Sep 24, 2024
The 3 day is awesome! - Rafael was a superb guide and taught us many things about the people and history of the region, as well as the plants and animals - and helped us practice our Spanish. He managed a big group of 13 very well - including when one member had altitude sickness (we stayed in Arequipa for 3 full days before and were fine, but it’s worth having medication handy - despite the trek starting at 3300m, the bus out there passes 4900m).
The 3 day hike definitely seems the best option as opposed to the 2 day hike (we were very happy we booked the 3 day option). 21km and 9 hours of hiking seems nothing for 2 days. But descending over 1000m with no shade and extremely high UV is very tough. Followed by 3 more hours of ups and downs would be hard going for one day - particularly when you have to get up at 4am the following day to hike the 3 hours back up the 1000m ascent.
We loved the 3 day option as it was more laid back, there was more opportunity to pause and take in the beauty of the canyon, as well as relax in the afternoons and evenings. It’s a really interesting loop hike - starting in dusty, rocky terrain with condors flying overhead, to green villages and terraces along the river. It’s a hugely rewarding experience! One of our favourite things we’ve done in Peru. And though it’s busy, once you’re in the villages, they feel surprisingly off the main gringo trail. They’re genuine traditional valley villages, where donkey is still the main method of transportation (and useful for anyone who needs one to take them out of the canyon on the following morning). A bonus outside the trek is the amazing drive through the Andes with Condors and Vicuñas - the hot springs are okay, if not a bit busy (I found the river more refreshing after a hot morning’s climb).
The included meals are great, with huge portions (hugely appreciated after lots of hiking) - and they were all very accommodating of two coeliacs and vegetarians in the group. The accommodation is much more luxurious than expected - we had a private room with a double bed and en-suite both nights.
A few pieces of advice:
- The UV is higher than you’ll expect. At points it feels like you’re being cooked. Wear long sleeved tops, trousers if possible and a very good hat! All the guides and locals barely have any skin on show. We were advised to reapply sunscreen every 40 minutes FYI.
- Brings more snacks than you think. Breakfast is after the hike on the final morning. And you eat lunch when all your party has arrived at the accommodation - so depending on fitness levels, it could be a while!
- Drink more water than you think. We brought along purification tablets, and 2 1L bottles each, and we still felt dehydrated. You can buy water out there, it’s expensive but some places a 1L bottle was 5 soles, so okay.
- Take advantage of the river on day 1 (strangely the hardest day) to cool off after a hot hike!
- It’s cool in the evenings but there’s no need for thermals, maybe a jumper and some linen trousers. There are mosquitos on day 2 so insect repellent is a good idea.
Have fun, it’s an amazing trek! The only thing we didn’t enjoy was the final lunch. It isn’t included and is expensive - 40 soles for a slightly rubbish buffet lunch. Being dropped off somewhere nicer in Chivay would be a better option.
Review provided by Viator
Sep 24, 2024
Had to reschedule - My trip had to be rescheduled because I got sick. Yesenia was tons of help while rescheduling it. I also changed my trip plan and she was very helpful in doing all of this. Really made my trip less stressful and helped me adjust plans for my ideal trek. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 21, 2024
Top Trekking in Colca Canyon - We had Alex as Guide, we were in a small group, we made friends during this stay.
The canyon is magnificent, the scenery is beautiful, at night at the paradise oasis.
You must have a good physical condition for this trek, the heat and altitude not helping.
Alex was attentive, there to help if needed, and he was very friendly.
We would recommend with our eyes closed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 21, 2024
Beautiful trekking from start to finish - Amazing place! From the beginning of the tour to the end excellent, wonderful food of the area, the wonderful Guide (Erik) and always willing to help us in what we will need! Beautiful lodge to stay with the best vibe
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 11, 2024
An Unforgettable Trek with an Extraordinary William Guide 😍🇵🇪 - An amazing experience with our Guide William who knows Del Colca Canyon by heart because he was born here. It is the child of the country 😀
He passed on all this knowledge and it was an extraordinary 3 day trek. I really advise you to take William. He was kind, attentive and above all clear and very interesting explanations. In addition William is bilingual (English/Spanish) which facilitates our communication.
A Trip Tip take the 3 day trek so you can really enjoy every place you go to sleep.
Thanks for everything Will 🫶🇵🇪
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 9, 2024
3d/2n colca canyon - The colca canyon is a must visit when you go to Peru, the views were gorgeous and our guide Alex was very informative and we had a great experience. We were able to spend the second day at the Oasis which had a stunning pool and lots of friendly dogs. The meals provided were generous and you are able to see the flight of the condor and soak in the salt baths afterwards.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 1, 2024
Stunning views, great guide and lot of beauty all around the trek - We decided for a three day trip because we wanted to enjoy the time at canyon as much as possible. And with our tour guide Alex, we did have just incredible time! Alex provided many explanations regarding local nature, herbs and the life of local people and their traditions. This made the entire experience even more wholesome than just a trek through beautiful and distinctive nature. We definitely recommend doing three days tour since during the two day one there is not much time to really enjoy the environment and unwind. Accommodation is great given the conditions with good local food and shower! The places also have wifi, for those who like to stay connected. The climb on the last day was really steep, it’s 1100m for 4,5 KM, but seeing the sun gradually rising in the canyon is just amazing. Totally worth the effort (but if you can do not take much things with you in backpack an rather leave them up in the village on the first day or in your hotel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 26, 2024
3 days of awesomeness - Beautiful and challenging experience that was a highlight of my 3 week trip to Peru! Accommodations were awesome and having 3 days really allowed oneself to soak in the beauty of the nature and not be so rushed to complete the trek. Guide was wonderful and knowledgeable about all things Colca canyon. If you have the time, book the 3 days. You won’t regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 2, 2024
Amazing hike through the canyon - The Colca Canyon is an incredible place, and we had a lot of fun hiking through it. Our guide Ivan was amazing, he gave us a lot of information about the canyon, and helped us with everything we needed. The lodging and food were excellent, and on the second day there was a very nice pool available.
For this route there is a two day as well as a three day option. We did the three day one, and I would highly recommend this option unless you have a high fitness level. The route is streneous, and with the two day option the first day is very long. With three days there is also more time to enjoy the canyon. Especially the second day was nice for us, because after hiking in the morning we had time left to spend by the pool before the sun went down.
Review provided by Viator
Aug 20, 2024
Beautiful hiking- terrible guide - Overall great experience. A few issues along the way such as the company mistakenly booking us on the 2 day instead of the 3 day hike but ultimately sorted without too much of an issue. Accomodation basic but absolutely fine for what you need. Food varied depending on the hostel you stayed at but on the whole plenty of food and decent variety.
Downside of the entire trip for us was unfortunately our guide. We found him to be very sexist and dismissive as opposed to supportive or encouraging. Other guides were acknowledging the difficulties in hiking conditions and allowing people to walk at their own pace. Our guide repeatedly said it was easy, should only take 2 hours, and seemed to have already decided upon meeting the group who should walk and who should get a Mule to the top.
Ultimately all members of the group finished the walk within the alloted time but the experience was significantly worse as a result of the guide we had. His attitude seemed to be rush everyone through as quickly as possible so he could relax at the hostel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor