Colca Canyon Travel Guide

A complete travel guide to the stunning Colca Canyon in Peru, featuring its natural wonders, cultural attractions, hiking trails, local food and drink scene, accommodation options, safety, health, and transportation logistics.


Colca Canyon is a natural marvel that lies in the Southern Sierra region of Peru, South America. With a depth of over 10,000 feet, it is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The Colca River flows through the canyon, where you can witness the flight of the Andean Condor - one of the largest birds in the world.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will take you on a journey to Colca Canyon, exploring its cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking trails, local food and drink scene, and transport logistics.

Introduction to Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is located in the Andes, about 100 miles northwest of Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city. The region is home to the Colca River, a significant source of water for agriculture and vegetation, and a central character for the livelihood of the locals.

The area around the canyon is known for its traditional villages, each with its own distinct characteristic. These include Chivay, Yanque, Coporaque, and Ichupampa. Many people also visit Colca Canyon as it’s the starting point to explore the Puna, one of the highest plateaus in South America, and Arequipa, the “White City” of Peru.

List of Places to Visit in Colca Canyon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Colca Canyon Museum (located in Chivay) offers a deep insight into the history, traditions, and culture of the Colca region, including exhibits on the canyon’s formation, local wildlife, and the ancient civilization of the Collaguas and Cabanas.
  • The San Antonio Ruins (located between Coporaque and Yanque)belongs to the pre-Inca period, with impressive terraces still in existence.
  • The pre-Inca settlement of Uyu Uyu near Nampa offers a chance to learn more about the region’s ancient civilization and architecture.

Natural Attractions of Colca Canyon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Cruz del Condor viewpoint (located at a height of 12,630 ft. above sea level) is the best place to observe the Andean condors in their natural habitat.
  • Colca River is the lifeline of the region. A visit to the riverbed is an excellent chance to spot exotic birds, such as Peruvian Viscacha, Yellow-billed Pintail, among other bird species.
  • The hot springs of La Calera in Chivay provide a much-needed break after a long day of trekking. The thermal pools are known for their therapeutic and medicinal properties.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Colca Canyon

The most popular hiking and biking routes in Colca Canyon are:

  • The Colca Trek, which takes around 3-4 days, stretches across approximately 45 km towards the deepest part of the canyon, providing wonderful views of the canyon and opportunities to spot wildlife.
  • The Mirador Achachihua Trail takes approximately 5 hours of walking from Yanque, where you can spot the flora and fauna while enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains.
  • The San Miguel Route is perfect for mountain biking as it includes a slope-down descent of around 1,500m.

Best Things to Do in Colca Canyon: Activities and Tours

  • Bird Watching tours get a chance to observe some of the world’s rarest bird species such as Andean Condor, the Giant Hummingbird, and the Peruvian Viscacha
  • Whitewater rafting and kayaking in the river Colca is a thrilling adventure that combines adrenaline with fascinating scenic views.
  • Attend a local festival such as the Puya Raimondi, where the locals celebrate the flowering of the Puya Raimondi - one of the most massive plants species.

Week-Long Itinerary for Colca Canyon

Day Activity
1 Visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint and take a birdwatching tour
2 Hike the Colca Trek, staying in local guesthouses
3 Explore local villages and visit Chivay’s hot springs
4 Go horse trekking or mountain biking in the San Miguel Route
5 Visit the Colca Canyon Museum and the San Antonio Ruins
6 Participate in a local festival such as the Puya Raimondi
7 Return to Arequipa or venture to other nearby destinations such as Puno or Cusco

Food and Drink Scene of Colca Canyon

Must-Try Dishes

  • The iconic and delicious local dish of Peru “Cuy Chactado,” or grilled guinea pig. A popular dish of choice among the local Andean communities for centuries. *“Chairo” a soup consists of beef, potatoes, corn, and chuño, a unique Andean ingredient.
  • “Rocoto Relleno” a vegetarian dish originally from Arequipa stuffed with peas, carrots, and corn.

Local Beverages

  • “Chicha,” a traditional Andean beverage made with corn and different fruity flavors to it. *“Colca Sour,” a regional version of the famous Peruvian drink Pisco Sour, is prepared using Cacique, a locally produced liquor.

Where to Stay in Colca Canyon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Chivay town in the Colca Valley has many accommodation options with hotels, hostels and guesthouses starting from budget to high-end of every range.

Some of the most popular options include:

  • Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (Luxury)
  • Casa Andina Standard Colca (Mid-range)
  • Hostal Los Tambos (Budget)

What to Buy in Colca Canyon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Alpaca and Vicuña garments, including ponchos, scarves and sweaters made from the soft wool of Peruvian camelids.
  • Handcrafted products like pottery, textiles, and jewelry that are typical of the Andean cultures.

Local Culture and Customs of Colca Canyon

The Colca region has a rich cultural history, with indigenous communities holding onto many of their traditional customs. Visitors are expected to respect these customs and traditions, including the use of traditional clothing and the Quechua language.

It is also essential to respect the natural environment of Colca Canyon and the wildlife that lives in it.

Best Time to Visit Colca Canyon

The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit the canyon, with the weather being bright and dry for outdoor activities. June and July are peak months with larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Colca Canyon

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen while outdoor activities.
  • Carry cash as ATMs are not available in remote parts of the region.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment in any way.
  • Don’t feed or harass the wildlife.
  • Don’t wear inappropriate clothing while visiting churches or other religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Colca Canyon

It is safe to travel to Colca Canyon, but visitors should keep the following safety precautions in mind:

  • Be wary of scams when booking tours or hiring guides.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid venturing into isolated areas, especially at night.

Health in Colca Canyon

The high altitude and remoteness of Colca Canyon can be challenging for some visitors. Altitude sickness is a common problem for visitors, so it’s essential to take adequate rest and acclimatize well in advance. Visitors must also carry necessary medication and seek medical assistance in case of any medical emergency during their visit.

Getting to Colca Canyon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Colca Canyon

The closest airport to Colca Canyon is “Rodriguez Ballon International Airport” in Arequipa. The airport receives international and domestic flights all year round.

Bus Stations Near Colca Canyon

Buses from Arequipa’s Terminal Terrestre de Arequipa station go to Chivay, Yanque, and Cabanaconde on a daily basis, with a journey time of around 3-4 hours.

Other Options

Visitors can hire a taxi or private car to take them to Colca Canyon, but this is a more expensive option.

How to Get Around in Colca Canyon

Buses and shared taxis are the main mode of transportation for getting around Colca Canyon. Tourist buses and private transfers are also available for visitors.

Where to Go Next from Colca Canyon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Puno, the gateway to Lake Titicaca, South America’s largest lake.
  • Cusco, a former capital of the Inca empire.
  • Arequipa, one of Peru’s largest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Conclusion

Colca Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers visitors an unforgettable experience. With its many cultural and natural attractions, scenic hiking trails, locally produced food and drink, and hospitable people, it is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Colca Canyon has something to offer everyone.

Landscape Landscape Alpacas Alpacas Admiring the views Admiring the views Lodging Lodging