Forget the typical boring tours with just viewpoint stops and just souvenirs shoping. Your journey with us is a personal challenge: a deep, 3 day commitment to one of the world’s most spectacular natural chasms. The Colca Canyon Trek from Arequipa is the benchmark for adventure in Peru, designed not just for viewing, but for true Andean immersion.
Are you ready for this ? The canyon’s raw geological majesty offers an awe-inspiring, yet highly rewarding, physical test. This three day Colca Canyon trek is your entry point into a world of dramatic verticality. We take you safely through the depths, assuring a profound encounter with Peru’s wild heart that will leave you speechless, not just awestruck.
Our path weaves through remote villages, where time seems to slow down. You won’t just see pre inca trails and beutiful terraces; you will hike alongside the Collagua and Cabana descendants who have worked on them for centuries.
Experience authentic Peruvian life, far removed from modern haste. This is history you can touch.
The daily effort culminates in reaching remote destinations, such as the lovely San Juan de Chucho village and a beautiful Oasis, where a lush retreat nestled on the canyon floor. After a rejuvenating night, we tackle the pre-dawn ascension. This early morning climb is where the personal triumph happens, rewarding you with unrivaled sunrise vistas over the canyon rim.
At Peru Ultimate Expedition, our seasoned experts guarantee your journey. Safety remains paramount, yet we meticulously maximize cultural depth at every turn. We don’t just guide; we manage every intricate logistical element, seamlessly transforming a complex itinerary into a memorable experience.
Check what our clients say about their experiences
This is an adventurous expedition, not a high-end luxury tour. We trek through the remote and rugged landscapes of the Colca Canyon. The reward is the sense of achievement, along with the enjoyment of pure nature and local traditions.
A True Hiking Expedition: This is the core of the trip. Expect a demanding 3-day trek covering over 25 km (15.625 miles) with significant high-altitude elevation change. This is a physical test designed for active hikers, not casual tourists.
Conquer the Colca Canyon Geopark: Don’t just discover the Geopark, conquer it. Descend 1,300 meters into one of the world’s deepest canyons, then, on the final day at dawn, climb your way back to the top, traversing breathtaking landscapes along the way.
Expert-Led, Not Just “Guided” This isn’t a passive, follow-the-leader tour. Our guides are mountain trekking specialists. They personalize the challenge, manage your safety, and provide deep context on the region’s culture, geology, history, flora and much more.
Scenery You Must Earn: Forget “breathtaking scenery” from a bus window. Our 3 day pace grants access to vistas and angles that other tours miss. The most “unique photo” is the one you take at the summit ridge, earned after the 3 hour pre-dawn ascent.
Authentic Sustenance: Enjoy an authentic experience of local cusine, you will eat hearty, high-energy Andean meals, understanding the real food that powers life in the canyon.
Engage with Living History: You won’t just visit historical sites from a distance. You will sleep in remote villages that are a living historical site, interacting directly with families who have inhabited this land for generations.
This is an authentic trekking expedition. Your success and enjoyment depend entirely on being properly prepared for the challenge. Read this section carefully.
This exiting first day of the 3 day Colca Canyon trek is a high-impact blend of iconic wildlife viewing and physical challenge, culminating in a cultural exchange.
The expedition demands a necessary early start from your accommodation in Arequipa (03:00 AM – 03:30 AM). This timing is crucial to reach the canyon viewpoints before the thermals rise. We travel three hours to Chivay for an essential, delicious breakfast to fuel the long day ahead.
Following breakfast, we head directly to the Cruz del Cóndor lookout point. You will spend time observing the majestic Andean Condor (Vulture Gryphus) in flight, an incredible high-reward experience earned by the early wake-up. This site is the highlight of the Colca canyon.
We then continue the drive to Cabanaconde (Pampa San Miguel), which serves as the official starting gate for our Three day hike in the Colca Canyon.
The Colca Canyon trek officially begins with the first physical test: a challenging 3.5-hour descent. We drop a demanding 1,300m (4,290ft) down a steep, winding path to the canyon floor.
Along the rugged trail, observe the unique high-Andean vegetation and the spectacular geology of the canyon. Depending on the season (January to May), wild prickly pears may be available to collect.
The descent concludes at the Colca River, leading us to the remote, authentic community of San Juan de Chuccho. Here, you will receive a local, restorative lunch prepared with fresh, regional ingredients.
The afternoon is dedicated to recovery and deep cultural immersion. You can explore the area, including the nearby pre-Inca ruins of Tapay, and gain unique vistas of the massive Sepregina and Bomboya peaks.
The day concludes with a local dinner at approx. 7:00 PM and a interesting cultural briefing. Your tour guide will discuss the local ethnic groups, traditions, peruvian national reality and before you go to sleep we make plan for the next day.
Accommodation: Family homestay -San Juan de Chuccho
Trailhead: 3300 meters 11220 feet
San Juan de Chucho height: 2100 meters 6930 feet
Hiking distance: 7.5 km – 4.68 miles
Today Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Vegetarian food: Available
Day 2 of the 3 day Colca Canyon trek is the expedition’s heart. This journey challenges your stamina, rewards you with unforgettable cultural depth, and delivers you to your earned sanctuary.
Breakfast fuels the soul at 7:30 AM before we face the day’s adventure. The morning requires a sustained, rewarding ascent toward Cosñirhua (2,600m). This effort is immediately rewarded.
We visit the small local school in Cosñirhua, offering a profound and genuine cultural exchange. This is an unforgettable connection a unique privilege to witness and engage with the enduring, warm heart of the canyon’s community.
The trek continues toward Malata village, where you literally step back in time. This area is a preserved sanctuary of authentic Andean life, cultivating unique fruits such as 5 varieties of avocado lucma, chirimoya, pacay, aples, lemon among others.
The community maintains a deep, visible reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth), centered around their tiny 17th-century church. Witnessing these traditions creates a rare, palpable sense of living history.
The final part takes around 40- 50 minutes of descent, leading to the Colca River crossing and the iconic Oasis (2,100m). This is your earned sanctuary, hidden deep within the canyon walls.
Upon arrival, secure your basic, authentic lodging and enjoy a well-deserved, revitalizing lunch. The afternoon is your moment to claim. Refresh in the secluded pool, explore the unique, magical setting, and savor the moment, this is the ultimate reward of the expedition.
Accommodation: family logde Sangalle (Oasis)
Sangalle Oasis height: 2000 meters/ 6561 feet
Hiking distance: 11 km – 6.87 miles
Today Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Vegetarian food: Available
The clock hits 4:30 AM, but this is not just an early start, it is your final, defining moment. The Colca Canyon Ascent is the ultimate challenge you came to conquer. We begin the relentless, 3-hour climb in the deep Andean pre-dawn darkness.
Focus on the reward. Every disciplined step reflects the trekking strength you have earned over the last two days. This is where your commitment pays off.
As you reach the canyon rim, the sun breaks over the peaks, revealing a view of the world few ever witness. This is your personal triumph, crystallized in a breathtaking sunrise. After conquering the colossal chasm, we reward your resilience with an authentic, well deserved breakfast.
After a good rest the transfer takes you back into the daylight and the rich history of the valley.
Witness the breathtaking landscape dominated by thousands of Pre-Inca terraces, a UNESCO-worthy testament to Andean agricultural ingenuity. This is living history on a monumental scale.
Stop for a genuine cultural break in rural village. Visit the colonial church, a structure of profound historical importance, and engage directly with the local market for unique, authentic souvenirs.
Your body earned this. We head directly to the thermo-medicinal baths, the perfect restorative reward after three days of high-impact trekking.
Submerge yourself in the naturally heated waters (a soothing 38°C to 40°C). This is your essential moment of peace, designed to relax muscles, relieve soreness, and prepare you for the journey back to Arequipa.
Following a final, delicious lunch in Chivay, we continue with the scenic return to the White City. This is a final adventure stop, focusing on high-altitude Peruvian landscapes:
We pause at the highest point of the route, Patapampa, offering staggering panoramic views over 4,910 meters (16,108 ft). Capture the final, epic photos of the Andean mountain range.
later, we go through the Vicuña National Reserve: Search for the majestic vicuñas, the wild, protected relatives of the llama, ensuring a final, authentic Peruvian wildlife encounter.
You will arrive in Arequipa city at approximately 5:00 PM, completing your unforgettable 3 day Colca Canyon Expedition.
