Here are 10 things you need to know before you hike the Colca Canyon in Arequipa, Peru.
We recently had the opportunity to have a hiking adventure through the Colca Canyon in Peru. This trip was booked through viator. The experience was both challenging and amazing and worth every minute of the journey. Colca Canyon is the 6th deepest canyon in the world. Here are some tips we would like to share with you.
You have a choice to do a two day trek or a three day trek.
We opted for the 3 day trek and were very happy we did. Both treks involve two 7 km stretches and a 6 km trek on the last day.
If you choose the 2 day trek you will hike 7 km down the canyon, have a stop for lunch and then hike 7 km across the canyon all on day one. If you choose the 3 day trek you will hike 7 km to the lunch point where you will then get to relax and enjoy the scenery for the evening and night. This is followed by 7 km on the second day and 6km on the third day.
If you are short on time the two day trek is fine if you are in great shape. It is very challenging For us we enjoyed taking the three day trek which was more relaxing.
Things included in the Viator package $125 per person.
- 3 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 2 dinners
- 2 nights lodging
- Tickets to the Canyon
- A guide
** not included
- Lunch on the last day
- Hot Springs on the last day (you will want to do this!)
Dress warm for the first morning ride.
This van ride was really cold. Leaving Arequipa at about 3:30am we drove three hours over the mountains in a van with no heat. It got so cold inside the van that the windows were frosting over. By the time we reached breakfast on the first morning everyone was thankful to have access to hot tea.
Bring sunscreen and a hat.
The heat is very intense. You will want to bring and reapply your sunscreen. Also consider lightweight long sleeve shirts. We witnessed hikers in short sleeves that were burned.
Bring snacks but not too many.
We made the mistake of packing too many snacks which can weigh your backpack down. Snacks are important as you will want the extra energy at times. There are little tiendas along the way that sell snacks and drinks. While in the canyon these goodies are a little pricier than bringing your own from Arequipa. However, we recognized that just planning on buying some within the canyon would have been beneficial and lightened our load.
On the last day of the trek you will set off very early in the morning. Our group left at 4:15 am. You will then have a 3 hour hike up out of the canyon and will not eat breakfast till 8am. It is a good idea to make sure you have snacks for this part of the hike.
Bring lots of water for the first day.
The hike on the first morning starts at about 8:30 am. It will be at full sun hiking down the canyon. You will want plenty of water for this first part of the journey. There are several chances to buy more water through the rest of the hike.
The rooms are bare but comfortable.
The accommodations were more than we expected. Not every group will stay at the same lodges. We stayed at the Calibri Lodge the first night. The beds were thankfully extremely comfortable. After the first day of hiking we appreciated that! This room had no towels, but it did have toilet paper. Lunch, dinner and breakfast were all satisfactory. We had read some negative reviews on food but you will be hungry after hiking.
The second night we stayed at the Paraiso Las Palmeras Lodge. Again we had a very comfortable bed. The rooms did not provide towels or toilet paper. This lodge also came with a nice swimming pool. Here we had lunch and dinner.
Take lots of pictures! The scenery is amazing.
The hike at times can be very strenuous. This is not for beginners. That being said make sure you are stopping along the way to enjoy the views and take pictures.
Know that if you have problems during the hike a mule is available.
If the trek is too strenuous or if you have any physical issues during the hike you have the option of a mule. After the first day we did see a hiker who was taking this option as a way back out of the canyon. We did not know this was an option after day one but we were aware that on the last day it was an option of getting back up the Canyon. After two days of hiking Deb’s knees and legs were really sore. While Sean hiked up the canyon with our group Deb decided to take a mule. It was a 90 minute journey up the path. At times riding the mule was a little scary but also greatly appreciated.
Enjoy the hot springs on the last day. Your body will thank you.
On the last day of the trek we left the canyon after eating breakfast at the top. Our fist stop on the way back to Arequipa was at a hot springs. This cost was not included in our tour but was only about $4 each. Bring your bathing suits. After 3 days of hiking the springs feel amazing!
Happy Trekking!
