Explore the most popular Nature Trips trails in Arequipa with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Amazing trek! First day is nice and easy but makes for a difficult mornings work to get out the canyon the next day!
We recommened hiking the loop the other way around. This means starting in Cabanaconde -> Llahuar (~4h) -> San Juan de Chucco (~5h) -> Cabanaconde (~3,5h), because the ascent on the last day is much better this way. In Lhahuar we can recommened the hostel Casa de Virginia, in San Juan de Chucco there are also a few good hostels to spend the night. Between Llahuar and San Juan de Chucco take the street marked white in the map and not the dotted black lines. The trek is beautiful and we think this loop is the best way to explore the Colca Canyon in all it's beauty.
It's only a short walk, but it's well worth getting out of your vehicle early and walking the last couple of kilometers to the Cruz del Condor. The views are spectacular and you can see the condors as you hike. They perhaps don't come as close to you as at the mirador itself, but you can escape from the crowds and enjoy them in a much more peaceful way. Mostly flat with a couple of short but steep uphill section, especially at the end.
I did this over 3 days which meant I got to spend a relaxing day 2 meandering from San Juan to the oasis then chilling in the pool and appreciating the canyon views. Highly recommended if you have the time or wouldn’t like to rush it. Paths are easy to follow. Day 1 - all down to San Juan. Day 2 - undulating with one steep (15-20 minutes) section uphill then flat Day 3 - 2.5-3 hours all uphill (heaps of people because everyone leaves at the same time to get to the top to get buses)
We did the section from Sangalle and back to Cabanaconde.. We left the Oasis lodge, which was nice with a pool, at 5am and passed many hikers leaving probably a bit earlier. The trail is all uphill with loose rock and rock steps. Take rest as needed and enjoy the views as the sun rises.
did this route in three days with a stay in Sangalle. I would recommend just taking a long break in Sangalle and finishing the day by heading up to Cabanaconde for the night.
This was my first hike over 4km and a definite challenge! Like another reviewer we did the first 18km on day one and spent the night at the oasis. The first day we hiked downhill, crossed the river (watch out as there were holes in the wooden bridge), stopped and ate lunch at a village on the other side, and continued relatively flat on to the oasis for the night. In the morning we woke up early and either hiked up the side of the canyon on the switchback of payed 10$ to sleep a few more hours and ride a mule to the top (really fun and unforgettably terrifying experience that I would definitely recommend if you’re ok with heights). The vistas are amazing with ever changing landscape. At night, I thought the stars were lights at first as I’d never seen stars so bright, so I definitely recommend staying the night even if just to see the incredible night sky. Beware for those with bug allergies, there are quite a few mosquitos and spiders in the oasis and the hostel’s windows and doors do not seal the room completely from outside. Keep your shoes in a bag to avoid spiders taking refuge while sleeping. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and blister proof socks (wrightsocks). Take a hydration pack as well if possible, you’ll run out of water quickly otherwise in the heat and large bottles can become tiresome to carry in your bag. Days are hot and cool right down at night. Bring a pillow for the bus there if possible as the road is extremely bumpy (esp at 3am). Many people had hiking poles (we didn’t and were ok) as the trail is gravel, steep, and easy to slip on during the downhill portion. Would definitely recommend and really would like to hike again on a future trip to Peru. After completing this hike, I feel like I can accomplish anything.
This was the most challenging hike I’ve ever done to be honest. Rewarding when you climb 4 miles straight up switch backs the second day. We did the first stretch down and over and slept in the little oasis hostel at the bottom of the canyon. That pool was incredibly rewarding. Definitely remember a headlamp and bandaids for blisters. Also, look out for condors!
We did this in July of 2017. The hike hike down the canyon from Cabanaconde was easy. We camped a couple nights in the small "oasis" of Sangalle. I'm not sure if this map represents that exact path. Anyway, incredible place to camp! Id never seen so many stars! Also, we didn't pay to camp the first couple nights because we got in late and set up camp down hill from the main camping area(whatever, we were broke backpackers). The hike back up suuucked. Pack light but bring lots of water. They'll gouge you if you try to buy it in the canyon.
Make sure your boots are good as the constant down one day and then up the rest will really will test the feet! Great views and the oasis overnight stop was amazing
Super tough. Lost the group during a snow storm. Feared for my life. Hallucinating all the way down. Still worth it.
