Colca Canyon: Best Hikes, Viewpoints + Tips for your visit
Planning a trip to Arequipa? Then a visit to the stunning Colca Canyon should definitely be on your list.
Once considered the deepest canyon in the world, the Colca Canyon is still twice as deep as the Grand Canyon — and one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Peru.
Although it now ranks second to the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon (11,600 ft deep), Colca remains a must-see destination thanks to its dramatic landscapes, traditional villages, and incredible biodiversity.
The road to the canyon is part of the adventure: you’ll pass majestic volcanoes and snow-capped peaks, including Mismi (18,360 ft), believed to be the source of the Amazon River.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit to the Colca Canyon: top attractions, how to get there, what to expect, and my best travel tips to make the most of your experience!
Sommaire
- Colca Canyon: Best Hikes, Viewpoints + Tips for your visit
- Colca Canyon: The Must-See Attractions
- Staying in the Colca Canyon
- How many days do you need to visit the Colca Canyon?
- How much does it cost to access the Colca?
- How to get to the Colca Canyon?
- How to get around in the Colca Canyon?
- When is the best time to visit the canyon?
- What to bring?
- Book Your Flight at the Best Price
- Rent a Car in Peru
- Traveling to Peru? These articles will help you!
Colca Canyon: The Must-See Attractions
1. The landscapes of the Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon offers some of the most impressive landscapes in Peru. Carved by the Colca River, which stretches over 230 miles, the canyon features ancient agricultural terraces still used since Inca times — a true blend of natural beauty and living history.
On the drive from Arequipa, you’ll pass remote homesteads and charming Andean villages, as well as the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to graceful vicuñas (relatives of llamas with ultra-soft wool), Andean flamingos, alpacas, and more.
All of this is set against a stunning backdrop of towering volcanoes: Ampato (20,700 ft), Sabancaya (16,650 ft), Hualca (19,770 ft), Huarancante (17,800 ft), and Chucura (17,060 ft).
At the highest point on the route (16,076 ft), most guides stop to let travelers stretch their legs — and it’s much needed.
In my case, I got a bit too excited and ran up a small hill to check out some “little houses” that had caught my eye. Big mistake! The sudden exertion at that altitude hit me hard: dizziness, headache, and nausea that lasted for hours.
And the worst part? Those “little houses” turned out to be nothing more than public toilets. So… take it slow and don’t repeat my mistake!
2. The Cross of the Condor
The Cruz del Cóndor is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Colca Canyon. Perched above a 3,940-foot drop to the Colca River, it faces the impressive Mismi Volcano, which rises to 18,360 feet and is considered the source of the Amazon River.
This viewpoint not only offers spectacular views of the canyon, but it’s also one of the best spots to observe the Andean condor—a majestic bird with a wingspan of up to 12 feet, making it one of the largest flying birds in the world.
Watching these graceful giants soar through the canyon, you’ll understand why the Incas saw them as sacred messengers between heaven and earth.
3. The villages of the Canyon
There are several towns to visit in the Colca Valley, here are the main ones:
- Chivay: it is the main arrival point to the canyon and the most touristic one with many restaurants, hotels, hostels, etc. In addition, its viewpoint offers a beautiful panorama of the region. At 1.8 miles (by bus, 2 soles) are the hot springs of La Calera (17 soles) a good option to relax after the long hours on the road.
- Coporaque: a pretty village where you can find the Cultural Center in the main square, with a museum and sale of handicrafts of the community, hot springs of Sallihua. Activities: cooking classes, homestays, visits to the village, etc. Contact Johanna whatsapp +51 973 278 896 – To get from Chivay: colectivo 2 soles or cab 20 soles (15 min)
- Cabanaconde: a village of 3000 inhabitants, it is a must for hikers as it is the start of the trekking in the canyon trekking in the Colca Canyon Also, a 20 minute walk away are the viewpoints of Cejana or Achachihua.
- Yanque: 4 miles from Chivay, it is the village with the most beautiful main square in the region (its church is very nice too!). Here, almost every day at 7 am, children dressed in traditional costumes dance to the rhythm of typical music: it is a must-see!
4. Trekking in the Colca Canyon
If you enjoy hiking, you’ll be happy to know there are 2-, 3-, or even 4-day treks available in the Colca Canyon.
For independent travelers, the good news is that it’s possible to hike without a guide. The trails are well-marked and frequently used by locals and visitors alike.
You don’t need to be a professional trekker, but you should be in decent physical condition to enjoy the hike, especially the uphill portions.
The main departure point for all treks is the village of Cabanaconde.
For a 1-day trek: Hike to the Oasis of Sangalle. It takes around 3 hours downhill and 5 hours back up, so plan your day accordingly.
For a 2-day trek: There are a few options. One popular route is:
- Day 1: Hike to San Juan de Chuccho and stay overnight.
- Day 2: Continue to Coshñirwa, Malata, and Sangalle, or spend the night in one of the villages and enjoy the Oasis the following morning.
You can book the 2-day Colca Canyon trek here:
Prefer a 3-day experience? Book it here:
- I invite you to read Colca Canyon trekking: The Definitive Guide
5. The other attractions of the Colca
In fact, in addition to the main sights of the Colca there are many other activities and attractions to do that are not often talked about. Here are some examples:
- Laguna de la Mucurca (12,270 feet): you have to go by 4×4. It offers a magnificent panorama between
- The ruins of Uyo-Uyo: This ancient village perched above the valley was once the capital of the Colca. Here you’ll find archaeological remains from both the Collagua and Inca civilizations, including traces of their sophisticated irrigation systems.
- The Hualca-Hualca, Sabankaya and Ampato volcanoes, as well as the possibility of seeing many birds, including pink flamingos.
- The ruins of Kallimarca: is a pre-Inca religious archeological site located 1h20 from Cabanaconde. They offer magnificent views of the agricultural terraces, the town of Cabanaconde and the Hualca-Hualca volcano.
- Chimpa Fortress: is a pre-Inca fortress built by the Collagua people, strategically located and hidden in the beautiful landscape. It can be reached by a 2h-3h climb.
- Hualca-Hualca volcano (19,770 feet): it is possible to climb by trekking, only for experienced hikers!
- Lari Church: called the “cathedral” of Colca, it is a beautiful baroque building from the 18th century.
It is also possible to do different activities in the Colca: cycling, horseback riding and rafting!
Staying in the Colca Canyon
Depending on how you plan your itinerary, you can spend the night in Chivay or Cabanaconde.
While Chivay is the largest town in the valley with more services, Cabanaconde is closer to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint and the starting point for most Colca Canyon treks, making it a more practical option for hikers.
Where to Stay in the Colca Canyon
- Paraiso Las Palmeras: the best option in Sangalle Oasis! The perfect place to relax during the Colca Canyon trek, with a pool surrounded by lush vegetation, an on-site restaurant, and good Wi-Fi. Breakfast included, from just $26 USD for a double room with private bathroom.
- La Granja del Colca: A true gem in Cabanaconde! Perched on a cliff, this hotel offers amazing views of the canyon—even from your room—and it’s one of the best spots to see condors in the morning. There are also friendly llamas in the garden. Fantastic value for money, from just $52 USD per night.
- Casa Andina Classic Colca: For a more comfortable stay in the Colca Valley, this charming rustic hotel in Chivay offers bungalows set in beautiful gardens. There’s also a great restaurant, breakfast buffet, spa, and even a telescope to admire the southern sky. From $72 USD per night.
- Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs: The perfect choice for a romantic stay in the Colca Valley. With direct access to natural hot springs, a spa, restaurant, and bar, this hotel features stylish rustic rooms with garden views. From $164 USD per night.
Johanna, the hostess, welcomes travelers in comfortable individual bungalows with hot water and Wi-Fi.
She also offers a variety of responsible activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, experiential tourism and cooking classes. If you wish to book your stay at Ayni Wasi, click here:
How many days do you need to visit the Colca Canyon?
Visiting the Colca Canyon in 1 day
While it’s possible to visit the Colca Valley in just one day, it’s not the ideal option, as the journey from Arequipa takes around 4 hours each way.
I only recommend it if you’re short on time — it would be a shame to be in Arequipa and not see the canyon at all!
This full-day tour includes hotel pickup, breakfast, a stop in Chivay for lunch, and a visit to the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint:
Visiting the Colca Canyon in 2 days
If you can, it’s much better to spend 2 days in the Colca Canyon, staying overnight in Yanque, Chivay, or Cabanaconde. This gives you more time to enjoy the landscapes and relax without rushing.
And if your itinerary continues toward Lake Titicaca, you can also choose a tour that includes a 2-day visit to the Colca Canyon with transfer to Puno. It’s a great option to save time and avoid returning to Arequipa.
How much does it cost to access the Colca?
The tourist ticket for the entire Colca Valley costs 70 soles for adults and 20 soles for children and is valid for 1 week.
Officially, it is mandatory and gives access to the Colca Canyon, Aguada Blanca and the Volcano Valley, as well as to the tourist viewpoints (the Condor Cross), the Cabanaconde trekking trail and several other places.
The entrance fee does not include access to the thermal baths of La Calera.
Note: unlike the Sacred Valley Tourist Ticket it is possible that you will not be asked for it in the Colca, it is a matter of luck!
How to get to the Colca Canyon?
By tourist van from Arequipa
The easiest way to visit the canyon is with a guided tour departing from your hotel in Arequipa, usually around 3:00 a.m.
The route includes a stop for breakfast in Chivay around 6:00 a.m., followed by the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint at 8:00 a.m., and then continues to Cabanaconde around 10:00 a.m.
By local bus
If you prefer to travel independently, you can take a local bus from the Arequipa bus terminal (about 10 minutes by taxi from the Plaza de Armas). Sit on the right side of the bus to enjoy the best canyon views during the journey!
- To Chivay: about 4 hours, ticket price 15 soles.
- To Cabanaconde: about 6 hours, ticket price 17 soles. Departures at 1:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.
How to get around in the Colca Canyon?
From the bus terminal in Chivay you can take a bus (departures every hour) to Cabanaconde (1h-2h).
Note that the last bus leaves Chivay at 14.00 hours.
When is the best time to visit the canyon?
It is possible to visit the Colca Canyon all year round, because the temperature is always more or less the same (cold at night at 41°F and up to 68°F during the day).
The ideal time for trekking is from April to November when the weather is dry.
From January to March, you can expect some rainfall.
What to bring?
A cap or hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes, light but also warm clothes because at night, the temperature drops and it can be windy.
Book Your Flight at the Best Price
Planning a trip to Peru? To get the best deal on your flights, I recommend using this flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner.
It’s the easiest way to find the lowest prices for both international flights and domestic flights within Peru—ensuring you pay the best rate with no hassle!
Rent a Car in Peru
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Peru at your own pace and make the most of your trip!
Personally, I always use Booking.com Cars for a few key reasons:
- Easily compare prices from all major rental agencies in one place—finding the best deal has never been easier!
- Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can reserve with peace of mind.
- Better insurance coverage at a lower price than rental companies—saving you money with no extra effort.
Click the button below to find the best car rental deals in Peru:
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