The Colca Canyon

Four hours drive to the north of Arequipa and twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA, the Colca Canyon lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty with the Rio Colca snaking its way through the heart of the gorge some 3500m above sea level. The area offers some superb walking with trails running throughout the terraced countryside and it is sometimes possible to see alpacas, vicuna and a wide variety of plants and delightful views of the snow-capped peaks.

Why visit The Colca Canyon ?

Hang out in the delightfully relaxing hot springs at Colca Lodge
Watch the majestic condors glide on the mountain thermals
Get up close and personal with the enchanting alpacas & llamas
Go hiking in one of the world’s most spectacular canyons
Explore some of the pretty Andean villages by horseback

There are a number of little villages around the canyon, which sprung up around the 16th Century for the local Collagua people to inhabit and many of these are fascinating to see with their little churches, terraced agriculture and fabulous views across the canyon. There are also some hot springs at La Calera. Cruz del Condor is another point of interest, not only for the wonderful scenery at the deepest point of the gorge, but this is where the Andean vulture or Condor can regularly be seen rising on the warm thermals at quite close quarters.

The road to Chivay, which is the gateway to the canyon offers fabulous views of the surrounding volcanoes including Misti, Chachani, Ampato and the still active Sabancaya. It is also often possible to see the charming vicuna en route, which are a relation of the llama.

Another place of interest is Cabanaconde which is a typical village of indigenous Cabanas people and famous for the beautiful embroidered hats worn by the womenfolk and also for its central plaza which is bustling with life and colourful fruit markets, goats, sheep and llamas.

Belmond Las Casitas

Colca Lodge

LOCATION

PERU KEY INFO

Visa

No visa is required for UK passport holders.

Health Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations are required.

Time Difference

GMT - 5 Hours

Flight Time

12.5 hours Direct

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"Many thanks indeed. Fab holiday! Everything went incredibly smoothly, and all the staff/drivers etc charming and all our connections etc went smoothly. Highlights included white water rafting, zip wires, releasing new-born turtles into the sea, being in a boat amongst 200 dolphins, riding on beaches... Children and parents ticked off many from our “must do things in our lives” list. In terms of lodges, would rank Pacuare and Lapa Rios equal first. Quite different, but both outstanding in terms of people, location, set up, activities, comfort etc. So overall a brilliant holiday, expertly organised by WO/HL/JF! Many thanks indeed, and see you soon!"
J. & A. Family - Costa Rica: December
"Thank you so so much for including me in your adventure... Salt cathedrals, courtyard lunches, llamas, steak, Botero, humming birds, treks, cool pools, birthdays and lovely pressies, snorkelling, eating, drinking, music, bars with pools, boganvilla, large breakfasts, history, balconies and wooden windows, cocktails at sunset with humid sea breeze, Carribean ocean, ceviche, convents, markets, views, avocado, music, street acrobats... warmth in people, temperature and friendships. The list is endless... It was wonderful. Thank you."
Mrs S. Crawford - Colombia: November
"Couldn’t have been better, we took 1,400 pictures! We can’t thank you enough for putting the itinerary together, it was as perfect as perfect can be. If I can help you in return by being a reference or whatever, please just let me know. Rest assured next time we go on a serious vacation we’ll be in touch H xx"
M. Party – Peru: August 2016
"We have had a marvellous holiday! All the arrangements ran smoothly, the itinerary was just what we wanted and the guides, without exception, were fantastic. The hotels were very good too. The guides exceeded our expectations in terms of punctuality, courtesy and attentiveness. We have so many amazing memories and everyone agreed that it was one of the best holidays ever! Special highlights (and there were many) included Condors at Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Pichu and the Galapagos. Thank you for all your help in making the arrangements".
The M. Party - South America: June
"We had the most fabulous time at the bottom of the world. We believed it would be good but in fact it turned out to be one of the best adventures ever. All of our arrangements rolled as planned and we felt very well cared for. Our guides were superb. Their English was excellent and they were good company."
Eileen & Jane - Chile & Argentina
"Couldn’t have been better, we took 1,400 pictures and it was a very good balance between being busy and having time to relax. We can’t thank you enough for putting the itinerary together, it was as perfect as perfect can be. If I can help you in return by being a reference or whatever, please just let me know. Rest assured next time we go on a serious vacation we’ll be in touch"
Margerrison Party - Peru
"Fab holiday! Everything went incredibly smoothly, and all the staff/drivers etc charming. Your partner on the ground was efficient and good. And all our connections etc went smoothly. So overall a brilliant holiday, expertly organised by WO/HL/JF! Many thanks indeed, and see you soon!"
J&A - Costa Rica