TREKKING INFORMATION ABOUT COLCA CANYON - INDEPENDENTLY

TREK ON YOUR OWN!

TREKKING INFORMATION ABOUT COLCA CANYON - INDEPENDENTLY

Author: Ludwig Betalleluz Uribe, Owner of Pachamama hostel in Cabanaconde - Colca Canyon,


Ludwig's photo I am, Ludwig Betalleluz, a professional trekking guide in Arequipa region since 2002. I like to share my experience gained as a guide in order to encourage the development of a different sort of Tourism in Colca Canyon - Cabanaconde.

Nowadays I do not work as a guide, but I am the owner of a family hostel in Cabanaconde which it is called Pachamama and where my family works. I also do PHOTOGRAPHY as part of my favorite hobbies and you can appreciate my pictures in my hostel.

The only purpose of this article is just to give a complete information of Trekking in the Colca Canyon. After reading this article you will know the possibilities of trekking in Colca Canyon. This article will also promote local tourism in the villages of Cabanaconde, San Juan de Chuccho, Tapay, Llahuar ( not a village), Llatica, and Fure which they all can be visited by just doing trekking. I invite you to visit Cabanaconde and explore Colca Canyon in a different and responsible way.

Finally, I make clear that this article is only to give you comprehensive information and valuable recommendations about traditional and alternative trekking routes in Colca Canyon, so please read carefully the recommendations before hiking in Colca Canyon. You can visit Pachamama Hostel where you find plenty of information, join other hikers and you can also get a good trekking map.

You can also join some TOURS TO COLCA that are exclusively organized by Pachamamahome.

If you have questions or you would like to cooperate with updating any information I will be grateful.


Trekking Colca Canyon with friends 2005
Trekking Colca Canyon with friends 2006
Trekking Colca Canyon with friends 2007
Climbing Hualca-Hualca with friends 2016

COLCA CANYON

Colca Canyon is located in the department of Arequipa, this is the most important attraction of the province and considered one of the deepest canyons in the world (4,160 meters), twice as deep than the Grand Canyon (USA). Colca Canyon is amazingly appreciated from the villages of Pinchollo, Cabanaconde, Tapay and Huambo.

Flora and Fauna in Colca Canyon are rich and you can definitely appreciate by visiting Colca Canyon. The Andean Condor is the main icon of the fauna, it can be seen at Cruz del Condor. The list of Flora and Fauna is big, we won't describe here since we are just focused in trekking information.

The cultural richness of Colca Canyon is enormous and is embedded in the 14 villages that are found throughout the Colca Valley. The Collaguas and Cabanas are people of different ethnic groups that lives in Colca Canyon, their most outstanding legacy is the construction of thousands of terraces.

Trekking is the best way to explore the depth of Colca Canyon. The beginning for all trails in Colca Canyon start from Cabanaconde. It is not for everyone, but for those who loves trekking it is a great experience. You can also visit and enjoy from great views by visiting the village of Cabanaconde.


Trekking views of Colca Canyon - Cejana
Cactus Flowering during the hike
Waterfalls of Fure
Valley of Volcanoes

CABANACONDE (3,300mts)

Most of the trekking in Colca Canyon starts in Cabanaconde village. 5 1/2 hrs. From Arequipa by bus and only 20 minutes to Mirador Cruz del Condor. Visiting Cabanaconde is being in one of the most traditional places in Colca Canyon. More information about Cabanaconde here.


INDEPENDENTLY TREKKING IN COLCA CANYON

Can We trek independently in Colca Canyon?.

Yes, you can!. Trekking in Colca Canyon is not difficult as most travel agencies always say. Trails are obvious in the most common trekking routes as San Juan de Chuccho and Sangalle (classic trekking tour). You can see most of the trails from the viewpoints and I always recommend hikers to recognize these lookouts before start trekking. This is why is important to come to Cabanaconde because you can explore first the area, acclimatize and plan your trekking.

