Peru Holidays: Colca Canyon Trek - Arequipa

The Colca Canyon around Arequipa is one of the deepest canyons on earth (3191 m at its deepest part). Why not come on join us on this expedition through the geology book for the naturalist lovers the Colca Canyon is.

Day 1: Arequipa - Chivay - Colca Valley
Early morning, we leave Arequipa in northerly direction, following a winding road that takes us via the Altiplano (14000 ft) to the Colca River Valley. Along the way, we observe rare wildlife and many species of birds. We explore Chivay, the main town of the Colca Valley. Overnight at a basic hostal in Chivay (L D).

Day 2: Colca Valley
A full day dedicated to the exploration of this "forgotten valley", its towns and its villages. We drive down the valley through Yanque, Achoma and Maca to the "Cruz Del Condor" (5000 ft deep), where the Colca River dramatically enters its spectacular canyon. The Colca River Canyon is the world's second deepest (Cotahuasi is the deepest). After enjoying this dramatic view with condors flying deep below, we drive back to Achoma for the night in a basic, rustic hostal (B L D).

Day 3: Colca Valley - Trek to Colca Canyon
After a very early breakfast, we continue the west to the town of Huambo. On the way, we pass "Cruz Del Condor" again and visiting Cabanaconde village. Around noon, we arrive in Huambo (10700 ft). Here, we load our equipment on donkeys and horses, and enjoy lunch. We set of hiking down the Huambo River Canyon on the original Inca trail. At the borders of the Huambo River, w set up camp for the night (B L D).

Day 4: Trek Colca Canyon
We continue to hike down on the same Inca Trail following the Huambo River to Canco at the bottom of the Colca Canyon. The scenery changes totally. After lunch, we hike to Canco village and set up camp on the banks of the Colca River (4400ft) (B L D).

Day 5: Canco - Bottom of the Colca Canyon
In the morning, we cross the river and hike and climb up the Colca River to see the "John Paul II Falls", the highest falls in the entire canyon. We return to camp for the night (B L D).

Day 6: Trek Canco - Huambo River
Early morning, we hike back to civilisation with a stop in Canco. Return (possibly on horseback) up towards Huambo. After lunch, we continue our hike up to Huambo camp (B L D).

Day 7: Trek to Huambo - drive to Arequipa
After breakfast, we hike to Huambo town. Early afternoon, we return to Arequipa (B L).

Available between April and October

Rated: Moderate/Strenuous.

Included: Comfortable twin tents and mattresses, cooking gear, tables and benches as well as first aid kit and emergency equipment, all meals as mentioned, transport to/from Arequipa.

Not included: Meals not mentioned

Colca Trek

Arequipa

Peru