2 Day 1 Night Trek / Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon gives you two very different days: a long descent into dry, rugged country, then a pre-dawn climb back out. The reward is a close look at Andean villages, terraced slopes, soaring condors, and the warm pool at Cielo Azul Lodge in Sangalle.

I like the included transport and meals, especially because the first pickup is around 3:00 a.m. I also like the small maximum group of 12 and the chance to see condors at Condor’s Cross. The drawback is plain: the climb out is hard, with about three hours uphill by torchlight and roughly 1,500 meters of ascent.

Key points before you book

• Three-hour descent on day one: You drop from about 3,300 meters to 2,100 meters, then continue toward Sangalle at about 1,900 meters.
• A pre-dawn climb on day two: The uphill walk begins around 5:00 a.m. and takes about three hours.
• Andean condors at Condor’s Cross: The birds can reach a wingspan of more than three meters.
• A simple lodge with a swimming pool: Cielo Azul gives you a place to sleep and relax, but do not expect hotel comfort.
• Meals and transport are covered: Two breakfasts, one lunch, dinner, and return transfers are included.
• Extra costs matter: The Colca Canyon entrance fee, hot springs, and final lunch are not included.

A big canyon day that starts at 3:00 a.m.

This is not a gentle sightseeing trip. It is a proper two-day hike with a long drive at either end, an early start, basic lodging, and a steep return climb. If you want to see Colca Canyon without arranging several buses and a lodge yourself, the package is convenient. If you want a relaxed tour, this is the wrong choice.

Pickup in Arequipa begins around 3:00 to 3:30 a.m. The drive to Cabanaconde takes about six hours, with stops along the way. You reach Chivay at roughly 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, then continue to Condor’s Cross before starting the walk.

The early hour is a real part of the price you pay. One useful warning from the trip experience is that music on the bus at 3:00 a.m. can make an already short night even shorter. Bring earplugs if you sleep lightly, and keep your expectations modest for the first breakfast, which may be small.

Chivay breakfast and the road to Condor’s Cross

Chivay is the main town of the Colca area, known for traditional houses and colorful surroundings. The stop is short, about 30 minutes, so you will have time to eat and get organized, but not enough time for a full town visit.

This breakfast matters because the next stage is long. Eat what you can, refill your water, and keep snacks handy. The tour includes breakfast, but you should not rely on the meal alone to fuel several hours of walking.

Condor’s Cross is the first major reward. The viewpoint is known for Andean condors, which can weigh up to 12 kilograms and have wingspans exceeding three meters. Their flight is slow and graceful, but sightings depend on weather and timing. Clouds can cover the viewpoint, and no guide can promise a bird on schedule.

You might still see condors later, including along the canyon route. The stop is listed at about 30 minutes, so enjoy the view quickly and listen for instructions about when to return to the vehicle.

The canyon itself is the larger attraction. From high ground, you see the scale of the ravine and the steep route you are about to take. It is a good moment to check your boots, tighten your pack, and decide how much water you can comfortably carry.

The three-hour descent into Colca Canyon

After Condor’s Cross, the vehicle continues about 20 minutes to the trailhead. The first hike drops for around three hours, from roughly 3,300 meters to 2,100 meters. Downhill sounds easy until your knees, feet, and balance begin to complain.

The route leads through canyon country toward San Juan de Chuccho. The village has vegetation and fruit trees, a welcome change after the dry upper slopes. Lunch is included here, followed by time to rest.

This is the part where a guide can make a real difference. One guide named Eveline received strong praise for helping people through the hardest sections while still giving them space to enjoy the walk. That balance matters. You want clear direction and support, not a guide who talks every minute of the route.

Your group can include up to 12 people. That is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on the pace, but different fitness levels will still affect the day. If one person needs more time, the group may move slowly. Do not treat the stated schedule as a guarantee down to the minute.

San Juan, Cosñirhua, and Malata

After lunch, the trail continues through small settlements, including Cosñirhua and Malata. These stops help you see that Colca is not just a dramatic canyon for photographs. People live and work along these slopes, and the path connects villages rather than simply leading from one viewpoint to another.