I must say that the trekking to Llahuar and Fure is less visited so you need more information, but at Pachamama hostel there are always people, most of them are couples or group of friends who come and wants to do trekking on their own, if you are an alone traveler Pachamama is the right place to meet other hikers. At Pachamama you will definitely get good tips for trekking in Colca Canyon

If you decide to arrange an organized tour from Arequipa it is important you make sure the local people get a real benefit, by paying a cheap trekking tour then you are not helping, locals are being exploited and as well their trekking guides. As I said local people get more benefit if you come straight to Cabanaconde, but It is easy to find out this.

By visiting independently the town of Cabanaconde it is a different way of travelling and exploring Colca Canyon. It may not be for everyone, but you can also buy a tour from Arequipa or hire our trekking services with a local guide. Pachamama is not the only place to stay in Cabanaconde, you also find some hotels and restaurants. Besides all of it you get a real touch of what a Peruvian Village is...

Advantages of Travelling Independently

  • ▸   You have more freedom in your itinerary.
  • ▸   You are more in contact with local people and nature.
  • ▸   Local people benefit economically.
  • ▸   You can decide what trek to do.
  • ▸   The experience is different and personal.
  • ▸   You can explore Viewpoints as long as you want.
  • ▸   You have more chances to observe Condors. Etc...

Please don’t hike in the canyon without obtaining information beforehand!

TRAVEL AGENCIES AND INDEPENDENT HIKING IN COLCA CANYON

Travel agencies always try to misdirect tourist who wants to visit Cabanaconde - Colca Canyon. They say it is dangerous to hike without a guide, do not go on your own to Colca Canyon, etc. They sell tours and by buying their tours is fine, but saying that coming to Cabanaconde on your own is dangerous that is not quite honest. You can hire a tour for many reason and we are not against that, their services are very good and their guides are very nice people and professional (if you buy in the right travel agency). You choose what it is better for you, by buying a tour for most people would be better and helpful in matters of organization and by coming on your own it is just visiting a different way.

There have been reports of accidents in Colca Canyon, like in most places in the world these cases are not the exceptions. An accident occurs randomly and it is most to people who does not take the necessary precautions and recommendations. Examples of reports are: someone drowned drunk in the pool, a Spanish died because his bottle of water felt in a very dangerous cliff and he tried to reach it, some tourists got lost by walking at dark, a Brazilian girl felt from a mule and that happen with a travel agency, etc. Accidents can happen any time you just need to be cautious and it is important to get all information possible.

We recommend you to make a plan of your trek beforehand and get all information you need. Do not hike alone, in Pachamama you can definitely join other travelers, paths are fine, not dangerous animals, not robbery in the Canyon. We have very good information and we just want to focus by promoting local tourism even if people say that is not.

In worst-case you can also hire our tours services or hire a local guide from Cabanaconde. More information


trekking-colca-luy
Trekking en el Cañón del Colca 2003

NEW!

NEW TREKKING MAP OF COLCA CANYON 2017

trekking map colca canyon
Free Map if you stay at Pachamama

You can buy our new trekking map at Pachamama hostel. This trekking map of Colca Canyon is the most updated that you can find in Arequipa. I made this Map in order to help other hikers to get oriented and get extra informaction and let them know the possibilities of trekking in the area. You can only buy this map at Pachamama.

Our new trekking map of Colca Canyon 2017 contents valuable information:

▸   A well done and update map and easy to understand it.

▸   Options and possibilities of trekking 1, 2, 3, 4 days inside Colca Canyon.

▸   Information about the starts for each trek.

▸   Altitude of the villages.

▸   Level differences.

▸   Distances in km. and timings from village to village, etc.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us to this Email Address: colcapachamama@gmail.com


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TRAILS, WATER AND FOOD IN COLCA CANYON

THE TRAILS IN COLCA CANYON

There are certainly not any signaling systems for trails in Colca Canyon. The biggest reason is that Autocolca (Organization in charge of promoting tourism) does not so much for it. But that it does not mean trails are dangerous and not easy to find. Local people have been using them for hundreds of years and they are responsible of repairing them if something happens to their trails. These paths are quite notorious to recognize you can also have an idea that people walk with their mules, so we understand they are big enough. You will always find simple signs when you are close to family houses.

