For travelers who want to walk the Colca rather than look at it. After a day in Arequipa to adjust to the altitude, you watch the condors and then hike about 1,000 m down to the Colca River, sleeping in canyon lodges and at the palm-fringed Sangalle oasis. The last morning is an early climb out, followed by hot springs near Chivay and the drive back to Arequipa.
Walking tour of the historic center: the Plaza de Armas and cathedral, the Jesuit church, the San Ignacio chapel and colonial sillar mansions. Meeting point half a block from the Plaza.
11:00
Optional: the Santa Catalina Monastery, about one extra hour.
13:00
Lunch at a picantería (not included). Try rocoto relleno or chupe de camarones.
Sunset
Free time. Walk to the Yanahuara viewpoint to see the Misti behind the arches.
Times are the usual schedule of each tour and are confirmed with your final itinerary. Colca tours pick you up at your hotel in the historic center.
What’s included
Arequipa historic center walking tour with guide
3-day Colca trek with transport from and to Arequipa
Bilingual trekking guide
Two nights of lodging in the canyon
Meals during the trek as listed in the tour
Not included
Mule rental for the climb out (about S/ 80)
Colca tourist ticket: S/ 70 for foreign visitors, cash
Lunches (buffet in Colca about S/ 35)
Hot springs: S/ 15
Santa Catalina ticket and site guide
Hotels in Arequipa (quoted on request)
Airport or bus station transfers (quoted with your trip)
Tips and travel insurance
Prices
ToursPer person, group trek. Same price if you travel solo.
From $158
Shorter trek2-day version with one night at the oasis.
From $128
Hotels in ArequipaComfortable 3★, Boutique 4★ or Luxury 5★.
On request
Want hotels included? Choose “Include hotels in my quote” in the form and pick 3★, 4★ or 5★.
Questions about this trip
How hard is the Colca trek?
Moderate to demanding: about 1,000 m down on day 1 and the same climb up on the last morning, at altitude. You need to be used to hiking. A mule can carry you up if needed.
What should I pack?
Good hiking shoes, a warm layer for the nights, sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit for the oasis and cash in soles.
Is there a shorter version?
Yes, a 2-day trek that goes straight to the oasis. Tell us and we adjust the plan.
