Colca Canyon is one of Arequipa’s star destinations and one of the deepest canyons in the world. Every year it receives hundreds of thousands of visitors and continues to grow as a favorite place to see condors, go trekking, and enjoy traditional Andean villages.
Where is Colca Canyon and why is it special?
Colca Canyon is located in the province of Caylloma, in the Arequipa region, in southern Peru. It is part of the Colca River valley and is surrounded by volcanoes, agricultural terraces, and traditional villages.
- It has an approximate depth of 4,160 meters (13,648 feet), which makes it one of the deepest canyons on the planet and the second deepest in the world according to several recent studies.
- It is the habitat of the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world, often seen gliding on thermal currents along much of the canyon.
Best time to visit Colca Canyon
Colca can be visited year-round, but the weather changes a lot depending on the season:
- Dry season (approx. April / May to October–November)
- Sunny days, almost no rain.
- Ideal for trekking and for spotting condors under clear skies.
- It’s the most recommended time of year and also the one with the highest number of visitors.
- Rainy season (November / December to March)
- Greener landscapes.
- Frequent rains that can make access more difficult and some trails slippery.
- There may be temporary closures on certain trekking routes.
How to get to Colca Canyon from Arequipa
Most travelers depart from the city of Arequipa. The drive takes between 3 and 5 hours, depending on whether your final destination is Chivay, Yanque, or Cabanaconde.
Most common options:
- Organized tour from Arequipa
- Includes transportation, guide, and stops at viewpoints.
- There are usually 1-day tours (Colca Full Day) and 2 days / 1 night tours with an overnight stay in Chivay or Cabanaconde.
- On your own
- Regular buses from Arequipa to Chivay or Arequipa to Cabanaconde.
- From Chivay you can continue by local transport to other villages in the valley.
Colca Tourist Ticket: updated prices and where to buy it
To enter the tourist circuit of the Colca Valley and Colca Canyon you must buy the Colca Tourist Ticket, managed by AUTOCOLCA.
Reference prices 2025
According to the most recent official information, the prices are:
- Foreign visitors
- Adult: S/ 70
- Children (6–15 years old): S/ 20
- Latin American visitors
- Adult: S/ 40
- Children (6–15 years old): S/ 20
- Peruvian citizens
- Adult: S/ 20
- Children, undergraduate students, and seniors (60+): S/ 5
Important:
- The ticket can be used only once and is personal; travelers must carry their ID or passport.
- It can be purchased in person (checkpoints in Chivay and other points) and also electronically, with digital payment.
What to see in Colca Canyon
Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint
This is the most famous spot in the canyon and is almost mandatory on any itinerary. It is located near Cabanaconde, at about 3,780–3,800 meters above sea level, and has main and secondary viewpoints, internal paths, restrooms, and areas where local handicrafts are sold.
- Best time to visit: between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m., when you can usually see more condors taking advantage of the thermal currents.
- From here you get panoramic views of the canyon abyss and of condors flying just a few meters away.
Traditional villages in the valley
Along the valley you’ll find villages with colonial churches, quiet squares, and natural viewpoints:
- Chivay: main gateway to the valley, with a local market and access to the La Calera hot springs.
- Yanque and Maca: colonial churches, traditional dances, and views of the Andean terraces.
- Cabanaconde: the ideal starting point for treks down to the canyon floor and the Sangalle Oasis.
Andean terraces and viewpoints
In the Colca Valley, pre-Inca agricultural terraces are preserved and still used today to grow corn, quinoa, and other crops. From viewpoints such as Antahuilque or Tapay you can see the terraces and the villages on the canyon slopes.
La Calera Hot Springs
Very close to Chivay is the La Calera hot springs complex, ideal for relaxing after a tour or a trek. It is not included in the Tourist Ticket; there is an additional entrance fee.
Trek to the Sangalle Oasis and other routes
Colca Canyon is one of the best places in Peru for trekking at different levels:
- Trek to the Sangalle Oasis (Sangalle – Cabanaconde)
- Classic 1–2 day route descending from Cabanaconde to the canyon floor.
- In the oasis there are basic lodgings, a pool, and green areas.
- Longer routes
- 2–3 day circuits that connect villages such as San Juan de Chuccho, Llahuar, or Tapay.
- Trails with demanding climbs and steep elevation changes, recommended for travelers in good physical condition.
Is it better to visit Colca on a tour or independently?
Both options are good; it depends on the type of traveler:
Organized tour
- Ideal for those with limited time (1 or 2 days).
- Includes transportation, guide, several stops at viewpoints and sometimes breakfast or lunch.
- You don’t have to worry about bus schedules or logistics.
On your own
- More flexible for photographers, long-term travelers, or those who want to spend several nights in Cabanaconde or the oasis.
- Requires checking bus schedules and booking accommodation in advance, especially in high season.
Practical tips to enjoy your trip to Colca
- Altitude acclimatization
- The valley is over 3,000 meters above sea level and there are road passes above 4,000 meters, so it’s recommended to spend at least 1 day in Arequipa before going to Colca.
- What to pack
- Layered clothing (cold mornings and nights, sunny midday).
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
- Trekking shoes if you plan to hike.
- Safety and health
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol on the first day to reduce the effects of altitude sickness.
- Carry cash in soles, as card use is limited in small villages.
- Cultural and environmental respect
- Do not leave trash and stay on marked trails.
- Ask for permission before photographing local people.
- Do not feed wildlife or get too close to the condors.
Frequently asked questions about Colca Canyon
1. How many days do I need to visit Colca?
- With 1 day you can visit viewpoints, Cruz del Cóndor, and some villages.
- With 2 days / 1 night you can take it slower, visit hot springs, and spend the night in the valley.
- With 3 days or more you can hike down to the oasis and explore longer routes.
2. Is Colca Canyon suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, as long as they don’t do very demanding treks. For families and seniors, bus tours with stops at viewpoints, hot springs, and villages are recommended.
3. Can you visit Colca all year round?
Yes, but the dry season (approx. April to October) offers better weather and more opportunities to see condors.
4. How crowded is the destination today?
Official figures indicate that the Colca Valley received around 300,000 tourists in 2024 and more than 115,000 between January and mid-2025, so it is a good idea to book tours and accommodation in advance on holidays and during high season.
