2 Day 1 Night Trek / Colca Canyon

The canyon earns every sore muscle. This two-day trek from Arequipa combines Andean condors, high canyon views, and a night in Sangalle, making it a strong choice if you want more than a quick viewpoint stop. I like the included hotel pickup and meals, and I also like having a warm pool waiting at Cielo Azul Lodge after the first day on foot.

The catch is the effort. Day one runs mostly downhill for about three hours, but day two begins before dawn with roughly three hours of steep uphill walking. The accommodation and meals are basic, and the 3:00 am start leaves little room for sleep. This is not a casual sightseeing trip, but it is a memorable way to see the Colca Canyon.

Key facts before you book

• A 3:00 am start from Arequipa: The drive to the canyon takes about six hours, so your first day begins very early.
• A long descent into the canyon: You walk from roughly 3,300 meters to 2,100 meters, then continue toward Sangalle at about 1,900 meters.
• A pre-dawn climb on day two: Expect around three hours uphill to Cabanaconde, often using torch lights while the sun rises.
• Condor viewing at Cruz del Condor: This is one of South America’s best places to see Andean condors, though clouds and timing can affect the view.
• Simple overnight lodging: Cielo Azul Lodge has bungalows and a swimming pool, but do not expect hotel-level comfort.
• A small group and bilingual guide: The maximum group size is 12, with guiding available in English and Spanish.

Why this Colca Canyon trek is worth considering

At $124 per person, the tour gives you a great deal of structure. You get transport from your Arequipa hotel or hostel, private tourist transport, two breakfasts, lunch, dinner, guiding, and the overnight stay. That matters here because the route involves several remote stops and a long return journey.

I especially like the fact that you do not need to arrange a separate vehicle to reach Cabanaconde or figure out how to return from the canyon. The return to Arequipa is scheduled for around 5:30 pm on day two, with drop-off near Santa Catalina Monastery on Calle Santa Catalina.

The tour is also capped at 12 people. That is small enough to make group movement easier, though the actual quality of your experience will still depend on the guide, the vehicle, and the pace of the group. A guide named Eveline received especially strong praise for being kind, capable, and supportive during the harder parts of the walk. Guide assignments can change, but that gives you a useful idea of the service this company can provide.

The main weakness is the early start and demanding return climb. You need a moderate level of physical fitness, and the altitude makes the effort feel greater than the distance alone suggests. If you are not comfortable walking uphill for several hours, this trip can become a struggle rather than a pleasure.

The 3:00 am ride from Arequipa to Chivay

Pickup begins between 3:00 and 3:30 am, depending on the exact arrangements. The drive to Cabanaconde takes about six hours, with a breakfast stop in Chivay around 7:30 am.

Chivay is more than a fuel stop. It is known for traditional houses and colorful surroundings, and the main square gives you a quick look at the town before the canyon walk begins. You have about 30 minutes here, so think of it as a brief orientation rather than a full visit.

The first breakfast is included, which is welcome at this hour. Still, food portions can be small, so I would not rely on breakfast alone. Bring a few snacks that you can eat on the bus or during the walk. The supplied experience does not specify the full breakfast menu, so it is sensible to carry extra food from Arequipa.

The bus ride is a practical part of the trip, but it is not glamorous. One complaint concerned music being played at 3:00 am, so if you want to sleep, pack earplugs and an eye mask. A six-hour road journey before a major hike is a serious start to the day.

Cruz del Condor and the search for a giant bird

After Chivay, the group continues to Cruz del Condor. This viewpoint is famous for watching Andean condors ride the rising air above the canyon.

The Andean condor can weigh up to 12 kilograms and have a wingspan of more than three meters. Even a short sighting can be impressive, especially when the bird glides close to the canyon walls with hardly a wingbeat.

You have about 30 minutes at the viewpoint. Weather matters. Clouds can block the canyon and reduce visibility, and a clear day does not guarantee that a condor will appear on schedule. One unusual sighting happened during the descent instead of at the viewpoint, showing why it pays to keep looking up throughout the day.

This stop is included as part of the route, with no separate admission charge listed for the viewpoint. The canyon views can be dramatic, but do not judge the entire trip by what you see here. The main reward comes later, when you walk down into the canyon itself.

