Colca Canyon Peru: Breathtaking Adventure Guide for Condor Spotting & Epic Treks

Colca Canyon is one of the most amazing and vast landscapes I’ve ever seen. Many travelers just do a quick day tour from Arequipa, but if you have the chance to stay a few days, you will enjoy spotting the Andean condor and going for a trek in this spectacular place. In this article, I will explain everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Colca canyon with the river down the bottom and cactus on the valley, Peru

Me (horizon hugo) cheering up for seeing this amazing Colca Canyon

Zoom of the Colca Canyon and the river at the bottom

Andean Condor spotted at the Mirador Cruz del condor, near cabanaconde in the Colca Canyon

The Essentials

Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest and most stunning canyons
Spotting the majestic Andean condor at Mirador Cruz del Condor
Multiple trekking circuits are available
Local buses from Arequipa run regularly
Relaxing in natural hot springs after a day of trekking
From Arequipa: 2-Day Colca Canyon Trekking Tour
From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour

Discovering Colca Canyon

Why is Colca Canyon So Famous?

The Colca Canyon is famous for several reasons. It is the best place to see the incredible Andean condor in flight. It is also one of the largest canyons in the world, with stunning views and dramatic landscapes. Additionally, it offers amazing trekking opportunities, from short 1-day hikes up to challenging 5-day adventures inside the canyon.

People looking for Condor at Mirador Cruz Del Condor

Main place at Cabanaconde Village with the Big letters saying

Cabanaconde main place

Where is Colca Canyon?

Colca Canyon is just a few hours from Arequipa. Local buses pass by frequently, making it accessible to visitors without private transport.

There is a bus every hour from Arequipa operated by companies like Andalucia or Trasandino. Prices are about 30 soles to Cabanaconde. The journey takes about 4 hours to reach Chivay with bus times like 14:00 and 18:00, and around 2 hours from Chivay to Cabanaconde with buses running from 18:00 to 20:00.

Private transportation options exist for day visits or guided treks

From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour With Meals

The Weather in Colca Canyon

The weather is generally sunny but cold, especially at night. Cabanaconde stands at a high altitude (around 3,280 meters), so temperatures drop significantly after sunset. The bottom of the canyon, near villages like Llahuar, Sangalle, and San Juan de Chuccho, has milder and more pleasant weather.

The Colca Canyon has distinct dry and wet seasons that affect trekking conditions. The dry season generally runs from May to September, offering sunny days, cooler temperatures, and clear skies, which makes it the best time for trekking and condor spotting. The wet season lasts from November to March, bringing frequent rain showers, muddy trails, and a higher chance of landslides, which can make trekking more challenging and less predictable.

Me (HorizonHugo) looking at the canyon on the second day of the 3 day trek tour in the colca canyon, Peru

Colca canyon is impressively long !

Overview of My 3-Day Trek in the Canyon

Day 1 - Cabanaconde to llahuar

Begin your adventure with a mostly downhill trek from the village of Cabanaconde to peaceful Llahuar. The walk takes about 5 hours, descending through scenic viewpoints including Achachihua Mirador, where you might spot Andean condors soaring above. Relax in Llahuar’s hot springs as a perfect reward after the journey.

Day 2 - Llahuar to San Juan Chuccho

Today’s trek covers around 5 hours, traversing varied terrain with ups and downs as you move deeper into the canyon. Passing several small villages and lush vegetation, you will arrive in San Juan de Chuccho, where basic but comfortable accommodations await. This day combines both hiking challenge and stunning natural beauty.

Day 3 - San Juan de Chuccho to Cabanaconde

The final day is the most challenging with a steep climb of over 1,100 meters back to Cabanaconde. Despite the exertion, spectacular canyon views and the sense of accomplishment make it worthwhile. The climb generally takes about 5 hours, finishing your trek with time to rest before catching the bus back to Arequipa.

5 Days to Visit the Canyon de Colca, Encountering the Condor and Trekking in an Amazing Landscape

I’ll share my daily trip with you so you can better understand how I managed the long bus ride, visited the condor mirador, and completed a 3-day trek in the Canyon de Colca.

Bus from Arequipa to Cabanaconde

This was a day of travel from Arequipa to Cabanaconde, allowing me to rest and be ready early the next morning for the Mirador del Cruz to spot the condor.

I took the local bus at 14:00. With some traffic in Arequipa and stops along the way, I arrived about six hours later in Cabanaconde.

The landscape on the plains at 4,000 meters and above is absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, because it was already dark when we reached the canyon, I couldn’t see how it looked. This surprise was left for the next day.

I stayed at Casa de Santiago, a decent hotel with a nice garden and beautiful views. Breakfast was included, and the hot shower was welcome. Mornings get busy here as many trekking groups eat breakfast before starting their day.

