There are many different ways to reach Colca Canyon from Arequipa. You can take a public bus, rent a car or take the Tourist bus service which can be booked via Pachamama.

Arequipa – Chivay - Cabanaconde is 224 km distance (5hrs by bus)

Arequipa – Chivay is 163 km pavement road (3hrs by bus).

Arequipa - Cruz del Condor is 208km (5hrs by bus)

Cruz del Condor – Cabanaconde is 16 kms asphalted (20 minutes)

TOURIST BUS CABANACONDE - AREQUIPA (PICK UP AT YOUR HOSTEL)

This minivan picks you up at your hotel in Arequipa. Only departure at 3:00am, this time is in order to be on time to see some condor flying at Mirador Cruz del Condor. It arrives to Cabanaconde at 10:00am. To purchase bus tickets to Colca here.

RENT A CAR

It exists different car rental companies in Arequipa city. Prices can be from $90.00 to $120.00. We recommend you to rent a 4x4 if you come to Cabanaconde. Renting a car has good advantages especially if you like to stop in place where you want to make pictures or enjoy the view. But it can also be tiring to drive 5 to 6hrs, besides it is very expensive.

UPDATE 2022 PUBLIC BUS FROM AREQUIPA TO CABANACONDE vice versa.

Due to Pandemia not many buses are found from Arequipa to Cabanaconde. The only local bus is Andalucia, departing from the terminal terrestre at 01:00am. 03:30am and 13:00. You can not buy this service online and it is recommend to go to the terminal a day before to ensure your seats. Pachamama Hostel recommend the bus at 13:00, the journey takes approx. 6 hours

▸ Warning!

When buses stop at Chivay and you want to go the toilet, do not neglect your belongings at your seat.

Backpacks are safe, but make sure you store them with the driver, it would normally go on the left side of the bus, say the Driver: "MOCHILAS PARA CABANACONDE".

The best way and safe is by taking tourist BUS. You save plenty of time by taking this service. For now there is not any public bus departing from Cabanaconde to puno.

Pachamama offers a transport service at 9:30 from Cabanaconde to Chivay and we help you to make the connection from Chivay to Puno where the bus departs at 13:00. The trip from Cabanaconde to Chivay is 2hrs and from Chivay to Puno is about 6hrs, this bus will stop in some beautiful lookouts. We definitely recommend this way so you can enjoy travelling the long trip. You can buy tickets with Pachamama. More information and itinerary here.

Book With Us this Service: Cabanaconde - Puno, read more the itinerary here

To visit and enter in Colca Canyon you MUST purchase a tourist ticket of Autocolca. The ticket price is S/ 70.00 ($ 23.00). They can be purchased at the entrance of Chivay. If you come by public bus the guards will sell you these entrances fees inside the bus. You can also buy this entrance fee to Colca Canyon in Cabanaconde which I recommend to do it. Without the entrance ticket you can not visit Colca Canyon, there is control everywhere and they will annoy you if you do not have it. The money raised goes to the maintenance and promotion of infrastructure of tourism in Colca Canyon. But something true is that Cabanaconde is not improving its infrastructure they must help to make better trekking trails and put up signs along the paths. It is just disappoiting for hikers who trek in Colca Canyon, but we hope that they will soon work in favor of local tourism.

Visiting the village of Cabanaconde is being involved with nature, peace, customs, traditions, etc. Cabanaconde offers a lot of trekking options to explore Colca Canyon. Most of the trekking trails starts here such as Sangalle, San Juan de Chuccho, Tapay, Coshñirwa, Malata, Llahuar (hot springs), Fure and Valley of Volcanoes to Andagua. If you do not want to do long hikes you can just explore by doing short hikes to the viewpoints, biking from Cruz del Condor to Cabanaconde, riding a mule in the village or you can use as a place to get used to the altitude. By coming to this village you will help with the incomes of a responsible tourism.

We will mention down below some information about the Viewpoints of Cabanaconde and other activities. If you want more information for the trekking option, learn more here

Cruz del Condor (3, 650 meters) is consider a unique place for watching condors, but it is also the most visited spot for tourists in Colca Canyon. These majestic scavenger birds start gliding in the morning from 7:00am to 10:00am. The view is also a breathtaking landscapes of Colca Canyon, you will appreciate a depth of 1,250 meters.

From Cabanaconde to Cruz del Condor, you can take a local bus at 6:30, it takes only 20 minutes by public bus. You can walk from Cruz del Condor back to Cabanaconde (3hrs), but I do not recommend you since you walk most of time on the pavement route. You can take the public bus to return at 9:20. You can also join to our biking tour from Cruz del Condor to Cabanaconde.Biking Cruz del Condor.

This is one of the main reason to come to Cabanaconde, it is only 20 minutes by bus to the most famous viewpoint of Peru to see Condors. Join us to have a different experience see here a tour to Cruz del Condor with our Kombi .

Cruz del Cóndor is considered for local people as a sacred place to make offerings to the Pachamama (mother earth), so please we beg you to follow the recommendations down below.

Visit Cruz del Condor in the Afternoon

Pachamama offers daily visit of the viewpoint in the afternoon which is a greater experience compared to the morning. Condors returns to their caves before the sun sets. It is definitely a better way to see this Mirador comparing to the morning. Biking Cruz del Condor here.

This is a very alternative viewpoint and very tranquil, not much people as Cruz del Condor. The view is astonishing and it is a good spot to see Condors. You can get a great view of the villages that are found at the bottom of the Canyon as Tapay, San Juan de Chuccho, Malata, Coshñirwa and an amazing view of Sepregina Mountain.

To go from Cabanaconde to the viewpoint of Tapay take at 06:30 am the local bus it is only about 15 minutes. You can walk back to Cabanaconde 1 1/2 hrs by taking a short-cut where the big reservoir is. This trail will take you to Mirador de San Miguel.

▸ Warning!

There is a very dangerous trail from Tapay viewpoint, do not take it. If you hike to San Juan de Chuccho you must start from San Miguel Viewpoint. You can have more trekking information at Pachamama.

Most of the trekking trails in Colca Canyon starts from Cabanaconde village. Cejana viewpoint, San Miguel Viewpoint, and Achachiwa are the most important viewpoint to start your hike. It is very important to recognize them before you start your hike, you can ask to your hostel in Cabanaconde or to locals for these Viewpoints. At Pachamama you can get very good directions or you can buy an updated trekking map.

VIEWPOINT OF CEJANA (3,350 meters)

START TREKKING POINT TO SANGALLE

This lookout is the starting point for Sangalle TREKKING (Oasis). It is only 20 minutes walk from Cabanaconde. Take Grau Street, this street faces the church San Pedro de Alcantara, ask locals. Walk till the end of the street where there will be a wood sign that is written Sangalle, then turn right and continue the path, you will pass through terraces, keep going the clear path till you get to the lookout where there is a couple of big rocks laying there. There is a control for Tourist ticket so make sure you have with you. The trail to Sangalle is very OBVIOUS from the viewpoint.

More About Trek to Sangalle 1 Day

VIEWPOINT OF SAN MIGUEL (3400mts)

START TREKKING POINT TO SAN JUAN DE CHUCCHO

The Viewpoint of San Miguel is about 25 minutes away from the village of Cabanaconde. This is the start point for San Juan de Chuccho. Walk on the pavement route for 20 minutes, you will pass the Cemetery of Cabanaconde, after you will pass the new Museum of Juanita which is not open yet, keep going till you find the Football stadium. Stop following the pavement route and now follow the path that goes through the football stadium. About 5 minutes later you will reach the viewpoint of San Miguel which is a little hut with some seats of stones, there is some terrible information in the panel that is found in the Viewpoint, so do not follow those directions. The trail to hike San Juan de Chuccho is on the right hand of the Mirador, a very obvious trail. You will start seeing the village of San Juan de Chuccho after 20 minutes walk from the viewpoint.

More About Classic Trekking San Juan de Chuccho 3d-2n

VIEWPOINT OF ACHACHIWA (3,320mts)

START TREKKING POINT TO LLAHUAR - FURE

The lookout of Achachiwa is one of my favorites because the view is just beautiful. You have a different view comparing to the others lookouts, if you are in Cabanaconde you must visit this outstanding lookout and it is special before sunset. I have been here many times and I saw condors flying back to their caves, but of course it is matter of luck.

Mirador Achachiwa offers a beautiful panoramic view of Colca Canyon, its villages, pre-inca terraces, the Colca River and the snowcapped mountain of Hualca-Hualca and Sepegrina. If you have a good eye you will see at distance the waterfall of Fure.

This Mirador is very important if you are planning to hike the trek to Llahuar or Fure so it is recommended to recognize it before the hike. It is only 25 minutes on foot from Cabanaconde. From Plaza de Armas of Cabanaconde you can ask to locals for some directions, ask where the bullring or Achachiwa is. Go west and find the bullring arena, this is just a small arena and its walls are painted in red. Surround the arena to the left, coming from Cabanaconde, and you will see a trail to the right that will take you to an abandoned football field, pass behind the football field and follow the path for 5 minutes. The viewpoint is a little hut with a straw roof.

There is 2 trails from the Arena when you come from Cabanaconde. The first trail is on the right and there is a panel if you follow that trail it will take as well to another Mirador. But you must find the trail where the abandoned football field is.

Do not explore down the Viewpoint, it can be very slippery and dangerous, just stay in the platform. So stay safe at the Mirador.

More About Alternative Trek to Llahuar and Fure

Kallimarka ruins is on the hill of the same name which it lies South-East of Cabanaconde. This abandoned ruins belonged the Cabanas culture. It was an important settlement for its strategic location. It is interesting to explore it if you are in Cabanaconde, the walk takes half day (4hrs). It really offers a great view of the pre-inca terraces, the view of the Canyon and the snowcapped mountain of Hualca-Hualca volcano (6,025 meters). We definitely recommend you to hike this short walk if you are in Cabanaconde.

Pachamama offers a tour with a mule. You can visit the abandoned ruins of Kallimarka and explore Cabanaconde in a different way. More information here.

Directions if you plan to walk

You can get more information at Pachamama. Go South-East of Cabanaconde and ask local people the route to HUAMBO. Follow the route till you find a placard that it says "Kallimarka". Take the trail to the left of the placard and hike till you get again to a route. You will find 2 other placards, find the old one made of wood and follow the path which is all the way up to the ruins. The walk takes about 4 hours round trip.

Kallimarka short hike is a good alternative to explore Cabanaconde and it helps you to get used to the altitude...stay in Cabanaconde and get a different experience. Book here for Pachamama Hostel .

Mucurca Lagoon (4,350 meters) is 1 1/2 hrs. From Cabanaconde. This spectacular lagoon offers stunning view of Volcanoes like Ampato and Hualca-Hualca and Sabankaya. Pachamama offers a very special tour by 4x4 truck, which it is necessary in order to reach this Lagoon. A tour must be organized in advance. Fin here our Tours to Mucurca or more information about this special tour.

The lake of Mucurca can be visited from Cabanaconde, this is a day trip and we must depart early to get this amazing views. I have seen always flamingos according to the season and the views of the volcanoes are just amazing.

Hualca - Hualca 6, 025m is a snow capped mountain located in Cabanaconde. It is seen imposingly from the village of Cabanaconde. This mountain is considered a God (apu in quechua) for locals. There is very limited tourist who climbs this moutain. I have been couple of times and Climbing it is a great experience. It offers fantastic views of the volcanoes of Sabankaya, Ampato and the lake of Mucurca. Down below pictures of our trip with some friends that stayed at Pachamama. They just enjoyed and share their experience to others. In order to climb it you need to have good conditions and be adapted to altitude. Another way to explore this area it is by just doing a trip that we offer for a day.

I only offer this Tour to hikers who have experienced...this tour should be organized in advance. Contact me to get more info about climbing Hualca Hualca .

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

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.

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. 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 2015 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.

CONTACT US

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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.✓