best places in South America to observe the flight of the majestic Andean condor as it glides over the canyon’s vast expanse.
We then head to Cabanaconde (3,280 m / 10,761 ft), where our trekking adventure begins. From the town, we descend directly into the canyon following a zigzag trail down to the Oasis of Sangalle (2,100 m / 6,890 ft). This part of the trail spans about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) and takes approximately 3 hours. Once at the bottom, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local lodge surrounded by palm trees and natural pools—a hidden paradise at the heart of the canyon.
After lunch and a well-deserved rest, the hike continues through the canyon as we ascend slightly along a scenic trail toward the village of San Juan de Chuccho (2,300 m / 7,546 ft). This part of the trek takes about 3 hours and passes through lush terrain and the nature.
Once in San Juan, you’ll settle into your guesthouse, where you’ll enjoy a home-cooked dinner before a restful night.
Your second day begins early—around 4:00 a.m., under the starry sky. After a light breakfast, you begin the ascent from San Juan to San Miguel viewpoint, near Cabanaconde. This challenging segment is around 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) with an elevation gain of over 1,000 meters (3,280 ft), typically taking about 4 hours depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking sunrise views over the canyon, a source of motivation as you tackle this demanding final stretch of the trek.
Upon reaching Cabanaconde, you’ll enjoy a well-earned breakfast, and then begin the journey back to Arequipa by vehicle. On the way, the first stop is at the Yanque Hot Springs, where you can relax for about an hour in naturally heated thermal pools (approx. 38°C / 100°F), perfect to ease your muscles after the hike.
Next, we stop in Chivay for a buffet lunch with traditional Andean cuisine before starting the drive across the Patapampa Pass again, with its towering views of the volcanoes.
Continuing through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, keep an eye out for vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas roaming freely across the highlands. A final short stop at Patahuasi gives you a chance to stretch and use restrooms before we head back to Arequipa, where we expect to arrive around 5:00 p.m..
This journey offers a unique way to experience the Colca Canyon—starting with a gentle descent and saving the rewarding challenge for the final day, creating a memorable and balanced adventure through one of the world's deepest canyons.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Hotel pickup in Arequipa
- Tourist transport with a professional driver
- Professional certified bilingual guide
- Accomodation in San Juan of Chuccho
- Private room w/ bath (Sgl, Dbl/Matr, Twin) + towel incl.
- All meals provided (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) featuring local Andean cuisine
- Visit to traditional villages and viewpoints
- Entrance to the Colca Canyon
- Entrance fee to the hot springs (optional)
- First aid kit and oxygen tank for altitude support
- Agency Assistance
Cost Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
- Additional meals or services not listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Both treks cover similar distances and elevations, but the Reverse Trek is generally considered more demanding. While the Classic Trek ends with the ascent from Sangalle to Cabanaconde, the Reverse version includes this steep climb on the second morning after a longer and more gradual first day. This means you’ll face the most difficult part of the trek (the uphill climb) after already having walked more and spent the night at a lower altitude, which can make it slightly more challenging for some travelers. However, both routes require good physical condition and previous hiking experience is highly recommended.
The dry season, from May to November, is ideal for trekking due to clear skies and minimal rainfall. The rainy season, from December to March, can make trails slippery and more challenging.
The Colca Canyon is one of the best places in South America to observe the Andean Condor. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, visiting viewpoints like Cruz del Condor in the morning increases the chances.
ATMs are not available in smaller villages like Cabanaconde. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash in Peruvian soles. Some establishments may accept credit cards, but often with an additional fee.
Yes. Most travelers leave their main luggage in Arequipa or in a secure storage provided by their hotel or tour operator. However, if you are continuing your journey directly from Chivay to another destination (such as Puno), you can bring all your luggage with you during the tour.
Before starting the hike, you’ll have time to prepare at a local base point in San Miguel — the starting point of the trek. There, you can securely store your main luggage in a designated storage area managed by local staff. It’s safe and commonly used by hikers. After completing the trek, your belongings will be waiting for you in this place, and you can continue your trip without any issues. Always confirm this service in advance with your operator to ensure everything is properly coordinated.
During the trek, you’ll only need a small daypack with essentials. After finishing the hike in Cabanaconde, your luggage will be returned to you so you can continue your journey without hassle.
Yes, experienced hikers can undertake the trek independently. However, hiring a local guide is recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insights.
Essential items include:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Warm clothing for cold nights
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Personal medications
- Flashlight or headlamp
Yes, most trekking packages include basic accommodations and meals. It’s essential to confirm the specifics with your tour operator.
Yes, it’s possible to travel to destinations like Puno or Cusco after completing the trek. Some tour operators offer packages that include transportation to these cities.
The uphill section from San Juan of Chuccho to Cabanaconde is the most physically demanding part of the trek, with over 1,300 meters of elevation gain in just a few kilometers.
If you feel unwell, overly tired, or unsure about making the ascent on foot, there is an option to hire a mule with a muleteer (mule handler). This service costs around 80 soles and can be arranged directly with your guide the same morning before starting the climb or the last night. It’s a popular and safe solution for travelers who need extra assistance to reach the top.
