Colca Canyon Trek: 3 Day Hike & Condor Viewing from Arequipa

Summary

Early start from arequipa, condors overhead, hiking deep into colca canyon, oasis pools and long climbs back

You’ll start before dawn from Arequipa, watch condors soar above Colca Canyon’s cliffs, trek rocky trails down to hidden villages, swim in an oasis pool beneath palm trees, and climb back out before sunrise with tired legs but a full heart. Meals are simple but filling, your local guide keeps things real, and every view feels hard-earned.

What’s the experience like?

We’d already been driving for hours when the van finally stopped at this spot everyone called the “Cross of the Condor.” It was still early — I could smell cold earth and coffee on my jacket. Our guide, Rafael, grinned and pointed up just as two huge birds floated out over the canyon edge. I didn’t expect to feel so small watching them drift on the air like that. Someone next to me whispered something about luck — I think we all felt it. After that we drove on to Cabanaconde where breakfast was bread and jam at a plastic table, sun just starting to warm things up.

The descent started quietly. The path into Colca Canyon is all dust and loose stones under your boots, with cactus everywhere and a few old men leading donkeys uphill (they nodded but didn’t stop). Rafael kept pace with us, telling stories about his grandmother’s house down in the valley — apparently she makes chicha that’ll knock you sideways. My knees were already complaining by the time we reached San Juan de Chuccho for lunch. There was soup with potatoes (not sure what kind) and some chicken; I still remember how sweet the oranges tasted after all that walking. Dinner was simple too but nobody cared — we were wiped out.

The next morning was brighter. We hiked toward Sangalle Oasis — more green than I expected, palm trees and this shock of blue from the pool. Some folks jumped straight in; I just dangled my feet because honestly it felt freezing. The light in late afternoon made everything glow gold around us while Rafael tried teaching us a few words in Quechua (I butchered every one). That night we ate together outside; there was laughter but also this quiet tiredness that felt good somehow.

Climbing back out before sunrise is a thing you can’t really explain until you do it — three hours straight up switchbacks with only your headlamp and whatever stubbornness you’ve got left. At the top in Cabanaconde there’s hot coffee again, and people hugging or just staring out over Colca Canyon like they can’t believe they did it. On the way back to Arequipa we stopped at some hot springs near Chivay; my legs nearly refused to get back on the bus after that soak. Even now I still think about those condors circling above us on day one — feels like a different world.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel and descend to San Juan Valley

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Drive from Arequipa to Cabanaconde
• Breakfast en route
• Stop at Cross of the Condor viewpoint
• Descend walking to San Juan Valley
• Lunch in San Juan Valley
• Dinner and overnight in San Juan Valley

Day 2 — Walk to Sangalle Oasis and relax

• Breakfast in San Juan Valley
• Walk to Sangalle Oasis
• Lunch at Sangalle Oasis
• Enjoy pool and relax
• Dinner and overnight at Sangalle Oasis

Day 3 — Ascend and return to Arequipa

• Start ascent to Cabanaconde early morning
• Breakfast in Cabanaconde
• Bus ride back to Arequipa
• Stop at viewpoints and hot springs
• Lunch in Chivay
• Arrive in Arequipa late afternoon

Top questions

How long does the Colca Canyon trek take?

The trek lasts 3 days and 2 nights from Arequipa.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Arequipa is included.

Do you see condors during the trek?

Yes, there is a stop at Cross of the Condor to watch condors fly over the canyon.

Are meals provided during the Colca Canyon hike?

Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included throughout the trek.

What fitness level do I need for this trek?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness due to steep descents and ascents.

Is accommodation included during the trek?

Yes, two nights’ accommodation are provided along the route.

Does this tour include transportation back to Arequipa?

Round-trip transport between Arequipa and Cabanaconde is included.

Are hot springs visited during this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at hot springs near Chivay on the return journey.

What’s included

Your trip covers hotel pickup in Arequipa before sunrise, round-trip transportation by bus or van to Cabanaconde with stops along scenic viewpoints including Cross of the Condor for birdwatching. All meals—three breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners—plus two nights’ rustic accommodation are included along with a knowledgeable local guide throughout your Colca Canyon adventure before returning you to Arequipa in the evening.