2 Day 1 Night Trek / Colca Canyon

The big draw here is the dramatic two-day crossing into Colca Canyon. You leave Arequipa in the middle of the night, watch for condors at Cruz del Condor, then walk downhill through villages and fruit trees to Sangalle, where a warm pool waits at the bottom.

I like the fact that transport, guiding, four included meals, and the overnight stay are bundled into one $124 trip. I also like the sunrise climb out, when torchlight gives way to wide views of the canyon. The catch is simple: this is a hard hike, especially the three-hour uphill finish, and the basic lodge and early starts will not suit everyone.

Colca Canyon in two demanding days

This trip gives you a quick, organized way to see one of Peru’s great natural sights from inside the canyon, not just from a roadside viewpoint. The route links Arequipa, Chivay, Cruz del Condor, Cabanaconde, San Juan de Chuccho, Sangalle, and the hot springs near Chivay.

You spend the first day going almost entirely downhill. The second day reverses the numbers: you rise before dawn and climb for about three hours from Sangalle to Cabanaconde. The total schedule is tight, but it packs in the main sights without requiring you to arrange separate buses, meals, or lodging.

The group is limited to 12 people, which matters on a route where the pace can vary. Guiding is available in English and Spanish. One especially well-regarded guide named Eveline is described as kind, capable, and good at giving hikers room to enjoy the scenery while helping during the hardest sections.

Key points to know before booking

• A 1,500-meter uphill finish: The climb from Sangalle to Cabanaconde takes about three hours and begins around 5:00 am.
• A warm pool at the canyon floor: Cielo Azul Lodge in Sangalle has a swimming pool, a welcome reward after the first day.
• Condors and canyon viewpoints: Cruz del Condor is one of the main stops, though clouds can affect what you see.
• Four meals are included: You receive two breakfasts, lunch, and dinner, but the final lunch in Chivay costs extra.
• Transport removes a major headache: Hotel or hostel pickup in Arequipa and return transport are included.
• Extra costs add up: The Colca Canyon entry fee and hot springs entry are not included, so carry Peruvian soles.

The 3:00 am departure from Arequipa

Your day starts very early, usually between 3:00 and 3:30 am. The drive to Cabanaconde takes about six hours, with stops along the way. This is not a gentle morning outing, so pack a small bag the night before and keep water, a jacket, and snacks within reach.

The first stop is Chivay, where you have breakfast around 7:30 am. The town is known for traditional buildings and colorful surroundings. The included breakfast saves you from organizing food at an unreasonable hour, though one breakfast has been described as quite small. I would carry a snack in case you need more fuel before the hike begins.

The long bus ride is part of the bargain. You avoid finding your own transport through the Colca region, but the early departure can be rough. One complaint concerned music playing on the bus at 3:00 am, so earplugs are a sensible addition to your packing list.

Cruz del Condor and the start of the descent

At Cruz del Condor, you stop at one of the best-known viewing points in South America for Andean condors. These birds can reach a wingspan of more than three meters and weigh up to 12 kilograms. The canyon walls and rising air currents create the setting condors need to glide overhead.

You get about 30 minutes at the viewpoint. That is enough for a quick look and photographs, but it is not a long wildlife-watching session. Clouds can block the main view, and condors are never guaranteed at a precise moment. On some days, you might see them later along the descent instead.

From the viewpoint, the bus continues for about 20 minutes to the trailhead near Cabanaconde. Then the walking begins. The first day drops from roughly 3,300 meters to about 2,100 meters, with around three hours of downhill hiking before lunch.

Downhill sounds easy until you have spent hours lowering yourself over uneven ground. Your knees and ankles take the strain, and the high elevation can still affect your breathing. Use trekking poles if you have them, and take the first section at a controlled pace. You do not gain anything by racing ahead.

San Juan de Chuccho, fruit trees, and canyon villages

Lunch comes in San Juan de Chuccho, a small village with vegetation and fruit trees. It is a useful pause after the steep descent, giving you time to eat and rest before the route continues.

The scenery changes as you walk through smaller settlements including Cosñirhua and Malata. You see a more lived-in side of the canyon, with local villages and cultivated areas rather than only rock walls. This is one of the strongest parts of the experience because the trek connects the viewpoints with communities inside the canyon.

The path continues through the deepest part of the route toward Sangalle. The day lasts about 11 hours from departure, including transport, stops, and hiking. You reach Sangalle around 5:00 pm if the schedule holds.

Bring enough water for the walking sections. Bottled water can cost roughly 6 to 10 soles for a liter along the route, so buying supplies in advance may save money. Sun cream is useful even in cooler months, since much of the trail is exposed and the sun can feel intense at altitude.

Sangalle and the simple Cielo Azul Lodge

Sangalle sits at about 1,900 meters, far below the high rim. The lower elevation and warm pool make it feel very different from the start of the day. After the long descent, a swim at Cielo Azul Lodge can be the trip’s most welcome luxury.

The overnight accommodation is in basic bungalows. Dinner is included, but you should set your expectations correctly. This is a simple mountain stay, not a polished hotel. One useful tip is to pack a sleeping bag liner, especially if you prefer your own bedding.

The pool is available for relaxing after the hike, but do not treat the evening as a full recovery period. You still need to eat, drink water, prepare for a pre-dawn start, and get as much sleep as possible. A headlamp or small torch is important for the morning climb, although the schedule says the hike begins with torch lights.

The 5:00 am climb to Cabanaconde

The second day is the physical test. You begin around 5:00 am and climb for about three hours to Cabanaconde. The route rises roughly 1,500 meters, so this is not a casual morning stroll.

The timing gives you a chance to watch the canyon brighten during sunrise. Early light can make the walls and terraces look especially dramatic, but the first part of the hike is done in darkness. Keep your torch handy, wear sturdy shoes, and stay close enough to your guide and group to avoid confusion.

You should have a realistic view of your fitness before booking. The tour requires moderate physical ability according to the operator, but the steep uphill section feels demanding even for fit hikers. One account describes the final climb as about five kilometers of near-continuous ascent. If you struggle with steep climbs, this is the part to think about most carefully.

Local mule rides may be offered along the route for an additional cost, but the operator does not provide that service. The mule operators are local and are not regulated by authorities, with no stated safety standards. If you consider using a mule, understand that equipment and instruction may be limited. A safer plan is to train for the climb and discuss your pace with the guide before setting out.

Breakfast in Cabanaconde and the road to Chivay

Once you reach Cabanaconde, breakfast is included. This is a useful recovery meal after the climb, though your appetite may be large after the previous day and early morning effort.

The bus then heads toward Chivay. Along the way, you can see pre-Inca terraces, archaeological remains, and colonial towns. These stops are viewed from the road or during the transfer, so the day is not built around long archaeological visits. The value is in seeing how the canyon region combines farming, older settlement patterns, and later colonial buildings.

Around midday, the group reaches the hot springs near Chivay. Entry is optional. The water is described as ranging from about 30 to 60 degrees Celsius, with several pools at different temperatures. After the climb, soaking tired legs can be a fine use of an hour.

The supplied information gives two different prices for hot springs entry, 15 soles in the stop description and 70 soles in the cost details. Confirm the current fee before departure and bring extra soles. Since the visit is optional, you can skip it if you would rather eat, rest, or walk around Chivay.

The final lunch in Chivay is also optional and not included. A typical buffet is listed at 30 soles per person. After two active days, I would budget for it, even if you normally travel cheaply.

Pampa Cañahuas and the return to Arequipa

The return route crosses the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. At Pampa Cañahuas, the bus stops for about 10 to 15 minutes, although you may see volcanoes and camelids for more than an hour from the road.

This area is known for South American camelids including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. It is a pleasant final stretch after the canyon hike, with open high-country views and chances to spot animals near the road.

The bus descends from about 4,830 meters to Arequipa at roughly 2,325 meters. You arrive in the late afternoon, around 5:30 pm, and are dropped near Calle Santa Catalina and Santa Catalina Monastery. That location is useful if your accommodation is in the historic center, but you should confirm the exact drop-off point if you need to connect to a bus or another part of the city.