Our Recommendation is to follow always a good path and you must know the start for the trekking. See here the starts for your trekking colca canyon.


FOOD IN COLCA CANYON

Food is very basic, but good. In most family houses and bungalows in Sangalle (Oasis) you will always find set menus; their prices vary between 10.00 to 15.00 soles. They will also offer you vegetarian food. Every family house or bungalow has their little shop where you can buy water, beer and snacks.

WATER SOURCES IN COLCA CANYON

You can easily find some good water resources in Colca Canyon, but we definitely recommend you to purify the water from any source, bring your own tablets from your country or buy it in Arequipa. Most of the family houses have good fresh water and you can fill your bottles there and use them after been purified. You can also buy in their little shops mineral water, price can be 3 times more expensive, but it is understandable the big effort they spend in bringing water from Cabanaconde. A very good advice is to refuel your water in little villages and not carry so much since you can find in every village a shop. We also recommend you to bring all your plastic bottles back to Cabanaconde, locals burns the plastic and it is not good for the environment. You can drop your plastic bottles at Pachamama.

HOSTEL, FAMILY HOMESTAY, BUNGALOWS IN COLCA CANYON

It is easy to find a place to sleep during the trekking in Colca Canyon, but in high season (May- Sept) we recommend you to book in advance. It is not necessary to bring a tent, unless you love camping. The family homestays in Colca Canyon offers a basic accommodation, share toilets and showers for a cheap price. It is impossible that you will find a fancy place, which it is fine and it is part of experience when you trek. Modernizations is not found in Colca Canyon trek, so do not expect it. We can help you to book a family homestay in Colca Canyon.

River Colca Canyon - Water resourse at Llahuar
trekking trail colca canyon
Trails in Colca Canyon are safe!
Donkeys can be hired in Sangalle
You can have lunch in most family homestays in Colca
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A LIST OF WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE HIKE IN COLCA CANYON



  • ▸   Energy...Positive...Happiness...Love Nature....Respect Nature...
  • ▸   BRING CASH, no atm or bank in the village of Cabanaconde. Important!
  • ▸   A good Trekking shoes.
  • ▸   Cellphone (You will find some signal in some villages).
  • ▸   Trekking Map (You can get one at Pachamama).
  • ▸   A day backpack.
  • ▸   A Cap.
  • ▸   Sun Block with SPF of at least 50.
  • ▸   Sun Glasses.
  • ▸   At night gets a bit cold, so you need a jacket or a good fleece sweater.
  • ▸   Convertible Pant are ideal for the hike.
  • ▸   Bathing suit.
  • ▸   Flash-light and extra batteries.
  • ▸   Watch.
  • ▸   Purification Tablets (optional)
  • ▸   A lighter or matches.
  • ▸   whistle.
  • ▸   Basic First aid-kit.
  • ▸   Snacks.


RECOMMENDATIONS DURING YOUR TREKKING INTO COLCA CANYON

Always take precautions to prevent misadventures during your hike. It is true that there have been incidents in Colca Canyon, but it is due to the lack of information and recklessness of yourself. There are good resources for information and Pachamama We will inform you all about it. Some treks you need a guide, so we can help you to arrange this service. A local guide will guide you well. Get a Local trekking guide Here.


