Colca in 3 Days for Friends - Trek from Cabanaconde into Colca Canyon
In Collaboration with Arequipa Tour. Updated on February 13, 2026.
A 3-day guided trek into Colca Canyon from Arequipa with bilingual guides. Includes hotel pickup, trekking into the canyon visiting local villages, overnight stays in San Juan de Chuccho and Sangalle (oasis), return via Cabanaconde and Chivay with optional hot springs visit.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Arequipa Tour, inspired by the tour 3-Day Colca Canyon Trekking from Arequipa. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Trek from Cabanaconde into Colca Canyon
- Mirador Cruz del Cóndor condor viewpoint
- Overnight stays in San Juan de Chuccho and Sangalle Oasis
- Return via Chivay with optional thermal baths
Itinerary
Day 1
Early pickup in Arequipa, transfer to Chivay for breakfast, visit Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, drive to Cabanaconde and begin the descent into the canyon to reach San Juan de Chuccho for dinner and overnight with free time to visit the village.
Hotel pickup in Arequipa
Hotel or central pickup in Arequipa; group brief and final equipment check before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a small daypack ready with the items you'll carry during the trek (water, snacks, jacket).
- Wear layered clothing — mornings are cold in Arequipa in June; remove layers once on the road.
- Carry your ID and any medication in your daypack; guides will collect group paperwork during pickup.
Transfer: Arequipa to Chivay (breakfast)
Scenic drive from Arequipa toward the Colca Valley with a stop for breakfast in Chivay.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect several toilet stops during the transfer; bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper for remote stops.
- Motion-sickness prone travelers should sit near the front of the minivan and bring medication ahead of time.
- Keep a warm layer handy — altitude and morning wind can be chilly until the sun rises.
Visit Mirador Cruz del Cóndor
Short stop at the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor to view the canyon and (weather permitting) the condor flight.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at the viewpoint with your camera ready; binoculars are helpful for wildlife viewing.
- Sun protection is essential at the viewpoint — hat and sunscreen reduce strong high-altitude sun exposure.
- Condor sightings depend on weather; plan for a 20–40 minute viewpoint visit with the group.
Drive to Cabanaconde and begin trek
Drive to the town of Cabanaconde and start the descent into Colca Canyon toward San Juan de Chuccho.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the restroom in Cabanaconde before starting the descent — facilities are limited on the trail.
- Start the hike at a steady pace; descending may be hard on knees so trekking poles are recommended.
- Carry at least 1.5 liters of water for the descent and bring small, high-energy snacks for the trail.
Arrival San Juan de Chuccho: free time and community visit
Arrive at the village, free time to visit local terraces and interact briefly with residents. Dinner and overnight with a local family or lodge.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring small local currency for any voluntary purchases or donations when visiting village households.
- Respect local customs and ask before photographing individuals, especially inside homes.
- Carry a headlamp or flashlight for evening movement around the village; lighting can be limited after dark.
Day 2
After breakfast in San Juan de Chuccho, trek deeper into the canyon visiting Cosñirhua and Malata before arriving at Sangalle Oasis (oasis) for lunch, pool time and an afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Sangalle.
Breakfast at San Juan de Chuccho
Breakfast with the group before departing toward Sangalle Oasis.
Tips from local experts:
- Eat a good breakfast — the next stretch involves sustained hiking and limited food stops.
- If you need a vegetarian meal, confirm with the guide ahead of time as requested during booking.
- Refill water bottles if potable water is available; otherwise use bottled water supplied by the operator.
Trek: San Juan de Chuccho to Sangalle (via Cosñirhua and Malata)
Hike through canyon villages with local scenery en route to the Sangalle Oasis; expected hiking time ~3–4 hours depending on group pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip — paths can be rocky and uneven.
- Pace yourself and take short rests in shaded areas; altitude and sun can increase fatigue.
- Protect electronics from dust and bring a dry bag for valuables in case you bathe at the oasis.
Lunch and pool time at Sangalle Oasis
Lunch on arrival followed by time to use the rejuvenating pools and relax in the oasis.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel if you plan to use the pools; footwear suitable for wet surfaces is useful.
- Keep food waste secured — the oasis ecosystem is sensitive and facilities may be basic.
- There can be insects near water; use mosquito repellent in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Sangalle
Group dinner and night at the Sangalle lodge or guesthouse; rest for the early ascent next morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Charge electronic devices during the afternoon; charging points may be limited in the evening.
- Bring a light fleece to bed; nights in the canyon can be cool even after a warm afternoon.
- Confirm wake-up time with your guide and keep essential items in your daypack for the early start.
Day 3
Very early ascent from Sangalle to Cabanaconde (approx. 3 hours), breakfast in Cabanaconde, transfer to Chivay with viewpoint stops and optional thermal baths, lunch in Chivay, then return drive to Arequipa with estimated arrival around 18:00.
Early ascent: Sangalle to Cabanaconde
Start at 05:00 for the ascent back to Cabanaconde (steep uphill), expected hiking time about 3 hours depending on group pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Start with a headlamp or flashlight — the early ascent begins in darkness; an extra battery is recommended.
- Take it slow on the ascent; maintain steady breathing and use trekking poles if available.
- Eat a light snack before departing and sip water regularly to avoid dehydration during the climb.
Breakfast in Cabanaconde and vehicle transfer to Chivay
Breakfast on arrival in Cabanaconde then board vehicle for the transfer to Chivay with stops at viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- Eat a hearty breakfast in Cabanaconde to replenish energy after the ascent.
- Store heavier items in the vehicle — you'll be seated for several hours during the return transfer.
- Keep a small packet of tissues and hand sanitizer accessible for roadside stops.
Optional visit to thermal baths near Chivay
Short visit to local thermal baths (optional entrance fee) for those who wish to soak; group will coordinate timing.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to enter the hot springs; entrance is optional and paid locally.
- Lock valuables in the vehicle or keep them with you in a waterproof pouch while at the baths.
- Check water temperature before entering and limit soak time if you have any circulatory concerns.
Lunch in Chivay and final transfer to Arequipa
Group lunch in Chivay (optional) and then the final return drive to Arequipa, arriving approximately 18:00.
Tips from local experts:
- If you choose not to eat in Chivay, bring snacks for the return drive; last lunch is optional per itinerary details.
- Keep motion-sickness remedies accessible for the return journey; the road includes winding mountain sections.
- Confirm your Arequipa drop-off point with the guide (central hotels or Plaza de Armas are typical).
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Outdoor, Experience |