Travel to Peru: Colca Canyon Tours

Why travel to Colca Canyon

Located some 100 miles from Arequipa is Peru’s immense Colca Canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. A trip to Colca Canyon is sure to provide amazing vistas of fertile valleys and looming volcanoes, as well as the opportunity to visit charming Andean villages where inhabitants live much as their ancestors did centuries ago. No trip to Arequipa can be complete without a visit to the region’s most impressive natural landmark, the Colca Canyon.

Offering breathtaking Andean scenery, along with the opportunity to spot the magnificent but endangered Andean Condor, the Colca Canyon is ideal for adventurous travelers looking to enjoy the natural beauty that Peru has to offer. Visitors can see these graceful creatures at a close proximity from the Cruz del Condor, a canyon lookout point.

Hiking, trekking, rafting, horseback riding, or just relaxing in the canyon’s several hot springs are only a few of the activities available in this superb region. If what you long for is adventure and stunning views, the Colca Canyon will be a highlight of your Peru vacation.

What to do in Colca Canyon

Unlike the Grand Canyon, Colca is inhabited and to this day locals maintain terraced fields that date back to pre-Colombian societies. During your Colca Canyon tour you will visit Andean villages such as Yanque and Maca, where residents cultivate these terraces and perform daily rituals that have barely changed since pre-Inca times.

A highlight during your Colca Canyon trip will include a stop at the mirador (lookout point) Cruz del Condor. Here travelers can admire the majestic Andean condor soar across the vast canyon, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Cruz del Condor overlooks a canyon that dips to 3,960 feet (1,200 meters) and is considered the deepest point in the canyon. Your tour will include a stop either in the early morning or late afternoon, when condors are best seen.

The road from Arequipa to the Colca Valley climbs impressively, reaching 16,100 feet at the Patapampa lookout point. The air here is very thin. The main town in the valley, Chivay, sits at an altitude of nearly 11,800 feet and nights can be cold. We recommend spending a few days in Arequipa, located at a lower altitude, in order to acclimatize before heading out to Colca.

During the Spanish conquest, towns were constructed around the canyon, but many did not survive, leaving behind beautiful but forgotten remnants of colonial architecture such as town houses and churches. Travelers will also be able to visit the local Andean town of Chivay, which houses the fascinating Maria Reiche Planetarium and Observatory, as well as La Calera hot springs.

Adventure travelers can also choose to go on a Colca Canyon trek, which can last from 2 to 5 days and will take you to the most isolated and stunning sites within the canyon.

When to visit Colca Canyon

The best time to visit the Colca Canyon is usually during the dry season: May through November. The condors put on their best show from June to September. The Colca Valley is lush and green just after the heavy rains from January to March, but most of the rest of the year it is arid and dusty. Though sunny during the day, it can also get quite cold (below freezing) at night so make sure to pack some warm clothing.

However, if you intend to do some river rafting, the best time to go is during the raining season, when the river is at its highest (January through April).

Travel Testimonials

We found Peru to be a fascinating and interesting country, with diverse landscapes, from the coast to high Andes, we found all of the guides extremely knowledgeable and genuinely interested in promoting their country.

Heather & Neil Goodley (United Kingdom) traveled to Arequipa in September 2010

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Arequipa was another bright spot in the trip. During this time we also went to Colca Canyon. I loved seeing the condors in flight. Our guide, Edwin, did a great job of stopping along the way to point out the interesting things.
Thanks for everything,

Rebecca (Missouri, USA)

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Seeing the Cruz del Condor was fantastic, I didn't expect to see them so clearly. Everything went without a hitch and a lot of that is due to your good organization, thank you very much for a memorable trip!

Rosalind Becker & Lynne Blake (California, USA)

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Top Pick Colca Canyon Hotel

Colca Lodge 4*

Fundo Puye S/N, Yanque, Caylloma

Affiliated with the renowned Hotel Libertador Chain and located on the banks of the Colca River, Colca Lodge is a cozy eco-friendly hotel architecturally inspired by the Incas. Built into the landscape, the hotel harmoniously blends in with the spectacular Colca Canyon environment. Each room offers an outdoor terrace with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. A spacious common room with a fireplace and a charming bar provide ideal places for guests to relax. In addition to its tranquil atmosphere, the lodge boasts naturally heated hot springs, great personalized service, and one of the best spas in the country. Enjoy the astonishing views while soaking in the swimming pool directly overlooking the valley. If you are looking forward to pampering yourself, stay in one of the luxurious suites equipped with a private Jacuzzi.

Restaurant Room Service Spa Laundry Service Baby Sitter

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La Casa De Mamayacchi 3*

Copraque, Colca

Deep amidst the stunning and vast rolling green scenery of the Colca Canyon, this quaint lodge is located in the tiny village of Coporaque. A unique destination, this charming town is the oldest village in the area and still retains many of its traditions and customs. Constructed completely with native materials from the surrounding area, La Casa de Mamayacchi offers an authentic Colca Canyon experience complete with a traditional restaurant that serves excellent, locally-inspired cuisine. The lodge offers simple but inviting and comfortable rooms, remarkable views, and a cozy fireplace lounge.

Restaurant Room ServiceLaundry Service

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