  • ▸ Depart early for your trek, let's say 7am it is a good time and do not hike after 2pm.
  • ▸ Get early to your destination or before dark. Do not expose yourself in danger by walking at dark or taking short-cuts.
  • ▸ Take with you your cell-phone, there is signal in most villages and some parts of the trek.
  • ▸ Walk through save paths, avoid short-cuts. Trails are very obvious.
  • ▸ Fill your water in every village.
  • ▸ Ask to locals if you are in the good trail, you can meet locals working in their farms.
  • ▸ Do not hike if you are sick or Vertigo.
  • ▸ Do not forget to take your cell-phone with you.
  • ▸ Carry enough things for your hike. A day bagpack is enough; keep in my mind that walking in Colca Canyon you can climb from 700mts to 1,200mts level difference. You do not need sleeping bag.
  • ▸ Let know your hostel what trek your departing for, how many days, when you come back, etc.
  • ▸ Carry your tourist ticket; there is control in viewpoint and bridges, so there is not way to avoid paying.
  • ▸ Do not hike alone, meet other travellers. Pachamama Hostel is the perfect place to meet other hikers.
  • ▸ Get all the information for your planned hike.
  • ▸ When you hire a mule, make sure the horse tack are in good conditions.
  • ▸ Never get close to dangerous cliffs.
  • ▸ Do not touch unknown plants such as qatupa.
  • ▸ Do not fire.

1DAY

TREKKING CABANACONDE -SANGALLE (Oasis)


LEVEL: MEDIUM hard on the knees by descending.
DURATION: 1 Day (7km round trip).
START: Cabanaconde - Viewpoint of Ce Jana.
LEVEL DIFFERENCE: 1,300 Meters.

SANGALLE 1 Day Tour (Oasis)


I would definitely recommend you to stay a night in Cabanaconde so you can explore the area and acclimatize before your hike. Pachamama is the right place for you, book a night at pachamama here

trail to sangalle
Trail from Cabanaconde to Sangalle
Sangalle - Oasis
There are 5 bungalows in Sangalle
Panoramic View from Cejana
Riding mule donkey Sangalle
Riding mule donkey Sangalle

Formerly Sangalle was a very important place for local people in Colca Canyon because of the existence of fruit trees, but suddenly there was a terrible plague that began turning bad all those fruits. Nowadays Sangalle is a charming tourist spot and a refreshing place to recover the energy spent during your trekking.

Sangalle is best known for local people as the “OASIS” because of its wonderful location and its green vegetation that is surrounded by dry mountains. This Oasis is located at the bottom of the canyon next to the Colca River. It has beautiful gardens and natural pools that it helps against the burning sun.

HOW TO GO TO SANGALLE FROM CABANACONDE?


This is the shortest and most direct way to get to the depth of the Colca Canyon from Cabanaconde. We recommend you to start early in order to return in broad daylight to Cabanaconde, unless you want to spend the night.

Start from Plaza de Armas and take Grau street this is the street that faces the façade of San Pedro. Go straight to the end of the street, when you see a placard Sangalle-Tapay turn to the right, this is a stony path at the beginning, continue along the trail till you reach Mirador de Cejana (see viewpoint). You can actually see the entire trail from this viewpoint.


BUNGALOWS OF SANGALLE - OASIS

Most of all lodges that are found inside Colca Canyon are very basic and rustic, which it converts into an special experience. Modernization is very slow due to the accessibility and thereby, improving its structures is a matter of time and money. On the other hand Auto Colca does not supports its owners to improve themselves in their service quality. It remains for me only to say that having places like Sangalle or Llahuar in Colca Canyon it will make your visit something special and experience to be out of touch of the entire modernization.

The bungalows are very rustic in Sangalle and services are basic (most with shared bathrooms, no hot water, no electricity in the rooms), so do not expect much comfort in these places. The food is basic and not the Menu, they all have shops where you can buy water, beer, sodas and snacks. Every bungalow has natural pools, but they are not hot springs and water is tepid.

trekking sangalle oasis
Trekking Colca Canyon Sangalle (Oasis)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TREKKING TO SANGALLE:


  • ▸ This is the most touristy spot of trekking.
  • ▸ The descent is steep so it is hard on the knees. Wear good shoes.
  • ▸ If you hike this trek in 1 day, you MUST begin early.
  • ▸ If you stay a night in Sangalle the maximum starting time to begin the hike is at 1:00 PM. It's not definitely safe to get to a destination in the dark.
  • ▸ In Sangalle you can hire mules to go back to Cabanaconde. The price of a mule is between $ 15 to $ 18. Make sure Mules are healthy and that they offer you good horse tack. Very important!
  • ▸ Bring snacks (chocolates, cookies).
  • ▸ Please return plastic bottles back to Cabanaconde, if not it is burned or they end up in the river. Take it back to Cabanaconde. PACHAMAMA recycles bottles.
  • ▸ Bring change.

