Author: Ludwig Betalleluz Uribe, Owner of Pachamama hostel in Cabanaconde - Colca Canyon,Updated in 2017

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.

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.

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

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

NEW TREKKING MAP OF COLCA CANYON 2017

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

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.

A LIST OF WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE HIKE IN COLCA CANYON

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.

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

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TREKKING TO SANGALLE:

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?

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?

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

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?

CONTACT US

Home

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: