Colca Canyon Travel Guide: Over Trekking & Condor Watching

Colca Canyon in Peru is one of the world's deepest canyons, known for its incredible natural scenery. But is hiking all you imagine when you think of it? What if I told you there are many other things to do here? In addition to hiking, you can relax in hot springs, watch the Andean condor soar through the sky, and explore vast ancient terraces and cultural heritage sites. Keep reading for more detailed tips on traveling to Colca Canyon.

Where is Colca Canyon

Located in southern Peru, Colca Canyon is about 160 km from the city of Arequipa and is one of the world's deepest canyons. The canyon stretches along the Colca River, and its sides are filled with ancient terraces and traditional villages. It is also an important habitat for the Andean condor, making it an excellent place for hiking. The town of Chivay, situated between the rim and the depths of the canyon, has become a major hub for visitors traveling from Arequipa to explore the canyon.

Getting to and Around Colca Canyon

How to Get to Colca Canyon From Arequipa

How to Get to Colca Canyon From Arequipa?

When planning a trip to Colca Canyon, it's typically connected through Arequipa. The easiest way to get there is by flying from either Lima or Cusco. The flight from Lima takes about 1.5 hours, and the flight from Cusco takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. After arriving in Arequipa, you'll need to car ride to the canyon's entrance, the town of Chivay, and this drive takes approximately 3 hours. If you want to hike directly, you can go to Cabanaconde, which is about 220 km from Arequipa and takes 4 hours by car.

How to Get Around Colca Canyon

The classic way to get around the Colca Canyon in Peru is by hiking, which allows you to go deep into the valley and visit local villages. If you are not planning a long hike, you can take a car to the main viewpoints. For a more convenient and comfortable option, you can choose Odynovo's private transfer service. This service takes away your transportation worries, allows for flexible scheduling, and provides smooth connections between attractions with a professional driver, a guide, and a comfortable premium vehicle.

Best Time to Visit Colca Canyon

Although Colca Canyon is suitable for visiting all year, the best time to visit is from May to October. Just like other Peruvian Andean highlands, this is the dry season. With a clear sky, it gives you a better chance to see the Andean condor and perfect conditions for hiking. Average temperatures are around 8°C to 21°C (46℉ to 70℉), but it is colder in the early mornings and nights, so you should bring a jacket.

The rainy season is from November to April, with temperatures around 9°C to 14°C (49℉ - 58℉). Hiking may be difficult due to muddy roads from the rain, but it does not rain every day. Compared to the dry season, the rainy season has fewer tourists and lower costs. However, if you are looking for more outdoor activities, it is recommended to travel during the dry season to avoid being affected by rain.

What to See & Do in Colca Canyon

Exploring Ancient Historical Sites

When you're in Colca Canyon, make sure to visit the Uyo Uyo Archaeological Site. It preserves ancient stone houses, irrigation systems, and a sundial. You can find the secrets of the ancient civilization that once lived in the area. As you walk its quiet trails, take a deep breath and let the peacefulness of the area wash over you.

Another site, the Kallimarca Ruins, is located on a mountaintop and is accessible on foot. From this high point, you can overlook the Inca terraces and the villages along the canyon, offering a rich, layered view. The remaining stone walls and houses offer an incredible look into the ancient Cabana culture's architecture and the stunning high-altitude landscape.

Go Hiking in Colca Canyon

View of the Deep Canyon Colca

Colca Canyon has hiking routes of varying difficulty. The most popular and shorter option is a 2-day, 1-night journey from Cabanaconde to the Sangalle Oasis, which is about 10 km (6 miles) in total. While the descent is relatively easy, the return trip requires a climb back up the same path.

It's important to note that it is easy to get lost without a guide if you are a beginner hiker, so we do not recommend going on your own. A professional guide can not only lead you safely but also has experience in handling unexpected situations, giving you peace of mind. With Odynovo, we will arrange a suitable route and an experienced guide for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery and experiencing local life.

