HIKING THE COLCA CANYON: PERU
If you're visiting Arequipa then you may have heard a thing or two about the Colca Canyon. Famous for being one of the deepest canyons throughout the world, at a depth of 3270 metres it's Peru's third biggest attraction. The hike through the Colca Canyon has no easy route, much of it is downhill to start with and a steep incline to finish. The views are breathtaking.
There are many tours that take you on a 2 day or 3 day hike around the Canyon. Prices vary with agencies, so shop around as they're all pretty much the same with regards to the route.
You can also hike the canyon solo, which would have been my preference. However unsure about heading into the canyon solo, I opted for a tour group on this occasion.
Hiking the Colca Canyon
Beginning in the little town of Chivay we first headed to the Condor lookout point. It wasn't exactly the season for condors, but we were lucky to see a few flying around. I'm not a big bird watcher so after admiring these gracious predators for a few minutes, I got ready to start the hike.
Condors over the Colca Canyon
The trek begins from Cabanaconde. The Canyon is dry and hot for most of the year. Trekking in rainy season can be dangerous so be sure to take appropriate gear if you plan to do this and it's preferable to take a guide during this time.
The hike is split into two parts. Heading downhill on day 1 to Sangalle where you stay overnight in an oasis. Heading uphill and out of the canyon on day 2. After having hiked the Salkantay Trek, I was acclimatised to the altitude and the hike wasn't as bad as I had perceived. However, if this is one of your first hikes in Peru, it's a great warm up to some of the bigger hikes you'll do in Cusco.
Heading downhill
It's a looong way down. In the heat of the day, there was very little shade. Starting at 3270 metres above sea level, it's around 5-6 hours downhill. Our guide was great and explained much of the biodiversity in the area.
Heading down to Sangalle
Our hostel in the oasis Sangalle had a pretty cold swimming pool to jump into, which was welcomed after the sweaty hike down. Showers were cold, so I dealt with not being kind of smelly for a night until I got back to my hostel the next day.
Dinner was pretty plain and simple. Regardless of the tour group you pick, the food pretty much sucks on the tour. The agency warned us before we left, so bring plenty of snacks!!
That's a long way out of Sangalle
Heading uphill on day 2
Uphill started early. And without breakfast.
At 4:30 we began the uphill battle. Three hours up. Zig zagging our way out of the canyon. Watching the sunrise was beautiful. Getting to the top was even more amazing.
If you have trouble at this point, you can pay for a horse to take you up.
At the top, relieved we had made it, there was only one thing left.
Breakfast!
At the top of the Colca Canyon
Tour Group + Cost
The cheapest group tour I found was for PEN 100 (£22/$30), including the guide, transport, overnight accommodation and all the food.
The entry ticket into the park is PEN 70.
Going Solo
It is 100% possible to go solo, in fact I would even encourage it.
You'll need to get a bus to Chivay or Cabanaconde. Buses run daily. To confirm the times, I would suggest heading to the tourist office in the main square of Arequipa where they'll be able to provide an up to date bus schedule.
Is it worth it?
The trek is beautiful but...
Full disclosure. I'm definitely glad to have had the chance to hike it. However, after having done many hikes in Peru by this point, it doesn't rate as one of my favourites. It was still worth doing and really is spectacular but maybe something to consider if you're in two minds about whether to do the trek.
Heading back to Arequipa
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