Four Andean Condor flying at Mirador Cruz del Condor at Colca Canyon, nearby Cabanaconde Village

4 Condors Flying together !

The Condor Mirador and Preparation Day

I suggest taking your first day to relax, plan your hike, and visit two beautiful viewpoints.

Mirador Cruz del Condor

To get to the mirador from Cabanaconde, you can take colectivos every 30 minutes or buses from companies like Andalucia that drop you off there. The cost is usually about 5 soles.

This spot is an absolute must for condor watching. Not just one condor, but often five or even ten soaring around. It’s really beautiful.

You have to be on time. The condors are punctual, mostly flying between 8:00 and 10:00 AM. After 10 AM, especially in July, it gets hotter and the condors stop flying through here. They can sometimes be seen flying higher on mountain tops in the warmer air currents.

There are a few more sightings between 10:00 and 11:00 and one more after 11:00.

Though visiting the mirador itself is free, entering Colca Canyon is not. Several ‘rangers’ wearing badges and jackets collect a ticket fee from visitors. Tickets cost about 70 soles (~18€) and last for 3 days, covering visits to the mirador and the canyon.

If you plan to do a 4-day trek, the rangers are present only until about 11 AM to 12 PM, so if you return later you might not be checked, as most people visit early.

To go back to Cabanaconde, you can wait for colectivos or even wave at passing trucks—locals often stop to help foreigners and earn some soles.

Mirador del cruz ( viewpoint of the Cruz) where many tourist comes in the morning to spot condors

Mirador del Cruz is the spot to see Condors

Aerial view of the Colca canyon next ot cabanconde at sunset

Dramatic lights at the sunset

Mirador Achachihua

This viewpoint is accessible by a 20-minute walk from the center of Cabanaconde. It’s perfect for watching the sunset with an incredible view of the canyon that differs from the morning one.

The best part is that it’s usually empty. If you’re lucky, you might even spot condors here too. I saw two flying around when it was 4-5 PM.

Today is also the day to prepare your trek and decide your route.

Preparing Your Trek in the Canyon

You can customize your trek depending on the number of days you want, usually from 2 to 4 days. Based on your planned days, self-guided or guided options exist. The best options are:

2-day, 1-night hike: Route from San Juan de Chuccho to Sangalle to Cabanaconde, overnight in Sangalle
3-day, 2-night hike: Route from Llahuar to Sangalle to Cabanaconde, overnight in Llahuar and Sangalle
4-day hike: Route from Llahuar to Fure to Huaruro Waterfall to Sangalle to Cabanaconde. This can be extended to 5 days with a night at San Juan de Chuccho

I opted for the 3-day hike, but instead of going where most of group sleep, I decided to go to San Juan de Chuchcco, more local small village still with hotels to welcom hikers.

Trekking map of the Colca Canyon with all the possible trails that you can take

All the Trail in the Colca Canyon

3 Days of Trekking Through the Colca Canyon

Day 1: Cabanaconde - Llahuar

Starting My Trek in the Canyon de Colca

Left at 8:30 AM and arrived at Llahuar Lodge around 1 PM.

After a nice breakfast at Santiago Hotel, it was time to start walking. The first part is easy—you leave the city on a well-paved trail marked clearly as the trekking route.

After about 20 minutes, you arrive at a stunning viewpoint, the Achachihua Mirador, which offers an amazing overview of the canyon and is where we would sleep tonight. On the left below in the canyon lies Llahuar village.

If you’re lucky, you might spot condors here too! I saw one flying this morning toward Cabanaconde.

Begining of the trekking trail right at the exit of Cabanconde city, to go down the Colca Canyon

The begining of the Trail at the exit of Cabanaconde

One of the ranger patroling at the trek path to verify that you have a ticket to visit the Colca Canyon

Official Rangers to buy a ticket from ( They have badges & jackets)

At the mirador, a kind of forest guard asks to see your ticket. It’s not obvious as there’s no kiosk or desk, but these are official rangers ensuring visitors pay to protect the canyon.

The ticket costs 70 soles, which is quite a lot. It allows access to the canyon for 3 days. You can buy one at the Mirador Cruz del Condor if you don’t have it yet.

I bought mine yesterday, but here was a problem: yesterday, today, and the next two days combined make four days, but the ticket is only valid for 3 days. I didn’t know what would happen on the last day. Let's see.

The Beautiful Overview of the Canyon

For the next hour, the walk is pleasant. You remain above the canyon but begin a slight descent. There are multiple viewpoints, each offering a new breathtaking angle to admire the canyon.

Me (Horizon Hugo) looking at the colca canyon from the top of it

You feel so small looking at this canyon

Path to go down the Canyon

The Big Descent

For about two hours, you trek steeply down the canyon. The path becomes narrower and more rocky. Don’t worry, just take your time.

The view remains incredible, with scenic viewpoints along the way.

The vegetation is surprising. It’s hotter than expected, even at about 3,000 meters. The landscape is dry, filled with cacti and similar plants, looking a bit like the Sierra Nevada.

It’s impressive how the path snakes down the steep valley walls. The opposite canyon side is smoother but still steep, while our side has huge rock walls with jagged edges. Yet, there’s always a safer smoother path for trekkers.

Aerial view of me (horizon hugo) on one of the two bridges down the colca canyon to cross from cabanaconde to llahuar village

In the middle of the Calca Canyon

Down the Canyon

You finally reach the river at the canyon bottom. There are two bridges, take the bigger one—the older bridge I took looks like an Indiana Jones scene.

Past the bridge, the path widens for cars passing through. To reach Llahuar village, take the upper road.

Llahuar Lodge or Casa de Virgen

After about 5 hours of a calm trek, I arrived at the village, starting at 8:30 AM and arriving around 1 PM.

I crossed one more bridge and reached the front of Llahuar Lodge and Casa de Virgen. I hadn’t booked in advance, so I asked Casa de Virgen if they had space; they have a better online rating. Unfortunately, it was full, so I went to Llahuar Lodge.

It’s a nice, bigger hotel with simple rooms.

Dorm bed: 35 soles, breakfast included
Simple room with shared bathroom: 40 soles, breakfast included
Private double room: 120 soles
Dinner costs from 20 to 40 soles depending on your order.
Big bottles of water cost 12 soles.
They accept credit cards with a 5% fee, so you can either bring cash or pay by card, which is very convenient here.

Aerial view of Llahuar Lodge down the Colca canyon, with the main building, the rooms alongside the valley and the hot spring next to the river

Llahuar Lodge is the biggest hotel at this village

me (horizon hugo) chilling alone at the hot spring of llahuar Lodge

Chilling at the hot springs after the first trekking day

Llahuar villages and the hotels down the canyon

In total, I spent about 140 soles for lunch, dinner, breakfast, 2 liters of water, a room, and access to the hot springs—all really worth it.

The rooms are scattered along the valley from the main building to the river.

By the river, there are hot springs—amazing natural pools with an incredible view. Water temperature is about 40 degrees Celsius or less.

If it gets too hot, dive into the river next to the springs, which might be 10-15 degrees. It’s a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and towel (not provided).

Day 2: Llahuar - San Juan de Chuccho

Trekking Along the Canyon with Breathtaking Views

Day two is normally around 4 hours and 30 minutes of walking, with 830 meters of ascent and 530 meters of descent to reach San Juan de Chuccho.

The nighttime temperature is pleasant, warmer than in Cabanaconde, because we descend over 1,000 meters in altitude. Around 18 degrees Celsius is comforting, especially as the rooms have bamboo stick walls.

There are various ways to climb to Paclla: either take the longer but less steep road, or the shorter but much steeper zigzag path in the mountain.

Paclla and Belen villages

Malata and Cosñinhua

At 9:30, I passed Belen, stopping a bit above to admire the view and rest after two hours of walking. If you’re lucky, hummingbirds may appear here.

At 10:30, passing over the mountain revealed the other side of the canyon with a new landscape—more jagged edges and closer canyon walls. You can see Sangalle, a luxurious green oasis, from here.

After passing Malata and Cosñirhua, I had lunch in Malata to avoid rushing to San Juan.

Accommodation in San Juan:

Private room with shared bathroom: 25 soles, breakfast not included
Room with private bathroom and breakfast: 80 soles
Breakfast costs 10 soles separately

I paid about 95 soles total, excluding lunch.

Day 3: San Juan de Chuccho - Cabanaconde

Most Challenging Day of the Trek

Woke up at 6:00 AM, had breakfast at 7:00, and started walking at 7:30.

It’s best to start early as the mountain face gets hot quickly with morning and midday sun.

Initially, the walk was easy, crossing a bridge and returning to the Cabanaconde side.

From there, a massive wall of 1,130 meters stands in front of you—that’s over one kilometer of vertical canyon to climb.

The path starts easy in cool air but quickly heats up. The zigzag path steadily climbs the steep canyon wall.

The scenery becomes awe-inspiring, like walking along a cliff with narrow paths that make you feel a bit thrilled.

Aerial view of the canyon and the path to climb back up to cabanaconde from the bottom of the canyon to the top

1.1 km to climb up !

Me (Horizon Hugo) in front of the Colca Canyon during the last day of the 3 days trekking

Having a last look at this impressive canyon

Closer to the end, many groups starting their trek looked fresh and ready, contrasting with my sunburnt, sweaty state, which felt somewhat amusing.

By 11:30, I arrived at Mirador San Miguel.

The rangers had just left and didn’t check my ticket, which was perfect!