Oasis elevation: 2000 meters/ 6561 feet
Cabanaconde town: 3300 meters /10890 feet
Hiking distance: 5.5 km
Today Meals: breakfast, lunch
Vegetarian food: Available
Your journey through the Colca Canyon should align perfectly with your vision. Peru Ultimate Expedition offers three distinct service levels, allowing you to confidently select the travel style that fits you best. Whichever option you choose, our standard of excellence remains constant: expert certified guides, deep cultural authenticity, and the breathtaking beauty of the Andes.
🧿 Certified official tour guide (English/Spanish).
🧿 Shared tourist transport with professional driver.
🧿 Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arequipa city center (unless Puno transfer is booked for day 2).
🧿 Accommodation: 2 Nights in a family homestay (Shared bathroom).
🧿 Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners.
Smart Value & Camaraderie Opting for our Group Service is the smart choice for explorers who prioritize value and camaraderie. We have designed this Colca Canyon 3 day trekking experience specifically for travelers who thrive in a group setting and seek adventure without compromising on quality. You will share the costs—and the unforgettable moments—with fellow adventurers, making this journey accessible and deeply rewarding.
✨ Briefing 1 day before deprture
✨ Certified official tour guide (English/Spanish)
✨ Shared tourist transpor
✨ Professional driver – licence A3
✨ 2 Nights in a family homestay (Private bathroom & hot shower)
✨ Full Meals (3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners)
✨ Colca Canyon entrance Ticket
✨ Hot Springs entrance
✨ Oxygen & First Aid kit
✨ Hotel pick-up, on day 1
✨ Drop-off in Arequipa city center (unless Puno transfer is booked)
Perfect for those seeking extra comfort, authentic experiences, and added inclusions that balances exclusivity with cultural authenticity at a reasonable price. This service includes only a shared round-trip transfer to and from the Colca Canyon. Once the hike begins, the experience becomes fully private, featuring a dedicated tour guide, personalized service, and enhanced amenities. Perfect for those who prioritize a private hiking experience.
💎 Personal briefing 1 day before the excursion
💎 Flexible departure time & Pick-up from hotel, bus station, or airport
💎 Private tourist transportation
💎 Professional driver – licence A3
💎 Private Certified official tour guide (English/Spanish).
💎 2 Nights in a family lodge (Private bathroom & hot shower)
💎 Full traditional meals (Vegetarian/Vegan options available)
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches 2 Dinners. (Buffet on Day 3)
💎 1 Mule (to carry your backpacks)
💎 Muleteer (to care conrol and feed the mules)
💎 Headlamps & Hiking Poles
💎 Colca Canyon Entrance Fee
💎 Hot Springs entrance
💎 Tea time on second day
💎 Oxygen & First Aid kit
💎 Snacks
💎 Food/accommodation for the staff
This service is designed for discerning travelers seeking a higher level of comfort, exclusivity, and a fully personalized experience. You won’t share the hiking experience with other people, ensuring complete privacy and the freedom to set your own pace.
Enjoy the flexibility of a private transportation and the dedicated attention of an expert tour guide focused on delivering a seamless, safe, and world-class adventure tailored to your preferences. This service represents the pinnacle of customization and excellence in nature and adventure travel.
To ensure you are fully prepared, please note the following items and services not included in the tour price. Remember to plan for these expenses.
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Entrance ticket (Group Service)
❌ Lunch on Day 3 (Group Service)
❌ Entrance to the hot springs (Group Service)
❌ Alcoholic beverages and water
❌ Gratitudes
❌ Transfer to Puno or Cusco (click here)
Following these essential recommendations will ensure you’re fully prepared, allowing you to enjoy your excursion with confidence.
If you have choseen the Private Premium Service, Forget the heavy backpack, for your entire 3 day Colca Canyon trek, our trusted mules and experienced arriero (muleteer) will handle all luggage transport. The premium service allow you to immerse yourself in an authentic, unburdened experience.
Preparing for the Peru Adventure Tours is essential to ensure a safe, comfortable, and rewarding adventure. Please review these important recommendations before beginning your tour in the Colca canyon.