Relax in Natural Hot Springs

After a hike in Colca Canyon, there's nothing more relaxing than a soak in a hot spring. The mineral-rich water can help relax muscles, restore energy, and clear your mind.

There are 2 hot springs worth recommending. La Calera Hot Springs, located about 3 km from the town of Chivay within the canyon, is the most popular choice due to its convenient transportation and excellent facilities. Another option is Chacapi Hot Springs, which is near the town of Yanque, about a 15-minute drive from the center of the canyon. It offers multiple pools, and besides soaking in the hot springs, you can also go canoeing for a different kind of fun.

Watch the Majestic Andean Condors

A Condor Flying in the Colca Canyon Sky

Many people travel to Colca Canyon specifically to see the Andean condor. With a wingspan of over 3 meters, it is one of the largest flying birds in the world. In Peru, the condor symbolizes power, freedom, and the spiritual connection between heaven and earth.

The Andean Condors typically appear in the sky above the canyon in the early morning (8 - 10 am) or evening (3 - 4 pm). The best time to see them is from May to October. The most recommended viewing spot is the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Located about 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above the valley floor, it offers a wide-open view and is the easiest place to spot the condors. To increase your chances of a successful sighting, it is advised to arrive early and wait patiently. Remember to bring windproof, warm clothing, hiking boots, and binoculars.

How Many Days Do You Need in Colca Canyon

Generally, a two-day, one-night stay in Colca Canyon is the best option. This allows you to hike, enjoy beautiful scenery, and spend a night in a village experiencing the local customs. You'll get to see the canyon's wonderful beauty at different times of the day, making the trip much more memorable.

While a one-day trip is possible if you're short on time, it's a rushed experience with limited sightseeing and a lot of time spent on the bus. If your schedule allows for three or more days, you can explore remote villages and ruins at a more leisurely pace, which is helpful if you need to acclimatize to the high altitude.

How to Explore Colca Canyon

Two-Day Trip

You can start by going to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to see the Andean condor, then hike to the bottom of the canyon and stay overnight in the village of San Juan de Chuccho or Sangalle. Afterward, hike back the same way and then go to the nearby hot springs in Chivay or Yanque to ease your tired muscles.

Three-Day Trip

Besides watching the condors and hiking, you can also visit different viewpoints along the canyon, such as Mirador Antahuilque and Mirador Cruz del Cura, or explore the Uyo Uyo Archaeological Site and stroll through traditional villages like Yanque and Maca to learn about the history and culture of the area.

Where to Stay in Colca Canyon

It's suggested that you stay closer to Colca Canyon, in a town like Chivay or Cabanaconde. This saves your travel time and provides more flexibility for your hiking and sightseeing plans. In Chivay, you can find hotels with hot springs, the perfect way to relieve fatigue after your trip. Cabanaconde has a quiet atmosphere, and its accommodations are often located near the hiking starting points, which is convenient for an early morning departure. If you are looking for more comfort or a wider selection of hotels, you can stay in Arequipa, but this will require a long round trip.

Do I Need an Entrance Ticket for Colca Canyon

Yes, you need an entrance ticket to enter Colca Canyon. You can buy tickets at any checkpoint, but they are most commonly bought at the checkpoint in the town of Chivay. The fee is 70 soles (20 USD) per adult and 20 soles (6 USD) per child (6-15 years old).

It's important to note that you can't book these tickets online in advance. But don't worry - if you choose a tour with Odynovo, we can take care of all the tickets and other travel details for you.

What to Pack for a Colca Canyon Trip

Bring a windproof jacket, comfortable shoes, and binoculars for exploring the outdoors. You'll also need sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. A water bottle is a must to stay hydrated. To help with the high altitude, you should also bring altitude sickness medication. If you plan to hike, you can bring trekking poles and a simple first-aid kit.

Have a Colca Canyon Adventure With Odynovo

Whether you're just looking for an adventure in Colca Canyon or a more comprehensive itinerary across Peru, we can make it happen. We'll arrange a suitable route, comfortable accommodations, and convenient transportation to ensure you have a satisfying journey. Contact us now to tailor-make a trip for you.