The walk continues deeper into the canyon. Vegetation appears in pockets, with fruit trees and cultivated areas near the settlements. You are also moving into the warmest part of the route, which can make the final hours feel heavy after the long descent.

Carry plenty of water. Bottles along the route may cost about 6 to 10 soles for one liter. Buying water locally is possible, but it gets expensive, and supplies are not included. Sunscreen is useful even in cooler months, and a hat will help on exposed sections.

Some people choose to hire a mule for the uphill section the next day, with a quoted local price of about 60 soles. This service is offered by local mule operators rather than by the tour company and is not regulated by authorities, according to the information provided. Safety and equipment standards may vary, so do not assume the animals or tack are prepared for a first-time rider.

Sangalle and a night at Cielo Azul Lodge

The first day ends in Sangalle, at about 1,900 meters. Arrival is expected around 5:00 p.m., though the walking pace and road conditions can affect the timing.

Sangalle is often called an oasis because of its warmer climate and pool facilities. At Cielo Azul Lodge, you can use the swimming pool to loosen up after the descent. That pool is one of the smartest features of the trip. After several hours on a rough trail, a swim or quiet rest can make dinner feel much more welcome.

The lodge is basic. You should bring a sleeping bag liner, also called a sheet sack, because the accommodation and dinner are simple. One meal was described as having bugs around the dining area, so pack patience along with your appetite. This is a mountain lodge in a remote canyon, not a polished hotel.

Dinner is included, as is the overnight stay. Bring only what you need for the hike, since a light pack will make both days easier. A small flashlight or headlamp is useful, even though the second morning begins with torch lights.

The 5:00 a.m. climb to Cabanaconde

The second day is the test. The uphill trek begins around 5:00 a.m., often in darkness, and takes about three hours. You climb from Sangalle back toward Cabanaconde, gaining roughly 1,500 meters.

Starting before sunrise has one clear benefit: the light improves as you climb, and the canyon can look spectacular from the rising sun. The cost is physical. This is not a morning stroll, and good fitness is more important here than enthusiasm.

Take the ascent slowly. Use steady steps, drink regularly, and keep a layer available for the chilly start. The altitude, steep grade, and lack of sleep can affect you even if you are normally active.

Some people in the group experienced heat-related sickness on the first day and needed help from the guide. That is a reminder to watch for headache, dizziness, nausea, or unusual weakness. Tell the guide early if you feel unwell. Do not wait until you are struggling badly.

You reach Cabanaconde after the climb and have breakfast there. The town marks the end of the strenuous walking portion. From this point, the day becomes a vehicle-based tour with several scenic stops.

Chivay hot springs and the optional final lunch

After breakfast, the group heads toward Chivay. Along the way, you can see pre-Inca terraces, archaeological remains, and colonial towns. These views add context to the canyon. The area is not only about sheer cliffs; it also shows how people have farmed and settled at high altitude for centuries.

The hot springs at Chacapi are optional. The pools are described as ranging from about 30°C to 60°C, giving you several temperature choices. A soak can feel excellent after the climb, but it is not included in the tour price.

There is a conflicting price in the supplied details: one part gives an entrance cost of 15 soles, while the exclusions list 70 soles. Confirm the current fee before you go and carry enough local currency. This is exactly the sort of small cost that can catch you off guard after an expensive day.

Lunch in Chivay is also optional and not included. A typical buffet is listed at about 30 soles per person. You can decide based on your appetite and budget, but after the morning climb, you may be glad to have a proper meal.

Pampa Cañahuas and the ride back to Arequipa

The return route crosses Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. At Pampa Cañahuas, you may see volcanoes and South American camelids, including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.

The formal stop is short, about 10 to 15 minutes, but the views and animals can continue along the road for more than an hour. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long guided walk. This is a roadside viewing stop during the journey back.