👉 If you are planning your first trip to the Andes or high-altitude locations, we strongly advise you to familiarize yourself with ALTITUDE SICKNESS (AMS). Please consult the following websites, which have been selected by experts and scientists in high-altitude medicine.
check Expert Resources on Altitude Sickness Prevention
Ismmed.org
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-to-high-altitudes
👉 If you think do not have adequate prior acclimatization, we suggest booking an additional high-altitude activity. This provides the necessary time, exposure and physical training for your body to adjust before the trekking Acclimatization Tours in Peru
👉 Ensure you wear proper equipment and clothing adapted to variable environmental conditions
👉 Notify our team immediately if you experience any delays or setbacks when arriving in Arequipa City, so we can adjust logistics and ensure a smooth expedition.
👉 Mandatory Luggage Protocol: For safety and ease of movement, all heavy or non-essential luggage must be stored for the duration of the 3 day Colca trek.
check these options:
👉 Request any additional gear in advance, including trekking poles, backpacks, hiking boots, or headlamps, check availability.
👉 Inform us of any medical conditions that may require special attention during your three day Colca Canyon trek.
By following these recommendations, you’ll be fully prepared to conquer the Colca canyon. Our experienced guides and dedicated team are committed to making your trekking experience safe, memorable, and truly extraordinary.
📢 Mandatory Travel Insurance and Health Declaration
All clients booking our adventure trips must have required travel insurance. For your safety and the success of the expedition, it is also mandatory that you declare any existing health conditions, whether physical or mental, to our team during the booking process.
📢 Book with Confidence: We Guarantee Your Trip Will Run
Unlike other operators who frequently cancel trips due to low enrollment or outsource travelers to large group tour companies, we guarantee our commitments. We will never cancel a trip for low participation, nor will we transfer your booking to a third-party operator.
This promise gives our travelers the assurance and peace of mind that their travel plans are 100% confirmed and protected.
📢 Expedition Leaders / Tour Guides
Our Expedition Leaders are more than guides; they are seasoned Andean veterans with specialized training from Peru’s premier institutions. This expertise ensures an exceptional journey. Your leader will adapt every trek to your individual rhythm and skill level. They are always attentive and ready to teach essential techniques, guaranteeing a safe, high-performance, and enjoyable experience, no matter your experience level.
📢 Perfect Preparation for Peruvian Adventures
Hiking the Colca Canyon is the perfect preparation. By successfully completing this challenging descent and ascent, you’ll not only witness spectacular views but also perfectly condition yourself for Peru’s other legendary treks. Consider the Colca Canyon your essential training ground for adventures like the Inca Trail, Salkantay, Choquequirao, Santa Cruz Trek among others
📢 The Best Season for the Colca Canyon Trek
The Colca Canyon trek can be enjoyed all year round. Book your adventure during the Dry Season (April–November) for reliable trekking conditions and clear skies. Alternatively, embrace the quiet of the Rainy Season (December–March/April) for a greener, less crowded, and truly authentic canyon experience. Both seasons offer unforgettable adventure.
📢 Special Dietary Requirements
To guarantee the quality and safety of your meals, especially in remote locations, advance notice is mandatory. Please notify us of all food allergies or dietary restrictions immediately upon booking so we can make the necessary arrangements with our providers and expedition teams.
📢 Pre-Departure Meeting
The day before your tour, you will have a meeting with your tour guide to receive in-depth information about the excursion. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions and get the final, specific details you will need.
This option is a fantastic way to meet people and experience the adventure together with a tribe of
6 – 8 Explorers.
THE PRICE APPLIES PER PERSON
To open this group we need at least 2 people
| Persons | Price | Book now |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Person | $ USD 220.00 | BOOK NOW |
This option offers the ideal balance of privacy and convenience:
The trekking excursion is fully private, exclusively for your group. You will only share the transportation to and from Colca Canyon. with other tourists. offering a seamless and efficient way to begin and end your adventure.
THE PRICE APPLIES PER PERSON
| Persons | Price | Book now |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 People | $ USD 290.00 | BOOK NOW |
| 3-4 People | $ USD 270.00 | BOOK NOW |
| 5 to more People | $ USD 250.00 | BOOK NOW |
Send us your personal information, as well as details of your trip
Send us at least 40% of the total deposit to confirm your trip.
You will receive a confirmation of your reservation, tickets, entries, and details.
Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that's left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we'll be with you every step of the way.At Peru Ultimate Expedition, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.
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