It took about 30 more minutes to reach Cabanaconde. This last part was less pleasant as it’s a road walk beside the main highway.

Last Lunch and Jumping on the Bus

I arrived in time at Cabanaconde to pick up my backpack and reorganize my things.

Enjoyed a nice lunch and caught the 1:30 PM bus back to Arequipa.

Everything went smoothly, and I had a relaxing nap during the ride closer to Arequipa.

This time, I was able to appreciate the length and grandeur of the canyon extending for kilometers all the way to Chivay.

view of the vegetations style at Colca canyon. we find a lot of cactus of various species in the canyon

Big cactus are all around at Colca Canyon

Why You Should Experience Colca Canyon

This hike is an incredible experience, one not many travelers do beyond the popular one-day visits to the condor viewpoint.

Cabanaconde is a perfect starting point for multi-day treks, offering everything needed for a great adventure.

If you go, try to spot my sticker logo on the road—it’s a little treasure for fellow explorers!

FAQ

Is Colca Canyon safe for travelers?

Yes, Colca Canyon is mostly safe, but take standard precautions and follow local advice during treks.

Do I need travel insurance for Colca Canyon?

It’s highly recommended, as treks are challenging and remote medical care can be difficult to reach.

Can I hike Colca Canyon without a guide?

Yes, it’s possible to do self-guided treks, as most trails are marked and villages offer accommodation.

How many days are best for trekking in Colca Canyon?

Most travelers choose 2 to 3 days; this allows enough time to appreciate the scenery and avoid exhaustion.

What’s the hardest part of trekking Colca Canyon?

The ascent out of the canyon is steep and the altitude makes it physically demanding.

Do I need camping equipment for the trek?

No tent is needed, since small guesthouses and lodges are available in canyon villages.

Is there WiFi or cell service in the canyon?

WiFi is rare and mobile net is patchy, especially deep in the canyon villages. But at the guesthouse yes there is wifi.

How much money should I budget for the trek?

Budget-minded travelers can expect about $150 USD for a non-guided 3-day trek, including food, lodging, and transport.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

The dry season from May to September is best for clear skies and easier trekking.

What shoes and gear do I need?

Bring durable trekking shoes, layered clothing for cold nights and warm days, plus sunscreen and a hat.

How do I reach the trailhead from Arequipa?

Take a public bus to Cabanaconde, which runs several times daily and is the starting point for most treks.

Can children or older adults do the trek?

It’s possible but only for those used to mountain walks; the route’s steep climbs are tough for beginners.

Do I need to reserve accommodation ahead?

It’s recommended during busy months, but usually rooms are available in most villages.

Is there drinking water available during the trek?

It’s safest to bring water or a filter; bottled water is also sold in some lodges.

Do you have to pay for entry to Colca Canyon?

Yes, all visitors must purchase a tourist ticket (70 PEN), usually checked at popular viewpoints and trail starts.

More Photos of Colca Canyon

If you're interested in owning one of the photos (printing them, setting them as your phone wallpaper, or using them for commercial purposes), you can easily get them on Pixieset. If you don't find the photo you like, send me a quick message on Instagram (@HorizonHugo), and I’ll add it!

Me ( Horizon Hugo) enjoying the amazing view of the Colca Canyon on last time at the third and last day of the treeking

Me (HorizonHugo) enjoyng the view of the Colca Canyon

View of Singalle city hidden down the Colca Canyon

Aerial view of San Juan de Chuccho and the canyon during the morning

Aerial view of the canyon and the path from San Juan de chuccho to Cabanaconde

Aerial view of the brdige that relies both sides of the canyon near San Juan de Chucco village

Aerial view of Sangalli village down the Canyon

me (horizon hugo) chilling alone at the hot spring of llahuar Lodge after a day of trekking

Aerial view of the river down the colca canyon near Llahuar village where there are two bidges to cross one side to the other

Aerial view of me (horizon hugo) standing on the bridge down the colca canyon near llahuar Village, Peru

view of the colca canyon at its bottom where the river is passing. the sides of the canyon are greener thanks to the water close by

Me (horizon Hugo) looking at the Colca canyon from a viewpoint during the first day of trekking starting at cabanaconde to Llahuar village

Aerial view of the Colca canyon after an hour of trek from cabanconde to Llahuar village.

Path to cabanaconde to go to Achachihua viewpoint at the sunset

Me (HorizonHugo) enjoying the sunset alone at Achachihua viewpoint ( Achachihua Mirador)

Panel indicating that we are at the 'Mirador del cruz', the viewpoint of the cruce, to see condors

Choose Your Colca Canyon experience

I’m Hugo, a traveler at heart who’s visited more than 30 countries. Through my stories and tips, I hope to inspire you to explore new places. If you need help organizing your own trip, just click the button below—I’m here for you!

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