2 day 1 night trek / Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is at its best when you leave the road behind. This two-day trek drops from the San Miguel pampas into the canyon, passes small villages, and ends at Sangalle, a palm-filled oasis with a pool. The next morning brings the hard climb out, just as the sun reaches the canyon walls.

I like the early visit to Cruz del Cóndor, where you have a real chance to watch Andean condors ride the rising air, and I like the overnight stay in Sangalle rather than rushing through in one day. The drawback is the schedule: day one begins around 3:00 a.m., and day two includes a steep three-hour ascent. A serious concern also needs attention: a recent guest reported unwanted physical contact from a guide named Paul. That allegation should be discussed with the operator before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Cruz del Cóndor comes first: You reach the condor viewpoint at about 3,800 meters before starting the main hike.
• The first day is mostly downhill: Expect 9 km of walking, about 5.5 hours in total, through San Juan de Chuccho, Cosñirhua, and Malata.
• Sangalle is the overnight reward: The oasis sits at 2,225 meters and offers a pool, dinner, and a welcome rest after the descent.
• The climb out is the test: You rise 3 km from Sangalle to Cabanaconde in roughly three hours.
• The $90 price is not all-inclusive: Add the Colca tourist ticket, water, snacks, hot springs, and the final lunch.
• You have two onward options: Return to Arequipa or take an optional bus from Chivay to Puno.

Why this Colca Canyon route works

The Colca Canyon trip gives you two different experiences in one outing. The first morning is a scenic road journey through the Colca Valley, with stops at high viewpoints and Andean towns. Then the pace changes. You walk down into the canyon, sleep at its bottom, and climb back out on foot.

That overnight pattern matters. A quick viewpoint tour can show you the canyon from above, but it does not give you the same sense of its scale. Here, you spend several hours moving through it. The walls change as you lose altitude, and the villages of San Juan de Chuccho, Cosñirhua, and Malata break up the walk.

The group is limited to 15 people, with English and Spanish guiding. That is small enough to make questions and pace adjustments easier than on a large bus tour, though the actual feel will depend on the guide and the mix of people in your group.

The stated price is $90 per person. For a two-day trip with transportation from Arequipa, meals, a guide, and an overnight stay, that can be fair value. But you need to add the tourist ticket, which is listed as S/40 for Latin foreign visitors and S/70 for visitors from other countries. You also pay separately for water, snacks, the optional hot springs, and the last lunch.

The 3:00 a.m. departure from Arequipa

The day begins before sunrise. Pick-up is scheduled between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m. from the square, with departure around 3:30. This is not a minor detail. You should arrange your clothing and day pack the evening before, because there will be little time to think clearly in the dark.

The drive to the Colca Valley takes about three hours. A short breakfast stop in Chivay gives you a chance to eat before reaching the high viewpoints. Breakfast is included, and the tour also lists a second breakfast among the included meals, though you should confirm when that second meal is served.

The road journey is long, but it gives you a useful look at the change from Arequipa to the high Andes. You will be traveling at altitude before the hike begins, so a slow start and steady drinking water are sensible. Water is not included, so bring cash and a refill plan if you use one.

Cruz del Cóndor at 3,800 meters

The first major stop is Cruz del Cóndor, at about 3,800 meters above sea level. This is the place to watch Andean condors use the warm air rising from the canyon. Their broad wings make the most of the updrafts, and the setting gives you a clear sense of the canyon’s huge scale before you enter it.

The stop is valuable even for people who are not keen hikers. You get a major view early in the day, and the condors are the area’s signature sight. Still, wildlife is never a timed performance. Give yourself room for the possibility that the birds may not appear in the way you hope.

After the viewpoint, the vehicle continues to the Pampas of San Miguel, at about 3,300 meters. This is the starting point for the walk. The shift from bus to trail is quick, so keep your walking shoes, water, and warm layers easy to reach.

Six kilometers down to San Juan de Chuccho

The first walking section covers 6 km and takes about three hours. You descend toward the bottom of the canyon, with views of the rock walls and the Colca Valley opening around you. The description of the route gives a simple warning without saying it outright: downhill walking still works your legs, especially after an early start and a long ride.

