3-Day Backpacker Colca Canyon Trek from Arequipa

Day 1:

Start by being picked up from your accommodations at the ungodly hours of 3am to 3.30am. Don't worry you can catch up on your sleep during the journey to the Cruz del Condor. After about an hour here, set off for Cabanaconde, the Colca Canyon's largest town. Once there, you can shop for water and snacks before starting the hike. Hike down following a rocky, winding path take it slowly and enjoy the view. Arrive to the first village of the area, San Juan de Chuccho, at around 2pm. Spend the night in a local families house. Be ready to feast on lunch, dinner and breakfast organizing by your guide.

Day 2:

Catch up on some sleep today, you won't wake up until around 7:30am. Be greeted by the smell of pancakes cooking for breakfast. After that, spend two to three hours hiking before hitting the oasis. This is the deepest point you'll reach in the canyon and you'll pass through the village of Malata. Listen to your guide explain the lifestyles of the people living in this area, as well as giving you information about the flora and fauna you'll see. Once at the oasis at 12pm, take time to chill out at the pool, recuperate and have lunch. Over night at the Oasis Palmeras.

Day 3:

After waking up very early in the morning begin your ascent at 4am in the morning, heading towards the town Cabanaconde. This takes about three hours, (depending on the speed of the group). Arrive at 8am at the summit, finally reaching Cabanaconde, the Colca Canyon's largest town. Stop at a local restaurant to have breakfast. After that take a tour bus, back to Chivay, and finally Arequipa. Your transport will stop at the main viewpoints, and local villages of the area before arriving in Chivay. From there visit the hot waters of la Calera which is highly recommended after a long trek. Return to Chivay to have lunch, and then take the bus that brings you back to Arequipa, arriving around 5pm. The tour will end with you being brought to your hotel.