The three-hour descent into the canyon

The trek begins about 20 minutes by bus from Cruz del Condor. The route drops from approximately 3,300 meters to 2,100 meters over about three hours.

Downhill walking sounds easy until you are doing it on a steep route with uneven footing. Your knees and thighs take the strain, and the altitude can still affect your breathing. Good shoes with secure soles are important. Trekking poles would also be useful, though they are not listed as included.

The full first-day route has been described as roughly 18 kilometers. After the initial descent, you continue through smaller settlements and reach San Juan de Chuccho, where lunch and a rest break are scheduled.

San Juan de Chuccho has plant growth and fruit trees, which make it a welcome contrast to the dry upper canyon. Lunch is included, giving you time to refuel before the next section. The schedule is long, though, so do not expect a leisurely afternoon.

From San Juan de Chuccho, you continue through Cosñirhua and Malata before heading farther down to Sangalle. These villages and cultivated areas help show how people live in the canyon, rather than giving you only a scenic overlook from above.

Sangalle at 1,900 meters and the Cielo Azul Lodge

Sangalle sits at roughly 1,900 meters and is often called an oasis because of its warmer setting and green vegetation. The group is expected to arrive around 5:00 pm, after about 11 hours connected to the day’s travel and hiking schedule.

The swimming pool at Cielo Azul Lodge is one of the best features of the overnight stay. After a long descent and several more hours on foot, a warm pool gives you a place to rest your legs. It is a simple pleasure, but on this route it can feel like a proper reward.

The bungalows are basic. You should bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet liner, as well as sunscreen and enough personal supplies for the night. Dinner is included, but the food and lodging are not presented as luxurious. One complaint also involved bugs around dinner, which is possible in a warm outdoor setting. Keep food covered when possible and pack insect protection.

There is also a practical water issue. Bottled water can cost between 6 and 10 soles for a one-liter bottle along the route. If you do not want to pay those prices repeatedly, carry as much water as you can safely manage from the start. At the same time, avoid loading yourself with an unreasonable amount, since the walk is already strenuous.

The 5:00 am climb back to Cabanaconde

Day two begins at about 5:00 am. You climb for approximately three hours to reach Cabanaconde, using torch lights in the early part of the walk.

This is the hardest physical section for many people. The climb gains about 1,500 meters, and the route is described as roughly five kilometers of sustained uphill walking. The sunrise can provide excellent views as the canyon changes from darkness to early morning light, but you will need to earn those views.

Plan your clothing carefully. The morning may be cold, while the walk later becomes hot. Wear layers that you can remove, and keep your torch easy to reach. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks in a small daypack.

Some people may consider renting a mule for the uphill section. The mule service is operated by local providers in the canyon, not by Trek The Colca, and it is described as unregulated, with no consistent safety standards. One serious concern involved foot placement and poorly adjusted straps for first-time riders. I would not treat a mule ride as a simple backup plan. If you are unsure you can complete the climb on foot, think carefully before booking this trek.

After reaching Cabanaconde, breakfast is provided. This is a good time to recover before the ride toward Chivay. You will likely feel tired, and the breakfast stop is part of the value of having a planned group itinerary rather than arranging every stage yourself.

Chivay hot springs and the optional final lunch

The bus continues toward Chivay, passing pre-Inca terraces, archaeological remains, and colonial towns. These views add context to the canyon region and make the return drive more than a simple transfer.

Near Chivay, you can choose to visit the Chacapi hot springs. The pools have temperatures ranging from about 30°C to 60°C, and the stop lasts around an hour. The hot springs are optional and require a separate entrance fee.

There is a pricing inconsistency in the supplied information. One part gives the hot spring entrance as 15 soles, while the not-included section lists 70 soles. Confirm the current charge before you go. The practical point is clear: the fee is not included, and you should carry extra soles if you want to enter.

A typical local lunch in Chivay is also optional and not included. The stated buffet price is 30 soles per person. Since the tour includes lunch on the first day but not this final meal, keep money aside for it or bring a snack if you prefer not to buy the buffet.

Pampa Cañahuas and the long return to Arequipa

The return route climbs from about 2,325 meters to approximately 4,830 meters before descending again toward Arequipa. That altitude change explains why the ride can feel tiring even after you have finished walking.

The bus passes through Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve and stops at Pampa Cañahuas. The formal stop lasts about 15 minutes, but you can see volcanoes and South American camelids for more than an hour from the road.

Look for llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Seeing these animals in the open reserve is a fine final chapter to the trip, particularly after spending two days among canyon villages and mountain routes. The stop is free, though the time on the ground is short.

Arrival in Arequipa is scheduled for around 5:30 pm, with drop-off at Calle Santa Catalina near Santa Catalina Monastery. This is useful if you are staying in the historic center, but it is not a private drop-off at every address. Check the exact pickup and return details when booking.

What the $124 price really covers

The $124 price is fair if you value convenience. The package includes:

• Hotel or hostel pickup in Arequipa
• Private tourist transport
• Two breakfasts
• One lunch
• Dinner
• English or Spanish guiding
• One night at Cielo Azul Lodge
• Return transport to Arequipa

You still need to budget for the Colca Canyon entrance fee of 70 soles per person, the Chacapi hot springs, and the final lunch in Chivay. You should also account for water, snacks, and personal hiking equipment.

There is a concern about local pricing. It may be possible to arrange a similar trip for less money directly in Arequipa, with one estimate suggesting roughly half the online price. The tradeoff is that direct booking may require more comparison and negotiation. You will need to check what is actually included, the group size, the transport quality, the accommodation, and the guide language.

For someone who wants a simple package and values having transport organized, $124 can make sense. For a budget-focused visitor comfortable arranging local services, shopping around in Arequipa may offer better value.

Who should book this trek?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Can handle several hours of uphill and downhill walking
• Want to sleep in the canyon instead of viewing it only from the road
• Prefer a planned package with transport and meals
• Are comfortable with simple bungalows and basic food
• Want a chance to see Andean condors
• Can manage an overnight trip with a 3:00 am departure

I would be cautious if you have limited hiking experience, dislike steep climbs, or need comfortable lodging. The route is not a gentle walk, and the second day is especially demanding.

The tour requires moderate physical fitness, and service animals are allowed. The maximum group size is 12. The experience also requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, the stated options are a different date or a full refund. Otherwise, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so choose your date carefully.

Should you book the Colca Canyon trek?

Book it if you want the canyon up close and are ready for the climb out. The strongest parts are the scale of the scenery, the chance to see condors, the villages along the route, and the comfort of a pool at Sangalle after a very long day.

Do not book it simply because the price looks low or because the itinerary says two days. Those two days are packed. You will spend about six hours reaching the trail, walk a long descent on day one, and face a steep uphill climb before breakfast on day two.

For fit hikers who accept basic accommodation, this is a rewarding and well-organized introduction to the Colca Canyon. Pack water, snacks, a torch, sun protection, earplugs, and a sleeping bag liner. Most of all, respect the uphill section. The condors may glide effortlessly above you, but you will not.

FAQ

How long is the Colca Canyon trek?

The experience lasts approximately two days and one night. The first day includes the transfer from Arequipa and the descent into the canyon, while the second day includes the climb to Cabanaconde and the return to Arequipa.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup begins between 3:00 and 3:30 am from your hotel or hostel in Arequipa.

Is food included?

Two breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner are included. The final lunch in Chivay is not included and is listed at 30 soles per person.

Is the Colca Canyon entrance fee included?

No. The Colca Canyon entrance fee is listed as 70 soles per person.

Is the hot springs entrance included?

No. The Chacapi hot springs require a separate payment. The supplied information gives two different prices, 15 soles and 70 soles, so confirm the current fee before visiting.

Where do you stay overnight?

You stay in bungalows at Cielo Azul Lodge in Sangalle. The lodge has a swimming pool, but the accommodation is basic.

How difficult is the hiking?

You need a moderate level of physical fitness. Day one includes about three hours of downhill walking, while day two begins with approximately three hours of uphill walking to Cabanaconde, using torch lights at the start.