The road descends from about 4,830 meters to Arequipa at roughly 2,325 meters. That change in altitude helps explain why the return ride can feel tiring even after the walking is done. Arrival is expected around 5:30 p.m., with drop-off at Calle Santa Catalina near Santa Catalina Monastery.

The private tourist transport and hotel or hostel pickup solve a real problem. You do not need to arrange a dawn taxi, connect several buses, or rent a car for the canyon roads. That convenience has value, especially when you are carrying hiking gear and returning exhausted.

What the $124 price really covers

At $124 per person, the trip includes private tourist transport, pickup and return transfer, two breakfasts, one lunch, dinner, guiding, and the night at Cielo Azul Lodge. For a two-day route with a long transfer each way, that is a reasonable package if you value simplicity.

Your extra budget should include:

• Colca Canyon entrance fee: 70 soles per person
• Hot springs: the supplied information lists both 15 soles and 70 soles, so verify the current amount
• Final lunch in Chivay: about 30 soles
• Bottled water and personal snacks
• Any optional mule ride arranged locally

The price may be higher than booking directly in Arequipa. A local shop or hotel desk might offer the same route for about half the online price, but comparison shopping takes time and the cheaper option may differ in group size, transport, guide quality, or inclusions.

This tour has an average rating of 4.5 from 92 ratings, which fits the overall picture: the canyon and the route are excellent, but the service can be uneven. The strongest part is the actual setting and the help provided by a good guide. The weakest parts are basic food, rough lodging, early transport, and unclear extra fees.

Who should book this Colca Canyon trek?

I would recommend it to a fit hiker who wants to see Colca Canyon from inside it rather than only from a roadside viewpoint. You should be comfortable walking downhill for three hours and uphill for three hours, carrying water in changing temperatures.

It also suits you if you want transport and meals arranged. The route is much easier to book as one package than as separate buses, lodging, and local transfers. A group of up to 12 keeps it more personal than a large coach tour.

I would not choose it for a relaxed weekend, a first day at high altitude, or anyone with limited walking ability. The moderate fitness requirement understates the hard parts. The day two ascent is the key question. If you are unsure, ask about the walking pace and current mule arrangements before paying.

Booking well ahead may be wise because the tour is booked, on average, about 92 days in advance. The cancellation policy is strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Final verdict: a tough route with real rewards

Book this trip if you want a direct, active introduction to Colca Canyon and accept basic conditions. You get condors, villages, terraces, an oasis pool, a sunrise climb, and camelids on the road back to Arequipa.

Skip it if you want comfort, flexible timing, or an easy canyon visit. The best value comes from treating the $124 as payment for logistics and access, not luxury. Pack water, sunscreen, a sleeping bag liner, warm layers, earplugs, and sensible hiking shoes. Most of all, respect the uphill climb. That is the part that decides whether this becomes a great memory or a very long morning.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup begins between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m. in Arequipa.

How long is the drive to Colca Canyon?

The drive to Cabanaconde takes about six hours, with a breakfast stop in Chivay and a stop at Condor’s Cross.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. Guiding is available in English and Spanish.

How difficult is the hike?

You need a moderate level of physical fitness. Day one includes about three hours of downhill walking, while day two starts with about three hours of uphill walking.

Where do I sleep?

You spend the night at Cielo Azul Lodge in Sangalle. The accommodation is basic and has a swimming pool.

Are meals included?

Two breakfasts, one lunch, and dinner are included. The final lunch in Chivay is optional and costs about 30 soles per person.

Is the Colca Canyon entrance fee included?

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

Are the hot springs included?

No. The hot springs are optional and require a separate entrance payment. The supplied details list both 15 soles and 70 soles, so confirm the current fee.

Can I hire a mule for the uphill walk?

Local mule operators may offer rides for about 60 soles. This is not a service provided or regulated by the tour company, and safety standards may vary.

Where does the tour end?

The group returns to Arequipa around 5:30 p.m. and drops you at Calle Santa Catalina, near Santa Catalina Monastery.