Your guide will lead the group through the canyon, but you should keep your own pace in mind. A small group does not mean the walk is easy. Trekking poles can be useful, though they are not listed as included, so bring your own if you rely on them.

San Juan de Chuccho is the first village stop and the lunch point. Lunch is included, which makes this more than a short photo break. It is your chance to sit down, eat properly, and reset before the second section.

This meal also shows one of the trip’s strengths. The route is not only a series of viewpoints. It links local settlements, a canyon floor, and a place to spend the night. That gives the walk a more grounded feel than a standard coach excursion.

Cosñirhua, Malata, and the road to Sangalle

After lunch, you continue for another 3 km, taking about two and a half hours. The trail passes through Cosñirhua and Malata before reaching Sangalle. This part is shorter than the morning section, but you have already spent hours on the trail, so the final approach may feel slow.

Sangalle sits at about 2,225 meters, much lower than the morning’s condor viewpoint. It is known here as an oasis, and the pool is the main comfort after the day’s descent. You can swim, eat dinner, and rest before the early climb the next morning.

The overnight stay is one of the best reasons to choose this tour instead of a same-day canyon visit. You do not need to walk back up immediately after reaching the canyon bottom. You get an evening there, plus a chance to see how the route feels after the crowds and road stops are behind you.

The practical limitation is that the included details do not name the lodge or describe the rooms. Ask the operator what type of accommodation is provided before you pay. You should also confirm what bedding is supplied and how the pool is operated, since those details affect what you need to pack.

The 3 km climb from Sangalle to Cabanaconde

The second day starts early, with a 3 km ascent up the canyon wall. The climb takes about three hours. This is the hardest physical section of the trip, and you should treat it as a real mountain hike rather than a gentle morning stroll.

The timing has one advantage. You can watch the sunrise and see the canyon change as the light reaches the walls. The views become part of the motivation, but they do not remove the effort. If you are unsure about your fitness, ask the operator for the exact trail profile and how the group handles different walking speeds.

You reach Cabanaconde at about 3,230 meters. The altitude is another reason to move steadily. Do not spend your energy racing the trail early in the climb. Keep water close, take short rests, and carry only what you need for the two days.

Return transportation begins after this section, but the day is not over. The route continues toward Chivay with several stops, so you still need energy for the vehicle journey and sightseeing.

Antahuilque, Maca, and Chivay

The trip back toward Chivay includes a stop at the Antahuilque viewpoint. From there, you see Andean terraces and the Colca Valley. After walking through the canyon, this high view lets you understand the route from a wider angle.

The next stop is Maca, where you make a panoramic visit to the colonial church. The wording matters: this is a panoramic visit, not a long guided town tour. Expect a brief stop rather than a full cultural program.

Chivay is the main afternoon base. You can choose to visit the Yanque hot springs, where the warm pools are intended for relaxation and are described as having healing properties. The entry fee is optional and listed as S/15. After the climb, the hot water may sound perfect, but remember that you will also have the final journey ahead.

The last lunch is not included. You should budget for it and confirm whether you need cash in soles. Food prices and meal arrangements are not specified, so do not assume that the $90 covers every meal.

Returning to Arequipa or continuing to Puno

You have two onward routes from Chivay. The first returns you to Arequipa, passing near the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve. The return route gives you a chance to see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos before arriving back in Arequipa. Drop-off is two blocks from the Plaza de Armas.

The second option is an onward bus to Puno. It leaves Chivay at 1:00 p.m. and arrives at Puno’s main square at 7:00 p.m. This is useful if you are building a south Peru route, but it also creates a long travel day after the morning ascent.

Check the departure plan carefully. The timetable leaves little room for a slow morning in Cabanaconde or a long soak at Yanque. If you want more time in the hot springs, returning to Arequipa may be the less pressured choice, though the information provided does not give the exact arrival time.

What the $90 really covers

The included package is fairly broad:

• Lunch on the first day
• Dinner at Sangalle
• Two breakfasts
• Transportation from Arequipa to the trailhead
• Transportation from Cabanaconde toward Arequipa
• An English and Spanish guide
• The overnight portion of the trek

The exclusions are important. You pay for the Colca tourist ticket, hot springs if you choose them, water, snacks, and the last lunch. The listed tourist ticket price is S/40 for Latin foreign visitors and S/70 for visitors from other countries, so your final cost depends partly on your nationality.

