Highlights
- Follow a route linking Colca Valley, Cruz del Cóndor, Cabanaconde rather than treating each stop as an isolated attraction.
- Continue through San Juan de Chuccho, Sangalle with context on landscape, architecture and local use.
- Prepare for dry switchbacks, loose stone, dusty canyon path and sustained ascent, with practical guidance on footwear, weather and pace.
- Follow local guidance in areas associated with Cabanaconde, San Juan de Chuccho and canyon settlements, including respectful photography, purchases and private spaces.
- Receive a pre-departure briefing that explains altitude, weather, equipment and the next stage’s physical demands.
- Use a professional guide who can adjust explanations to the group rather than repeating a fixed script.
- Choose private service for more control over stops and rhythm, or group service for a lower per-person rate and a social setting.
Trip details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Region | Arequipa |
| Start and finish | Begins and ends in Arequipa unless the itinerary includes a Colca overnight |
| Maximum altitude | about 3,600–4,900 m / 11,811–16,076 ft during road transfers; canyon walking reaches much lower elevations |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Terrain | dry switchbacks, loose stone, dusty canyon path and sustained ascent |
| Main transport | tourist vehicle and trekking |
| Accommodation | two basic local lodge nights or one lodge and one oasis stay, according to the final plan |
| Suggested minimum age | 15+ |
| Typical group limit | 16 |
| Best preparation | Acclimatize when altitude is involved, train for the stated walking level and review equipment before payment |
Trip overview
- Best for: travelers interested in a hiking route into one of the deepest canyons in Peru.
- Main places: Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon trails, Sangalle and Andean villages.
- Physical demand: challenging, with terrain including steep canyon trails, hot weather and long ascents.
- Logistics: final pickup time, inclusions and ticket conditions are reconfirmed before the service.
Before departure, the operations team confirms pickup location, start time, required documents and any dietary, medical or mobility notes. Travelers should review the route conditions, bring the essentials listed below and keep the phone number used for booking active on the day of service.
Itinerary
Arequipa – Chivay – Cruz del Cóndor – Cabanaconde – San Juan de Chuccho
A very early pickup leaves Arequipa for Chivay, where breakfast is served. The vehicle continues to Cruz del Cóndor for a controlled viewpoint stop, then reaches Cabanaconde and the Pampa San Miguel trailhead. The hike drops sharply into the canyon toward San Juan de Chuccho. Dry switchbacks, loose stone and rising heat place strong pressure on knees even though the route is downhill. After crossing the suspension bridge and reaching the village, lunch is served and the afternoon is free for recovery. The night is in a basic bungalow or local lodge. Day highlight: Reach San Juan de Chuccho after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Road departure: pre-dawn – Walking: about 3–4 hours – Trailhead altitude: about 3,200 m / 10,499 ft – Terrain: steep dry descent and loose switchbacks – Accommodation: basic lodge in San Juan de Chuccho – Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
San Juan de Chuccho – Cosñirhua – Malata – Sangalle
After breakfast, the trail crosses the lower canyon settlements of Cosñirhua and Malata. The day mixes short climbs and descents before the final approach to Sangalle. Vegetation and temperature are warmer than on the rim, and insects can be present. Arrival at the oasis leaves time for lunch and rest near the pool when the selected lodge permits its use. The guide reviews the predawn ascent and advises an early night. Day highlight: Reach Sangalle after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 3–5 hours – Terrain: village paths, dry slopes and short climbs – Climate: warm to hot – Accommodation: basic lodge in Sangalle – Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Sangalle – Cabanaconde – Chivay – Thermal Baths – Arequipa
The final climb begins around dawn or earlier, before direct sun reaches the canyon wall. The ascent to Cabanaconde is sustained and steep, and travelers should keep a slow personal rhythm rather than trying to race the group. Breakfast follows near the rim. The vehicle then returns through Colca villages toward Chivay. A thermal-bath stop and lunch are included only as stated, followed by viewpoint stops across the high plateau and the road back to Arequipa. Day highlight: Reach Arequipa after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 3–4 hours of sustained ascent – Elevation gain: roughly 1,100–1,200 m / 3,609–3,937 ft – Terrain: steep switchbacks and loose ground – Transport: tourist vehicle to Arequipa – Expected arrival: late afternoon, subject to road conditions – Meals: breakfast; lunch according to the service
Discounts
- Family, child and large-group reductions depend on the entrance rules and the confirmed service type.
- Groups booking together should request a commercial quotation before payment; reductions cannot be added after tickets or third-party services are issued.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
- Sleeping bag rental: quoted according to temperature rating and route length
- Trekking-pole rental: quoted per pair
- Personal tent or single-room supplement: quoted on request
- Extra pack animal or porter service: subject to route rules and advance booking
Notes About Our Service
- Hotel pickup and return: Pickup is limited to the confirmed service area. Narrow streets, traffic controls or hotel access rules may require a nearby meeting point. The return time is approximate and can change because of traffic, weather or operations.