Do you want to book a room at Sangalle?

We can help you to ensure your accomodation during the high season, please contact us by email: colcapachamama@gmail.com

Do you want to book a mule to climb from Sangalle to Cabanaconde?


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2D/1N

TREKKING SAN JUAN DE CHUCCHO - SANGALLE (Oasis)



LEVEL: Medium. Hard on knees.
DURATION: 2 days/ 1 night (approx.16km).
START: Cabanaconde - Viewpoint of San Miguel.
LEVEL OF DIFFERENCE: 1,300 Metros / 700 meters / 1200meters
San Miguel Startpoint to San Juan
S. Miguel Start-point - S. Juan Chuccho
San Juan De Chuccho Colca
It takes 3 hrs to get to the bottom
classic Trek Colca
Classic Trek 3d-2n San Juan
Independently trekking
San Juan de Chuccho View

This classic trekking is the same that offers many tour agencies and it is the easiest and most travelled. You must start this trekking from Mirador de San Miguel, 25 minutes from Cabanaconde. I remind you that at Pachamama Hostel you can find a good trekking map, tips and others travellers to join.

1st Day

Cabanaconde / San Juan de Chuccho.

From Cabanaconde village head north-east to San Miguel viewpoint about 25 minutes on foot. When you are at Viewpoint of San Miguel you will clearly see a path to the right, follow that safe path and it will take you all the way down to the River of Colca Canyon, about 3 hrs. On the bottom you will meet local people who runs their family houses and they will offer you their services. There will be also a control of Autocolca; so do not forget your tourist ticket if you do not have it you can buy from them. Cross the modern hanging bridge and go up to San Juan de Chuccho.

2nd Day

San Juan de Chuccho / Coshñirwa / Malata / Sangalle.

Start trekking early, after your breakfast. Ask your homestay the trail to Coshñirwa and Malata which it is above the Football field. Keep the trail and walk gradually up to the right, Do not take the trail to Tapay and do not as well go down after San Juan de Chuccho, keep in mind that you will climb to Coshñirwa (that is about 450 meters). After 30 minutes of walking; you will pass a freshwater concrete canal and you will see a small bridge. After the bridge you have a short steep path up to Coshñirwa, the trail from this village is easy to find. Pass Coshñirwa and Malata and after you go down to Sangalle.

Warning:most people misdirect the trail to Coshñirwa from San Juan de Chuccho. In order to find the right path, take the trail always to the right and it goes gradually up, do not go in direction of the river. You must pass the villages of Cosñirwa and Malata in order to reach Sangalle, you can not go straight or take a shortcut from San Juan de Chuccho to Sangalle.


OPTION B 2D / 1N

Cabanaconde / San Juan de Chuccho / Coshñirwa / Malata / Sangalle

Instead of staying in San Juan de Chuccho you continue the trek to Coshñirwa or Malata and spend the night there. Next day you can hike early to Sangalle and enjoy from the pools. You can stay the 2nd night there or climb to Cabanaconde. If you climb in the afternoon from Sangalle to Cabanaconde make sure you depart maximum at 14:00 hrs. This climbing takes 3 hrs And 30 minutes, also bring plenty of water.

OPTION C 2D / 1N

Another option is by starting this trek very early from Cabanaconde and do the whole loop by passing San Juan de Chuccho, Coshñirwa, Malata and stay the night at Sangalle, this trek will take you about 7 hours. It is very challenging and you must be well fit, but it is possible.


