The Colca Canyon is located north of the city of Arequipa, at 180 km (111,8 miles) from it. Over this valley, the erosion from the Colca river creates a canyon of about 70 km./43,5 ml in length, being the deepest of the world (3,000 m./9,842ft). Very beautiful landscapes with strong winds, overflown by condors which are the biggest flying birds in the world. At the Lookout (Mirador) "Cruz del Condor", located among Maca & Cabanaconde, it is very common to see condors in their majestic flight. Between December & March, the waters of the Colca
river offer great whitewater for canoeing lovers, one of the best places in the world for the practice of this sport. It includes rapids of high speed (gradient V+ ) and a great isolation in certain tracks. The upper part (Andagua) and the middle of it can be navigated in kayaks by sportsmen with much experience. This is an area of pure adrenaline.
Colca Canyon Trek Itinerary:
Day 1: We will pick you up at your hotel in Arequipa, then you'll have a short briefing about our trek and a 6-hour trip to Colca Canyon-Cabanaconde village. Brief stop at the Condor Cross - Tapay viewpoint (3,600 m). Lunch at Cabanaconde (3,280 m.), located in the left rim of the canyon. Start trekking in the Colca Canyon, descending 4 hours to the Colca river (2,160 m.), a difference of 1,200 meters. We will cross to the other side of the canyon and ascend to our family cabins or camping place. Arrival to the lodge and short walk to the San Juan de Chuccho village (2,300 m). Get together with the children & locals from this valley, participation in agricultural work and other activities. Campfire, dinner and rest.
Day 2: Continental country breakfast and beginning of long ascent to our next village called Tapay (3,000m). Visit to Cosñirhua & Malata (2,600m), it has a church of mixed origins, sights of the local landscape, very old terraces, snowcapped summits and varieties of flora & fauna. Descend again to the Colca river and arrive to Sangalle valley-Oasis (2,100m.) and get accommodation in the cabins or camping, relax at the swimming pool, lunch and exploration to the abandoned mines, waterfalls and fishing for trout in the Colca river.
18 hrs. Dine and rest.
Day 3: You will have your breakfast and begin a 3-hour ascent to the left rim of the Colca Canyon, to Cabanaconde. We walk up for 1,100 meters; this is the last hard & steep trail of all our excursion. Travel by bus for 30 minutes to the Condor's Cross lookout, viewing many smalls towns all around the Colca Valley, located in the high part of this canyon. Optional visit to the Hot Springs in Chivay (3,600 m). You have your lunch in Chivay and travel back four hours to Arequipa.
End of our trip.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Transfer to/from the Colca Canyon.
- Official English-Speaking guide.
- Public bus + Meals.
- 2 Nights in family lodging or camping.
- Canyon entrance.
DEPARTURES: Every day.