- Luggage storage: Large luggage should remain at the hotel or at the Andean Peru Treks storage area when that service is confirmed. Trekking duffels must stay within the stated weight limit.
- Payment conditions: A deposit is used to secure permits, entrances, trains, hotels and third-party services. Once issued, many of these items cannot be transferred, changed or refunded. The balance deadline appears on the booking confirmation.
- Operational changes: Weather, strikes, road blocks, rail instructions, site closures or safety concerns may require a different order, route or cancellation. The operations team coordinates the safest workable option with the traveler.
Availability
This program may operate year-round or in its stated season, subject to weather, road access, opening hours and minimum passenger requirements. Requests within 24 hours may be possible for some dates, but service is not confirmed until Reservations issues written approval.
Health and Travel Restrictions
This route requires preparation and may involve high altitude, steep ascents, long descents, cold, heat, mud or remote terrain. It is not appropriate for an unassessed heart, respiratory, neurological or serious joint condition. Older travelers and anyone with a relevant medical history should obtain approval from their treating doctor. Pregnancy, recent surgery or an injury that changes balance or load-bearing must be reported before booking.
Accommodation
The planned lodging is two basic local lodge nights or one lodge and one oasis stay, according to the final plan.
Hotel names and room types depend on the selected category and written confirmation. Basic remote lodges may have limited hot water, heating, electricity or internet.
Single rooms, upgraded hotels and extra nights carry an added cost unless included.
Included Transportation
The route uses tourist vehicle and trekking.
Seat assignments, vehicle size and exact pickup time depend on the final passenger list and operational plan.
Private service means the vehicle is allocated to the booking group for the stated sector; it does not remove official traffic, rail or site restrictions.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure service confirmation and operations contact
- Professional guide in the language stated in the booking
- Transport explicitly listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency coordination protocol
- Trekking support team appropriate to the route
- Meals stated in the final itinerary, prepared by the trekking cook when applicable
- Group camping equipment: tents, dining shelter, kitchen equipment and basic hygiene setup
- Boiled or treated water from the stated service day onward
- Duffel bag and permitted cargo allowance when stated in the booking
- International and domestic flights unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and evacuation costs
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers, porters, boat crews or host families
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls and personal purchases
- Services not written on the final booking voucher
- Personal sleeping bag, trekking poles and inflatable mattress unless the package states otherwise
- Extra porter, pack animal or baggage above the confirmed limit
- Breakfast on the first day and meals after the final included meal, unless stated otherwise
Upgrades
- Private guide or private transport, subject to availability
- Hotel category upgrades for multi-day programs
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Special entrance, train, meal or activity upgrades when available for the route
Group Price
The group rate is confirmed on request according to date, number of travelers, service type, ticket availability and operational costs. Some routes require non-refundable third-party services once issued. Ask the reservations team for the current rate before making payment.
Private Prices
| Group size | Proposed or reference price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | Custom quotation |
| 2 travelers | Custom quotation |
| 3–4 travelers | Custom quotation |
| 5–8 travelers | Custom quotation |
Why Private Service May Be the Better Choice
- The group walks or tours at one agreed rhythm rather than matching unrelated passengers.
- The guide can spend more time on the group’s main interests and shorten explanations that are less relevant.
- Families and friends keep the same vehicle or guide team through the stated private sectors.
- Meal preferences and rest stops are easier to coordinate, though official schedules and access rules remain fixed.
Custom quote
Based on date, travelers and service level
Recommended for families, private groups, photographers and travelers who want a more flexible pace. Final inclusions are confirmed before payment.
Why choose us
- Route knowledge: The operations team plans around dry switchbacks, loose stone, dusty canyon path and sustained ascent, not only the names shown in the itinerary.
- Local respect: Staff brief travelers before passing through Cabanaconde, San Juan de Chuccho and canyon settlements, including guidance on photographs, purchases and private spaces.
- Clear service limits: Andean Peru Treks states which entrances, meals, transfers and optional activities are confirmed before collecting final payment.
- Professional guiding: Explanations can be adapted to the traveler’s interests, while safety instructions remain direct and practical.
- Equipment chosen for the route: Trekking programs use sleeping, dining, kitchen and emergency equipment suited to the altitude and expected weather; day tours use inspected tourist transport and basic first-aid support.
- Trekking meals: The cooking team works with safe food-handling procedures and varied menus. Dietary needs must be reported before departure; extensive private-menu customization may carry an added cost.
Times are approximate and are confirmed according to season, access rules and the selected service type. The guide may adjust the order of visits to reduce waiting time or improve safety. Travelers with medical conditions, reduced mobility or strict dietary needs should advise the agency before payment so the operations team can confirm what is realistic for the route.
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