TREKKING TAPAY 2D/1N


1st Day

Cabanaconde / San Juan de Chuccho / Tapay

Head north-east to San Miguel viewpoint about 25 minutes on foot. When you are at Viewpoint you will clearly see a path to the right, follow that path and it will take you all the way down to the River about 3hrs. On the bottom you will meet local people who runs their family houses and will offer you their services. There will be also a control of Autocolca; so do not forget your tourist ticket if you do not have it you can buy from them. Cross the modern hanging bridge and go up to San Juan de Chuccho. The path to reach the village of Tapay it starts from the football field of the school, this trails is on the right hand of the village of San juan de Chuccho. IT is very steep and it goes gradually up in zig-zag. It takes approx. 2 hrs. From San Juan de Chuccho. It is best to take and continue the trail, do not take the route.

2nd Day

Tapay / Coshñirwa / Malata / Sangalle or Cabanaconde

Start trekking early, after your breakfast. Ask your homestay the trail to Coshñirwa which is by the exit of the town to the right, this trail is not the same trail you came from San Juan. You will get after 1hr to a hanging bridge which once you crossed it will take to Coshñirwa and Malata. Pass Coshñirwa and Malata and after you go down to Sangalle.You can stay the night in Sangalle or climb to Cabanaconde; if you do so you must depart from Sangalle at maximum 2:00pm in order to avoid darkness

Do you want to book a room at Sangalle?

Do you want to book a mule to climb from Sangalle to Cabanaconde?


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3D/2N

ALTERNATIVE TREKKING LLAHUAR COLCA CANYON 3D / 2N



LEVEL: MEDIUM.
DURATION: 3 OR 4 Days (approx.25km).
START: Cabanaconde - Mirador de Achachiwa.
LEVEL DIFFERENCE: 1st day: 1,100 mts down
2nd day: 650mts up and 500mts down
3rd day:1,200
Trail to Llahuar from Cabanaconde
Trail to Llahuar from Cabanaconde
Geyser Llatica on the way to Llahuar
Geyser Llatica on the way to Llahuar
Hot Springs at Llahuar
Hot Springs at Llahuar
trekking Llahuar colca
Local Fishing for the dinner at Llahuar

Llahuar is one of my best favorite trekking option in Colca Canyon because it is an unique place, a few trekkers in the path, hot spring in the bungalows of Llahuar lodge, a geyser in the river. This is definitely that i would recommend if you are looking for something different and other experience. In order to visit this alternative route of Llahuar you need time of at least 3 days and also your conditions must be good. I always recommend to take your own precautions or get full information as much as you can. Feel free to visit Pachamama hostel, even if you do not sleep you are welcome to get information or purchase our trekking map. You can also join to our trekking tour services. I would also advise to read the recommendation before coming to Cabanaconde or do the trekking, also here you can find a list of things you need for the hike.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TREKKING TO LLAHUAR:


  • ▸ Never hike alone, at Pachamama hostel you can join other travellers.
  • ▸ The descent is steep so it is hard on the knees. Wear good shoes.
  • ▸ You MUST begin early, Cabanaconde is a good place to come before this trek.
  • ▸ Get information beforehand and get a trekking map of Pachamama.
  • ▸ Nor need to bring a tent, you can stay at Llahuar lodge.
  • ▸ Do not touch unkonwn plants, there are some poisson ones.
  • ▸ You can also buy meals at Llahuar lodge.
  • ▸ Bring snacks (chocolates, cookies).
  • ▸ Please return plastic bottles back to Cabanaconde, if not it is burned or they end up in the river. Take it back to Cabanaconde. PACHAMAMA recycles bottles.
  • ▸ Bring cash and change.

1st Day

Cabanaconde / Achachiwa / Paclla bridge / Llahuar

Start from Mirador Achachiwa. Spend some time at the Viewpoint to recognize the area and trails. You can see on the left of the viewpoint in the distance the 2 bridges, trails and villages of the canyon, except Fure. There are 2 paths from the Viewpoint; one before and the other to the left of the Mirador. You can take the trail to the left of the Viewpoint of Achachiwa and walk on the edge of the mountain, this is a safe trail, you are not in danger here. Later on you will start going gradually down in zigzags, after 40 minutes or less you will get to a wood bridge, not water here, only during the raining season. When you cross the simple bridge it is only one way that will take you to the bottom of the canyon where the bridges are, that is approx. 4 hrs.

