Colca Canyon: A Must-See Destination in Peru

This is one trek you shouldn’t miss. While it’s true the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu might be the most famous trek in Peru, Cañon del Colca (or Colca Canyon) is another you need to add to your list. Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world — nearly 14,000 feet from its highest point to its lowest — and it’s home to the Andean condor, a sacred bird in Incan culture. If you’re looking to plan a trip to this must-see destination, here’s what you need to know.

What to Know About Peru’s Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon cuts through Peru’s Andes mountains for some 60 miles, carved out by the Río Colca as it makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. It’s lined with picturesque mountain villages and agricultural terraces established by Spanish conquistadors, though the communities here predate the Inca civilization. The nearest major city is Arequipa, often called the White City due to its buildings made from white volcanic sillar stone. It’s the second-largest city in Peru, approximately a three- to four-hour drive to the canyon.

There are two ways to experience Colca Canyon: from its rim or on a trek to its floor. The former is, of course, the easier method, and you can still see the condors from the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor lookout. However, for those looking for a challenge, trekking the Colca Canyon — which is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon — is an adventure that rewards you with impressive vistas everywhere you look.

Best Time to Visit Colca Canyon

You can trek Colca Canyon year-round, but the most popular time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from approximately April through October. Since peak season is June through August, it is advisable to travel in May and September when crowds are thinner. That said, Colca Canyon is not nearly as busy as Peru’s Sacred Valley, where you will find Machu Picchu. Moreover, you can also visit during the rainy season, but be cautious as trail conditions might become dangerous during particularly wet spells.

How to Get to Colca Canyon

Most visitors to Colca Canyon come from Arequipa. A multitude of tour operators run trips from here, ranging from multiday guided treks to single-day bus tours to the rim, which include transportation. However, if you’re planning a DIY trip, you can either take a public bus or shuttle or drive yourself to the popular base villages of Cabanaconde or Chivay.

Colca Canyon Treks

Colca Canyon comprises a network of trails, meaning there isn’t a single trek to tackle, as with the Inca Trail. Instead, you can start your journey from any number of villages along the canyon, although the most popular starting point is Cabanaconde — this is where several tour operators from Arequipa kick off their journeys. Many of the treks include an overnight stay in the oasis of Sangalle on the canyon floor.

Most treks are multiday endeavors, given the challenging terrain. This is not a novice hike by any means, featuring thousands of feet in elevation changes on steep paths. Furthermore, it’s done at high elevation, which requires acclimation time. Therefore, guided treks are recommended, especially for those who are not advanced multiday trekkers. If you decide to venture alone, ensure you plan your route in advance, download maps for offline use (and obtain a paper map as a backup), and take all necessary provisions with you.

Colca Canyon Tours

If an advanced trek isn’t feasible during your trip to Colca Canyon, you can still explore its beauty by joining tours to the rim. These tours will allow you to peer into the canyon, experience local mountain villages, visit the hot springs near Chivay, and see the condors from the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor lookout. Some of these tours are single-day excursions from Arequipa, while others offer two-day trips with an overnight stay in a hotel.