What the $124 price really covers

At $124 per person, this is not the absolute cheapest way to reach Colca Canyon. You may find similar arrangements for less by negotiating in Arequipa, and one price-conscious assessment suggested the same type of trip could cost about half as much locally.

The price makes more sense if you value convenience. You receive private tourist transport, pickup from your hotel or hostel, an English or Spanish guide, two breakfasts, lunch, dinner, and one night at Cielo Azul Lodge. Organizing each part yourself could save money, but it would take more time and require careful coordination between buses, trailheads, meals, and lodging.

Budget separately for the 70-sol Colca Canyon entry fee, the hot springs, and the final lunch. The hot springs fee needs checking because the supplied details conflict. You should also allow for water and any personal snacks.

I see this as a convenience-focused purchase, not a bargain tour. It is worthwhile if you have limited time in Arequipa and want the major canyon route handled for you. It is less attractive if your main goal is the lowest possible price or a slower hiking schedule.

Who should book this trek

I would recommend it to hikers who want a physically demanding canyon experience but prefer an organized group. The 12-person limit keeps the outing from becoming a large coach excursion, and having a guide is useful when the route, altitude, and timing are all demanding.

It also suits people who want a mixture of nature and local life. You are not only looking at the canyon from a viewpoint. You walk through San Juan de Chuccho, Cosñirhua, Malata, and Sangalle, then pass terraces, colonial towns, volcanoes, and camelids on the return.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone with knee problems, poor stamina, or little tolerance for early starts. The first day is a long downhill walk, the second begins before sunrise, and the lodge is basic. Service quality can also vary, so I would keep expectations practical rather than expecting a polished, perfectly timed operation.

The experience has a 4.5 rating from 92 reviews, which matches my overall impression: the canyon and route are the real stars, while transport, meals, lodging, and local add-on services may be uneven. A strong guide can make a major difference, and Eveline is one guide specifically praised for helping people through the harder sections without crowding them.

Should you book the Colca Canyon trek?

Book this trip if you want to enter Colca Canyon, see condors, sleep at Sangalle, and return to Arequipa in two days with most practical details arranged. The warm pool, included meals, small group size, and sunrise climb give the trip real appeal.

Skip it if you want comfort, a relaxed pace, or a guaranteed wildlife show. Prepare for the early departure, basic bungalows, limited breakfast portions, extra entry fees, and a serious climb out of the canyon. Pack water, snacks, sun cream, a torch, sturdy shoes, and a sleeping bag liner. With those expectations, this is a demanding but memorable way to experience Colca Canyon.

FAQ

How long is the Colca Canyon trek?

The experience lasts about two days and one night. The first day includes transport from Arequipa, the descent into the canyon, and an overnight stay in Sangalle. The second day includes the climb to Cabanaconde and the return drive to Arequipa.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup begins between 3:00 and 3:30 am in Arequipa. The listed meeting time is 3:00 am.

How long is the first day of hiking?

The first day includes about three hours of downhill hiking, followed by additional walking through villages and toward Sangalle. The full day, including transport and stops, lasts about 11 hours.

How difficult is the climb on the second day?

The climb begins around 5:00 am and takes about three hours. It rises roughly 1,500 meters from Sangalle to Cabanaconde, so you should have moderate to good physical fitness.

Are meals included?

Yes. The price includes two breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner. The final lunch in Chivay is not included and is listed at 30 soles for a buffet.

Is the Colca Canyon entrance fee included?

No. The Colca Canyon entrance fee is listed as 70 soles per person and must be paid separately.

Is the hot springs visit included?

The hot springs visit is optional and entry is not included. The supplied details list different prices, 15 soles and 70 soles, so confirm the current fee before going.

Where do you sleep?

You sleep in basic bungalows at Cielo Azul Lodge in Sangalle. The lodge has a swimming pool for relaxing after the first day’s hike.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. Guiding is available in English and Spanish. The group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people.