At the bottom you will find 2 bridges, from the old bridge you can see the Geyser which you can visit it but be carefully the trail is narrow and slippery and in order to reach Llahuar you must Cross the new bridge and follow the route till the adobe house, that is about 1 hr. From the adobe house you will find a trail going down, you can not miss this path because you will already see the Huaruro river; it is bigger as Colca River, when you cross the bridge of Huaruro you are in Llahuar in 5 minutes.


Mirador Achachiwa - Cabanaconde

Viewpoint Achachiwa
Viewpoint Achachiwa
Sunset from Cabanaconde
Sunset from Cabanaconde
Traditional Life in Cabanaconde
Traditional Life in Cabanaconde
Lizard at Achachiwa
Lizard at Achachiwa

2nd Day

Llahuar / Paclla / Mirador of Apacheta / Malata / Sangalle

Go back to the adobe house, and keep going on the route. The safest way is to follow the route, we mean the route, because not long time ago they made a new route that connects Cabanaconde to Coshñirwa. We know that a route is not nice in a trekking path, but in this route you won´t find cars because it is so remote and believe me landscape is just for you. So Keep always on the route. After 3hrs walk you will get to Mirador Achachiwa, great view. You can see already Sangalle. Keep the route for about 1 hour till you are in the village of Malata. Then take the trail to Sangalle which it is 1 hour more.


Tip: You can take a safe shorcut from Paclla farm which it is 40 minutes walking from Llahuar, Ask to locals for the shortcut, the trail is well made and it connects to next settelment called Belen. From Belen take the trail to the right to Mirador de Apacheta, then continue on the route till Malata and to Sangalle.

3rd Day

Sangalle - Cabanaconde. This day you go back to Cabanaconde and keep your travel. You can arrange mules to go up. Walking it is about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Make sure you have enough water and we recommend you to climb very early in the morning or afternoon at 14:00.



ALTERNATIVE VISIT LLAHUAR COLCA CANYON 2D / 1N



OPTION B 2D / 1N

Cabanaconde / Llahuar

There is now a NEW way to visit Llahuar which it is by taking a collectivo from Cabanaconde to Tapay. These colectivos depart early in the morning from Cabanaconde's main square at about 7:00 am. Take this collectivo and get of at the bridge of Llahuar, you can continue walking to Llahuar. Second Day you can take back the collectivo to Cabanaconde at about 11:00 am. This alternative is great for those who does not want to trek too much and also for those who would like to see something different since Sangalle / Oasis is the most touristic and crowded place. Visit Llahuar and enjoy from a real family atmoshpere and also from its hot springs and great views.

Do you want to book a room at Llahuar?

Do you want to book a room at Sangalle

Would you like to arrange a local guide?

Would you like to book a mule to climb from Sangalle to Cabanaconde?


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4D/3N

ALTERNATIVE TREKKING LLAHUAR -FURE- - SANGALLE



LEVEL: Difficult.
DURATION: 4 or 3 Days (25km).
START: Cabanaconde - Mirador de Achachiwa.
LEVEL DIFFERENCE: 1st day: 1,100 m downhill
2nd day: 800 m uphill
3rd day: 900m gradually down and steep down
4th day:1,200 m uphill
Hikers at Fure waterfall
Waterfalls of Fure is unique
Fure's waterfall is 40m from Fure Village
Fure waterfall
Flowers with the view of the waterfall

This trekking to Fure is more alternative, you need at least 3 to 4 days to explore it. This walk offers the best views and amazing scenery of nature of Colca Canyon. Fure Waterfall is an unknown attraction where the energy of nature is to your disposal. I would recommend this hike for those who like to be off the beaten track, but however you must be in good physical shape and i would recommend you to go with a local guide. You can also join other travellers at Pachamama hostel, I would recommend you also to stay a night in Cabanaconde. You will also need a good trekking map and you can get it at Pachamama.


THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TREKKING TO FURE:


  • ▸ Never hike alone, at Pachamama hostel you can join other travellers.
  • ▸ You Must Bring your TENT!Important
  • ▸ The descent is steep so it is hard on the knees. Wear good shoes.
  • ▸ You MUST begin early, Cabanaconde is a good place to come before this trek.
  • ▸ Get information beforehand and get a trekking map of Pachamama.
  • Bring a tent, it is difficult to find accomodation at Fure's village.
  • ▸ Always ask to local people if you are in the right trail, you will find other shortcuts that are used by them to get to their farms.
  • ▸ You can buy food in Llahuar, but in Fure take your own food.
  • ▸ Do not get close to the waterfall, slippery and Dangerous.
  • ▸ Do not touch unkonwn plants, there are some poisson ones.
  • ▸ Bring snacks (chocolates, cookies).
  • ▸ Please return plastic bottles back to Cabanaconde, if not it is burned or they end up in the river. Take it back to Cabanaconde. PACHAMAMA recycles bottles.
  • ▸ Bring cash and change.

1st Day

Start from Mirador Achachiwa. Spend some time at the Viewpoint to recognize the area and trails. You can see on the left of the viewpoint in the distance the 2 bridges, trails and villages of the canyon, except Fure. There are 2 paths from the Viewpoint; one before and the other to the left of the Mirador. You can take the trail to the left of the Viewpoint of Achachiwa and walk on the edge of the mountain, this is a safe trail, you are not in danger here. Later on you will start going gradually down in zigzags, after 40 minutes or less you will get to a wood bridge, not water here, only during the raining season. When you cross the simple bridge it is only one way that will take you to the bottom of the canyon where the bridges are, that is approx. 4 hrs.

At the bottom you will find 2 bridges, from the old bridge you can see the Geyser which you can visit it but be carefully the trail is narrow and slippery and in order to reach Llahuar you must Cross the new bridge and follow the route till the adobe house, that is about 1 hr. From the adobe house you will find a trail going down, you can not miss this path because you will already see the Huaruro river; it is bigger as Colca River, when you cross the bridge of Huaruro you are in Llahuar in 5 minutes.


2nd Day

The trail that will take to Fure is just above Llahuar lodge, this path is one the left side of the river of Huaruro, but you walk on top of the river. After 2hrs and 30 minutes walk you will get to Llatica Village. You must cross the bridge and take a trail to the left in order to get to Fure, do not take the trail to the right, otherwise you will reach the trail to Sangalle. The path on the left of the bridge of Llatica goes gradually up. After 1 hour walk you will see the village of FURE. Fure is kind of abandonded so it has been difficult to find acomoddation at Fure, so make sure you bring your tent or you will end up sleeping outside.

Visit Huaruro waterfalls

Ask locals for the trail to the waterfall or go to the end (north)of the village, cross a small streamlet (small river)keep going on the trail for about 30 minutes this is only one way. Calculate your time to avoid walking in dark. Do not get close to the waterfalls because rocks are very slippery.


3rd Day

Take the trail to Mirador Apacheta, this trail is not the same that you came via llahuar - Llatica, it is at the beginning of the entrance to Fure. Ask locals, the trail is very wide and safe. The scenery is amazing from Fure to Sangalle, you will enjoy specially if you walk in the morning. It takes about 3hrs to get from Fure to the Viewpoint of Apacheta where later you will walk on the route. From the Viewpoint of Apacheta follow the route in direction to Malata which it is about 1 hour. From Malata ask locals for the trail to Sangalle.


4th Day

Sangalle - Cabanaconde. This day you go back to Cabanaconde and keep your travel. You can arrange mules to go up. Walking it is about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Make sure you have enough water and we recommend you to climb very early in the morning or afternnon at 2pm.



Would you like to book a room at Pachamama Hostel Cabanaconde?

Would you like to book a room at Llahuar?

Would you like book a room at Sangalle

Would you like arrange a local guide?

Would you like book a mule to climb from Sangalle to Cabanaconde?


Please, send us an email with your request: colcapachamama@gmail.com