Peru · HIKING TOURS IN COLCA CANYON
Good hiking tours in Colca Canyon fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 10 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Walk 24 kilometers through Peru’s Colca Canyon with an English-speaking guide such as Carlos, Alex, Rafael, or Luigi. You’ll see Andean condors, sleep at Sangalle Oasis, and return via hot springs and mountain viewpoints. The trek is demanding, especially the 1,000-meter climb on day two, and the real cost is about $125 to $130 per person.
“Was really fun. Alex was a good guide who took good care of the group!”
You’ll leave Arequipa before dawn, watch Andean condors at Cruz del Condor, hike from 3,300 to 1,900 meters, and sleep at Cielo Azul Lodge in Sangalle. Day two brings a torchlit climb to Cabanaconde, optional hot springs, and a scenic return through Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. English and Spanish guides lead groups of up to 12.
“Nice tour but you will get it for half the price if you ask for it in Arequipa itself. Don't book here.”
This three-day private trek from Arequipa takes you from Cruz del Condor into the Colca Canyon, with village lodging, local meals, a pool at Sangalle, and a sunrise climb to Cabanaconde. Guides such as José, Pepe, Miguel, and Jarley are noted for friendly, clear explanations of local plants, culture, and wildlife. Transport is shared, but the trek itself is private.
“We had a really nice experience, José (Pepe) is great, you could feel that he's passionate about his job!”
Spend three days hiking through Colca Canyon with a guide such as Marcos, Ghersy, César, or Jonathan. You’ll watch condors at Cruz del Condor, descend through farming villages, sleep two nights in simple canyon lodges, relax at Sangalle’s pools, then climb out before sunrise. The trek costs $98, with park fees, hot springs, and the final lunch extra.
“I want to start off with saying that our guide Ghersey was amazing. He made our trek very enjoyable. He was helpful, knowledgable and informative. The company is well organized and their buses are nice.”
You leave Arequipa before dawn, watch Andean condors at Cruz del Condor, hike from Cabanaconde into Colca Canyon, and sleep in a basic Sangalle bungalow. Day two starts with a steep sunrise climb to Cabanaconde, followed by hot springs and a transfer to Puno. Small groups are capped at 12.
“Great experience, the colca canyon offers a fantastic scenery. We saw some condors along the way, too. The hike is quite challenging, especially on the second day - it's going 1200 altitude meters up. Planning was good, everything was taken care of, for example the transport of our luggage and the transfer to Puno (we had to change busses). The included food was okay, but not great. Same for the accomodation: Oasis ecolodge was a little shabby. But for one night it was ok.”
You’ll hike from San Miguel through the Colca Canyon to San Juan de Chuccho and Sangalle, then climb to Cabanaconde before visiting terraces, hot springs, and high viewpoints. English and Spanish guides lead groups of up to 18. The $21 booking price excludes $90 or 320 soles in cash for food, lodging, and entry fees.
“A great tour, but a little tough, so be prepared.”
You’ll leave Arequipa before dawn, watch condors at Cruz del Cóndor, hike steeply into Colca Canyon, sleep in a bungalow at Sangalle Oasis, then climb to Cabanaconde and continue to Puno. English and Spanish guides lead groups of up to 18. Guide James has been praised for clear advice and good humor.
“Het was een intense wandeling (conditie zeker verreist). De eerste dag was het 3u30 naar steil naar beneden wandelen om dan nog 3u te wandelen naar de slaapplaats. De slaapplaats had wifi en is verzorgd + zwembad (wel koude douche). De volgende ochtend een klim van 3u steil omhoog. Een hele belevenis maar heel blij dat ik het heb gedaan! Was heel mooi en speciaal om door de colca canyon te wandelen. We hadden ook een hele leuke gids die heel goed engels kon.”
This three-day trek takes you from Arequipa into Colca Canyon, with condors at Cruz del Cóndor, village walks, local homestays, and a night at Sangalle Oasis. Guide José has been praised for his knowledge of Peru, its wildlife, and plants. You finish in Puno after hot springs, volcano views, alpacas, vicuñas, and Lake Lagunillas.
“Superbe activité, nous avons aimé prendre le temps de découvrir le canyon. notre guide José a été super et nous a appris énormément sur le Pérou, sa faune et sa flore. Un grand merci à lui. nous n'avons manqué de rien.”
This small-group, two-day Colca Canyon trek leaves Arequipa around 3:30 a.m. You’ll watch condors at Cruz del Cóndor, hike to Sangalle oasis, sleep overnight, then climb to Cabanaconde. English and Spanish guides lead groups of up to 15. One recent account names guide Paul, so confirm your assigned guide and group details before departure.
“Amazing Canyon with great food and company! However my guide, Paul, came into my room to wake me up before dinner (not a problem) and then sat down next to me and held me (a problem). He then told me that he liked me and gave me a hug while I was basically in my underwear. If this hadn’t happened it would’ve been the best experience!”
Trek from Cruz del Condor through Colca Canyon to Sangalle, sleep in a simple solar-powered lodge, then climb to Cabanaconde before returning to Arequipa. English and Spanish guides lead the trip, with guides such as Alix, Carlos, and Alex praised for clear explanations and calm help when the hike gets tough.
“Magnifiques paysages au programme ! La présence de notre guide Alix a été un réel plus : il a donné plein d'explications enrichissantes et il a su trouver des solutions rapidement lorsque certains ont éprouvé des difficultés à finir le trek, et tout ça avec sourire. C'est clairement une activité à ne pas manquer !”
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