The roads o either side of the canyon are at around 4,000 m. It the background looms the grey, smoking mass of Sabancaya, one of the most active volcanoes
Description
The Colca Canyon is located in the province of Caylloma, 165 kilometers from Arequipa and 40 km from Chivay town (the capital of the province of Caylloma). The highest point in the valley is the Ampato dormant volcano (6288 MAMSL). The lowest point is between the Colca and Andamayo rivers (970 MAMSL).
The Colca Valley has an extension of 100 km long and occupies only one sector of the basin of the Colca River, located between the districts of Callalli and Huambo. The Colca route goes through the slopes of the Cachani Mountain and crosses plains full of ichus and yaretas (Andean vegetation). You can find alpacas and vizcachas in this place, which are beautiful camelids of the area.
It is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca River descends from 3,500 meters above sea level at Chivay to 2,200 meters at Cabanaconde. The other side of the road to the Canyon is about 4,000 meters away. The grey mass of Sabancaya (one of the most active volcano in America) looms in the background, and its docile neighbor, Ampato. Unspoiled Andean villages lie on both sides of the canyon, inhabited by the Cabana and Collagua villagers. Some of the extensive pre-Columbian terraces fields are still in use.
Days: 2
Max People : 10
All year
Min Age : 10+
Pickup : Airport
Language:
Departure & Return Location
Arequipa
Bedroom
2 Bedrooms
Departure Time
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Return Time
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Price Includes
Air Fares
3 Nights Hotel Accomodation
Tour Guide
Entrance Fees
Departure & Return Location
Guide Service Fee
Driver Service Fee
Any Private Expenses
Room Service Fees
What to Expect
Quick Itinerary
Day 01: Arequipa - Chivay
Day 02: Colca Canyon Trek - Arequipa
Itinerary Details
Day 01: Arequipa - Chivay
We pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa at 8 am and we drive along the asphalt road to Yura, crossing Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Cañahuas, observing the incompatible vicuñas, llamas, alpacas and migratory birds, and then reaching Viscachani where we enjoy of a mate of Coca, to acclimate the body, by the height. Continuing with the trip appreciating the tocjras, lagunillas and bofedales and at the same time observe some migratory birds like the Flamingos, ibis. Then we arrive at the highest point of Patapampa (4830 masl), also called the viewpoint of the Volcanoes, since from there you can see the Volcanic chain in particular: the Hualcahualca, Sabancalla and Ampato, then descend to the town of Chivay. (3600 masl), have lunch. and accommodation at the hotel.
In the afternoon is optional to visit to the Thermal Baths of La Calera, where we will stay for a period of approximately two hours. These Baths are of thermal medicinal waters, which exceed 40 degrees C; good for bodily diseases.
In the evening, we will enjoy a dinner in the hotel.
Day 02: Colca Canyon Trek - Arequipa
In the morning at 5:30, we have breakfast at the hotel. to then leave for the Cruz del Condor where we will stay for a lapse of 2 hours approx. Place where you can appreciate the depth of the Colca Canyon and the flight of the Condor at a short distance.
In return we will observe archaeological remains, pre Inca agricultural terraces and other panoramic views of the Colca Canyon. We will pass through the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, Yanque in the latter we will make a stop, where we can see its typical churches, its craft center, the typical clothing of its inhabitants, among others.
Arrival to Chivay and Lunch.
Departure to Arequipa, where we will arrive at approximately 17:00 hrs.
Included
Included
Tourist transportation to Colca Canyon
Hotel (01 night)
Entrance fee to Colca Canyon
Professional guide
Not Included
Meals not mentioned
Essential Information
Highlights of the Colca Canyon 2 Day Tours:
Condors flying observation
Highland of Arequipa discovery
Visit of the deepest canyon in the world
Getting to know alpacas, lamas and vicuñas
Crew: A Tierras Vivas representative in Arequipa, Colca Canyon and professional guide
Accommodation: If you would like to stay in Colc Canyon, choose your hotel or hostal contact with our taylor made departamento
Already planning your Inca Trail dates? A few other departures still have discounted spots open this season. The Inca Path Tour combines Lima, Cusco, and the trail itself into one 9-day trip, while the Vilcabamba route offers a less-traveled path to Machu Picchu with the same final destination. Both are shown below with current pricing — reach out if you want us to check specific dates for your group.
Discover Peru’s highlights with our 9-day Inca Path package. Includes Lima city tour, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and the legendary Inca Trail. Permits sell out fast!
Four days, three mountain passes, and a sunrise arrival at the Sun Gate — the Inca Trail is the trek most people picture when they imagine Machu Picchu. Tierras Vivas runs it with licensed local guides and small groups, departures guaranteed for 2026.
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