3-Day Colca Canyon Trek from Arequipa: Ancient Trails

Walk down into Colca Canyon and back up over three days on moderate trails.

A 3-day trek through Colca Canyon from Arequipa follows ancient trails down into the canyon and back out, with two nights in a cabin at Sangalle. You walk roughly 3 hours each day, stop at Cruz del Condor to watch for condors, pass through villages, and soak in hot springs on the return. A live guide leads the group in English, Spanish or French, and the operator handles all transport and entry.

The experience

The trek starts before dawn with a 3am pickup from Arequipa, then a 3-hour drive to Chivay where breakfast waits. From there you stop at Cruz del Condor lookout for 30 minutes to watch for the canyon's majestic birds, then drive 15 minutes to Cabanaconde where the actual trekking begins. Day 1 takes you down the canyon for about 3 hours to San Juan de Chuccho, where you stay overnight.

Day 2 is the deepest part of the canyon. After breakfast you trek for 3 hours through Cisñirgua and Malata villages, arriving at Sangalle where the cabin sits near a natural swimming pool. The views from Sangalle stretch across the canyon walls, and the pool offers a chance to cool off after the walk. Day 3 reverses the route: you trek back up to Cabanaconde in about 3 hours, eat breakfast there, then ride back to Arequipa. The return journey includes stops for hot springs and lunch, with arrival around 5pm.

The trek is designed for moderate experience. You don't need to be a serious mountaineer, but you should be comfortable walking downhill and uphill on steep terrain. Children from age 10 can join. The operator provides an air-conditioned vehicle for all driving sections, and a guide who speaks your language stays with the group throughout.

What’s included

• Two nights in a canyon cabin.
• entrance ticket to Colca Canyon.
• air-conditioned vehicle for all transport sections.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or French.
• hot springs ticket on the return journey.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Peru Breathtaking Trips

Is this one for you?This is a shared group trek with a guide leading the route, so it suits travelers who want the security of a set itinerary and someone who knows the trail, rather than navigating alone. The 3-hour daily walks fit a moderate fitness level, steep but not extreme, so it works for trekkers who want a real challenge without needing mountaineering skills.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Cruz del Condor and why do we stop there?

Cruz del Condor is a lookout point in the Colca Valley where Andean condors soar over the canyon. The stop lasts 30 minutes and gives you a chance to spot these massive birds in their natural habitat.

How difficult is the trekking on this 3-day route?

Walking time is around 3 hours each day on moderate trails. The trek goes downhill into the canyon on Day 1 and uphill back out on Day 3, so you need a moderate level of fitness and comfort with steep terrain, but it is not a technical climb.

Where do we sleep during the trek?

You stay in a cabin in the canyon for 2 nights, both at Sangalle. The location sits near a natural swimming pool where you can swim after the day's walk.

What happens on the drive back to Arequipa on Day 3?

After trekking back up to Cabanaconde and eating breakfast, you board the air-conditioned vehicle for the return to Arequipa. The bus stops along the way for hot springs and lunch, and you arrive back in the city around 5pm.

Do I need previous trekking experience to join this tour?

The trek is designed for those with moderate trekking experience. You should be comfortable walking on steep terrain for 3 hours at a time, but you don't need to be an experienced mountaineer.