I also note a pricing concern from the feedback attached to this experience: one Australian guest said people on the same trip paid different prices. Tour prices can change with booking channels and promotions, but you should still ask what is included in your exact reservation. Get the total cost, accommodation details, and return route in writing.

For a budget-minded visitor, this can still be a useful deal. The transport alone saves you from arranging a separate early transfer to the canyon, and the route includes meals and guiding. Just do not compare the $90 with an all-inclusive package when several basic costs remain outside it.

Guide quality and personal safety

The guide can make or break a trek with this schedule. You need clear instructions about the trail, meal times, transport, and the next morning’s departure. English and Spanish are offered, but the exact guide is not guaranteed.

A serious complaint is connected to guide Paul. One guest reported that Paul entered the room before dinner, sat close, held the guest, said he liked her, and hugged her while she was wearing very little clothing. The guest described the canyon, food, and company positively, but identified this conduct as unacceptable.

I cannot verify the event beyond that account, but it is too serious to ignore. Ask the operator how guide assignments work, what their conduct policy is, and how room privacy is protected. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, tell the guide directly if you can do so safely, alert another group member, and contact the operator.

This concern sits beside a less severe complaint about guide quality. Another guest described the guide as only okay. The overall score is 3 out of 5 from three ratings, which suggests a mixed experience rather than a clear recommendation. The scenery and food receive the strongest positive emphasis, but guide standards deserve careful attention.

Who should choose this trek

I would consider this tour if you want a compact Colca Canyon route with the key sights included. It suits you best if you are comfortable with an early departure, several hours of walking, a night in basic accommodation, and a demanding climb the next morning.

It is less suitable if you want a relaxed sightseeing schedule. The first day starts around 3:00 a.m., and the second day combines a steep ascent with viewpoints, a church stop, hot springs, lunch, and several hours of transport.

You should also think about the group format. A maximum of 15 people is manageable, but you may not get a private pace or a fully customized itinerary. If you want more control over stops, meals, and walking speed, a private trek may be worth comparing.

Pack warm clothing for the high viewpoints, sturdy walking shoes, water, snacks, sun protection, and money for the excluded costs. Keep your bag light. The route is much more pleasant when you are not carrying unnecessary weight up from Sangalle.

Should you book the Colca Canyon two-day trek?

Book it if your priority is the canyon itself, especially the condors, the village trail, and the overnight at Sangalle. The route gives you more than a roadside viewpoint, and the combination of meals, transport, guiding, and a pool stop makes the $90 starting price potentially useful.

Pause before booking if you are concerned about the guide complaint, want guaranteed accommodation details, or dislike strenuous climbs. Contact Exploor Trip E.R.L. first and ask for the guide’s name, the room arrangement, the exact meals, and the full cost including the tourist ticket.

For a fit visitor with limited time in Arequipa, this is a strong route on paper, but it needs clearer handling of guide standards and final costs. Go for the canyon views and the condor stop. Book only after the practical and safety questions have clear answers.

FAQ

How long is the Colca Canyon tour?

The tour lasts two days and one night. The main walking sections cover 6 km on the first day, another 3 km after lunch, and 3 km uphill on the second day.

What time is pick-up in Arequipa?

Pick-up is scheduled between 3:00 and 3:30 in the morning from the square. The group aims to begin the journey at about 3:30 a.m.

Where does the trek start?

The walking route starts at the Pampas of San Miguel, at about 3,300 meters above sea level, after the visit to Cruz del Cóndor.

Where do you spend the night?

You spend the night in Sangalle, at about 2,225 meters. The stop includes access to a pool, dinner, and time to rest before the climb to Cabanaconde.

Is the Colca tourist ticket included?

No. The listed cost is S/40 for Latin foreign visitors and S/70 for foreign visitors from other countries.

Are the hot springs included?

No. The Yanque hot springs are optional and listed at S/15. You also pay separately for the final lunch.

Can you go to Puno instead of Arequipa?

Yes. An optional regular bus leaves Chivay at 1:00 p.m. and arrives at Puno’s main square at 7:00 p.m. The other option is to return to Arequipa.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour offers live guiding in English and Spanish. The group size is limited to 15 participants.