The Morning
After spending the night at the bottom of the canyon surrounded by the towering canyon walls the next morning came VERY early! And since you are at the bottom the only way is up! The second day is definitely the hardest, I actually have very few pictures from the hike up because of how brutal it was. Don’t let that deter you, it was a breeze for Hector. A few in our group seemed to have no problems. Then there was one guy who ended up hiring a mule for his bag but subsequently ended up on the mule himself. Just be prepared to walk straight (1000 meters) up for 3 – 4 hours!
The hike starts around 4am so make sure to pack headlamps because you are walking in the pitch dark. The upside of this is you don’t have the heat from the sun beating down on you but it is hard to see! Breakfast isn’t till after you make it to the top so be sure you have a snack for the morning, you may get hungry before then!
There isn’t a lot to say about the hike up apart from that it is just straight up. There are many switchbacks but they are ALL going one way and that is up! I will say as the sun starts to rise you are treated to a beautiful view as it hits the canyon walls. It is hard to appreciate this when you are trying to breathe but take a moment to stop, catch your breath, and take it in. It is worth it! I remember being so thrilled when I made it to the top, I felt so accomplished and it wasn’t even 8am!
Breakfast
There are some places to sit when you get to the top while you wait for the rest of your group. Plus, there are people selling snacks and drinks. There were a couple of different groups waiting so there were quite a few people. Once all of our group had arrived we took a group picture and set off to Cabanaconde for breakfast. It is only about a 10 minute walk and thankfully it is FLAT. This breakfast is included in the price of the tour. It was eggs, toast, and coffee. Do you remember that I do not like eggs?, good thing I had brought a snack!
Back to Arequipa
Once everyone had eaten we set off for Arequipa with a few stops along the way. We stopped in Chivay again for lunch. This was the same restaurant as on the way. Again, make sure you have cash if you want to eat here. I’m sure there are other places to eat but we decided to stay close. They also stop at the hot springs (also costs extra). Most of our group decided to go but Hector and I didn’t feel like changing after the long hike so we relaxed in the van and also walked around a bit.
Another stop, and one of my favourites, was when we passed through the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve. Here you can see four species of the South American Camelids also known as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos!
On the drive back to Arequipa you get to ride on one of the highest paved roads in the Americas! Abra Patapampa goes over the mountains and takes you to an elevation of 4910 meters! That is nearly the altitude of base camp of Everest! This is where I felt the altitude; you can feel how thin the air is and I had a slight headache! You might also get to see snow!
We stopped at the Mirador de los Andes to stretch our legs and take in the view. There are multiple volcanoes to see plus thousands of rock piles/cairns/apachetas. Apachetas are part of the Inca culture and built by travellers to ask for protection and safe travels. I believe these are illegal in US national parks!
Hector and I arrived back at Arequipa around 5 pm and were treated to a downpour! It is a lot of fun finding your hotel when it is pouring with rain!
Keep reading a few more details about the 2 day Colca Canyon Trek.
How to Book and Price
I booked the trek in advance and through Peruhop. You could book it on the bus but Hector and I had a tight schedule so wanted some things booked in advance. I believe it was only about $35 per person but that did not include water, 2 lunches (about 30 soles/~$8 each meal per person), the hot springs (15 Soles/~$4), or the entrance into the canyon (70 soles/~$20). It did however include transportation from Arequipa to Cabanaconde and back, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, the accommodation, and an English speaking guide.
This is a hard hike. I would say on par with the Lost City in Colombia. Although on the 1st day of the Lost City I wanted to cry but on this one I did not. That’s a win. Just be prepared that it’s not a walk in the park (but it kinda is haha). Plus you also have the high altitude to deal with!
Packing
Make sure to pack as little as possible because you have to carry everything but do be sure to pack layers. It went from very hot at the start of the hike to cold at the bottom of the canyon. Plus we saw snow on the way back. Also, DO NOT forget to pack headlamps. You will need these on the hike out. You will not be able to see where you are going without them! Other items to remember:
- A micro towel
- A bathing suit (shower, pool, and hot springs)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Cash
- Camera
- (Optional – water shoes – I used mine to shower. However, there is a river crossing you might want to use them on. Although I just went barefoot while some people hopped rocks cough, cough, Hector)
Insurance
The other thing I would recommend is to book travel insurance. Be sure to check the policy because some will not cover trekking and high altitudes. I know the one I booked would not cover anything over 5000 meters but it did cover trekking. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do about Rainbow Mountain since that is over 5000 meters but Covid closed everything down before I had to decide that.
Make sure to take in your surroundings and enjoy it. I remember sitting on the big rock before dinner looking at the towering canyon walls and thinking how strange it was to be here after spending the night in the desert just 2 nights ago! It was a real privilege to be able to do this hike. As I have mentioned on my Instagram, I feel very lucky to have been able to see and travel to these places. Even though the journey is hard and may not be a holiday for everyone, you are rewarded with spectacular sights and the joy or meeting so many different interesting people!
Last thing – you do not have to book through Peruhop. There are different routes you can hike. You do not even have to book through a company or go with a guide. You can do the treks on your own! Just research and see what is best for you. Booking through Peruhop was the best option for us because we were limited on time and they made all the arrangements.
Day 1 here.
Buffy xx
