Colca Canyon 2-Day Trek with Condor Watching from Arequipa

Cruz del Condor viewpoint

The trek begins with the most famous stop in the Colca Canyon. Cruz del Condor is a viewpoint perched on the edge of the gorge, where in the morning warm air rising from the canyon lets Andean condors glide up from their nests on the cliffs, often passing close above the onlookers. With wings spanning up to three metres, the condor is a symbol of the Andes and one of the largest flying birds on Earth.

Your early pickup, between 03:00 and 03:30, is timed so that you arrive at the best hour, usually around 08:00 to 09:00, after breakfast in the Colca Valley. You spend some time watching and photographing the birds before driving on to Cabanaconde. Sightings are natural and depend on the day, but they are most frequent in the dry season, from April to November.

Cabanaconde and the descent into the canyon

Cabanaconde is a small farming town at about 3,300 metres on the rim of the canyon and the starting point of most Colca Canyon treks. From here a steep, zigzagging trail drops more than 1,000 metres towards the Colca River, with huge views of the opposite wall and the terraces carved into it. The descent is hard on the knees, so walking poles are a great help.

After crossing the river, the trail continues through tiny villages where families still grow fruit, corn and quinoa on terraces irrigated by mountain streams. Lunch is served along the way, and the guide talks about the Cabana and Collagua peoples who shaped this valley long before the Incas. Expect around five to seven hours of walking on the first day, including breaks, at a steady pace set by the group.

The Sangalle Oasis on the canyon floor

The day ends at the Sangalle Oasis, a startling patch of palm trees, gardens and natural spring-fed pools at about 2,200 metres, deep in the canyon. After hours of dry, rocky trail, the green of the oasis feels like a reward, and many trekkers relax by the water before sunset as the canyon walls glow orange above them.

Accommodation is simple, in rustic bungalows with basic facilities and limited electricity, which is part of the experience. Dinner is served in the evening, and the night sky, far from any town, is full of stars. If you are researching a Colca Canyon trek and wondering whether to stay overnight, the oasis is the reason: it turns a hard hike into a memorable journey.

The dawn climb back to the rim

On the second day you start very early, usually around 05:00, to climb back to Cabanaconde before the sun heats the canyon. The ascent gains about 1,100 metres on a steep trail and takes most walkers around three hours. It is the toughest part of the trek, but the light on the walls at sunrise and the feeling of reaching the rim make it unforgettable.

Breakfast is served in Cabanaconde, and then you drive back through the valley. There is an optional stop at the hot springs near Chivay, which are perfect for tired muscles (entry not included), and time to buy lunch, which is not included on this day. The road then climbs over the high pass before descending to Arequipa, where you arrive in the late afternoon or evening.

Planning your Colca Canyon trek

The best time to trek the Colca Canyon is the dry season, from April to November, when trails are dry and skies clear; the rainy months, December to March, bring green landscapes but slippery paths. Arequipa sits at about 2,300 metres, so spend at least two days in the city first to adjust to the altitude before heading to the rim.

You need a good level of fitness and sturdy hiking shoes, and you should pack light: a small backpack with water, sun protection, warm layers for the cold mornings, a swimsuit and a torch. The Colca Canyon entrance ticket is not included and is paid in cash on the way. If you are short on time or prefer not to hike, a full-day Colca Canyon tour is a gentler alternative.