Colca Canyon Tours

Photo provided by Colca Canyon/Gihan Tubbeh/PromPeru

Photo provided by Arequipa/Renzo Tasso/PromPeru

Visit Colca Canyon

Activities

Visit one of the world's deepest canyons, a geological landmark in southern Peru that is home to colossal birds, fascinating rock forms and ancient villages.

Embark on an outdoor adventure through Colca Canyon and see glaciers, gorges, ancient villages and some of the world’s biggest birds. With a depth of 13,650 feet (4,160 meters), Colca is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The natural wonder carves through the High Andes and is twice as deep as Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

Colca is home to the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds. From Chivay, the principal gateway to the canyon, go 30 miles (48 kilometers) east to the Cruz del Condor. This lookout area approximately 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) above the canyon floor offers close-range views of flying condors. Look for kestrels, peregrine falcons and mountain partridges too.

Stop in some of the 16th-century villages on your route through Colca. Many have elaborately decorated churches. These are also places where you can buy embroidered goods, including rugs and skirts. As you journey through the canyon, observe terraced fields along the canyon slopes, many dating back to Incan times.

Thrill seekers can ride a zip line across the canyon. Reach speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour (96 to 112 kilometers) and fly more than 300 feet (91 meters) above the Colca River. The aerial attraction is located close to Chivay. Nearby, find the Calera Hot Springs soothe aching limbs by slipping into indoor or outdoor thermal pools.

Start your visit in Chivay where you can pick up maps and detailed information about routes through the gorge. Purchase a Boleto Turistico (Tourist Ticket) required to enter some of the canyon’s attractions, such as the Cruz del Condor.

Getting to Colca Canyon involves a 4-hour drive or bus ride from the city of Arequipa. The majority of visitors tour Colca as part of an organized excursion. Before exploring the canyon’s attractions, it is common to stop in Chivay for at least a couple hours to acclimate to the altitude. Prepare for cool, dry weather.

Popular places to visit

Coming back from the trekking in the Colca Canyon and stopped at this mirador, the day before we saw condors in a beautiful weather but this day was all foggy so the attraction was the souvenirs #market.

Condor's Cross

Explore the great outdoors at Condor's Cross, a lovely green space in Cabanaconde. Discover the area's volcano viewpoints and hot springs.

Plaza de Armas

Learn about the local history of Cabanaconde when you spend time at Plaza de Armas. Discover the area's volcano viewpoints and hot springs.

Sangalle Oasis

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Sangalle Oasis during your travels in Cabanaconde. Discover the area's volcano viewpoints and hot springs.

Fortaleza Chimpa

You can find out about the history of Madrigal with a visit to Fortaleza Chimpa.

Cerro Quenuarane

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cerro Quenuarane during your travels in Achoma.

Uyu Uyu

You can find out about the history of Coporaque with a trip to Uyu Uyu. Discover the hot springs and spas in this relaxing area.

Best Lodging Options Near Colca Canyon

Check availability on hotels close to Colca Canyon

La Granja del Colca

Carretera a Cabanaconde Km. 9.7, Cabanaconde - Caylloma, Cabanaconde

Kuntur Wassi Colca Hotel

Calle Cruz Blanca S/N, Cabanaconde, Cabanaconde

Paraiso Las Palmeras Lodge

SANGALLE SIN NUMERO, Cabanaconde, Arequipa

ARUM QURPAWASI HOSPEDAJE

Calle Simon Bolivar, esquina con Calle Sanchez Cerro, Cabanaconde, Cabanaconde

Colibrí Lodge

Anexo San Juan de Chuccho s/n , Tapay, Tapay, Arequipa

Posada Gloria - Hostel

san juan de chuccho Lt. 17 Caylloma, Tapay, Arequipa

Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs

Fundo Puye S/n, Coporaque, Arequipa

Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca

Carretera Sallihua, Colca Valley, Yanque, Arequipa

Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel, Colca Canyon

Parque Curiña s/n desvio carretera Yanq, Yanque, Arequipa

See all 40 properties in Colca Canyon

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do in Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon offers a blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences perfect for a vacation. Visitors can enjoy hiking through stunning landscapes, trekking along various routes, and even climbing to see majestic condors. For a memorable stay, indulge in local cooking classes and unwind with body treatments and spa services. This destination promises an unforgettable getaway filled with natural beauty and rich cultural immersion.

Shopping

In Colca Canyon, explore local markets like Chivay Market for handcrafted textiles and souvenirs. For a more modern experience, visit the Colca Mall, where you can find a variety of shops offering traditional Peruvian gifts. Enjoy the vibrant local culture while shopping for unique treasures.

Recreation

At Colca Lodge, immerse yourself in natural hot springs surrounded by breathtaking views of the canyon. Enjoy rejuvenating massages and holistic treatments that promote relaxation. Meanwhile, the Eco Inn offers yoga sessions and guided nature walks, allowing you to connect with the serene landscape and enhance your well-being.

Adventure

In Colca Canyon, embark on exhilarating treks through breathtaking landscapes, witnessing majestic condors soaring overhead. Experience thrilling rafting on the Colca River or engage in cultural encounters with local communities, savoring traditional cuisine and vibrant customs in this stunning Peruvian destination.

Nightlife

Experience the lively atmosphere at La Casa de la Trucha, where you can enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes and local beers. For a unique vibe, check out the rustic Chivay Pub, offering vibrant music and a chance to mingle with locals after a day of exploring the stunning canyon.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, making it an ideal vacation spot. Visitors can explore stunning oases, towering peaks, and vibrant piazzas while soaking in the breathtaking scenery of the Colca Valley. Whether you're seeking thrilling hikes or a taste of local culture, Colca Canyon promises unforgettable moments amidst its natural beauty.

Sangalle Oasis: Nestled in the heart of the Colca Canyon, Sangalle Oasis offers a serene escape with its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere. Located 12 miles from the canyon, it’s the perfect spot for relaxation, hiking, and reconnecting with nature amidst stunning desert landscapes.
Plaza de Armas: This vibrant square, also 12 miles away, is the cultural heartbeat of Arequipa. Surrounded by historic architecture, the Plaza de Armas is ideal for people-watching, enjoying local cuisine, and immersing yourself in the lively city vibes.
Condor's Cross: At 17 miles from Colca Canyon, this breathtaking viewpoint allows you to observe majestic Andean condors soaring above. The stunning scenery and outdoor adventure make it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Colca Canyon

To save money on your trip to Colca Canyon, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, February, or November. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash back for future bookings.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Colca Canyon are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Colca Canyon is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Colca Canyon is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Colca Canyon is Saturday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your search by setting your budget, choosing your desired location, and more. You can easily sort the results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you have the ability to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Colca Canyon hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices