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Descend from high puna ridges into one of the planet’s deepest canyons on this 3-day Colca backpacking route. Expect steep switchbacks, community homestays, an oasis pool and a demanding climb back to Cabanaconde.
Descend from high puna ridges into one of the planet’s deepest canyons on this 3-day Colca backpacking route. Expect steep switchbacks, community homestays, an oasis pool and a demanding climb back to Cabanaconde.
Book with Ventura Travel Arequipa
Book directly with Ventura Travel Arequipa for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Ventura Travel Arequipa · Cabanaconde, Arequipa
The first light of the minivan leaves Arequipa before dawn, and the Andes roll out like a succession of stone walls and blue-white peaks. You arrive in Cabanaconde (≈3,700 m), lace boots, and begin a steep descent that drops roughly 1,300–1,400 m over rocky switchbacks to the first village, San Juan de Chuccho (≈2,350 m). Wind, scrub, and highland birds keep you company; vicuñas and native alpacas punctuate the slope.
challenging.
3 days.
Good aerobic fitness with experience on steep trails and carrying a daypack; comfortable with sustained climbs and descents.
Yes—spend 24–48 hours in Arequipa at moderate activity; symptoms of altitude sickness can appear quickly at these elevations.
Yes—mules are commonly available to hire for the ascent out of the oasis if you prefer not to climb back on foot.
Accommodations are basic: one night with a local family (private room), and one night in a simple hostel with private baths; hot springs visit in Chivay on day three.
Yes—the Colca Canyon entrance fee (70 soles) is included in the tour price, along with bilingual guide and round-trip transport.
The Colca Valley holds pre-Inca agricultural terraces and colonial-era towns; people here maintain centuries-old farming techniques adapted to extreme slopes.
Visitors should stay on established trails, carry out trash, and avoid feeding wildlife; water use and community tourism help local conservation when practiced responsibly.
Ventura Travel Arequipa operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Ventura Travel Arequipa
Book directly with Ventura Travel Arequipa for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now