Cabanaconde Colca Trek
More information about the Colca Valley and Tours:
Driving from Arequipa (2450 m) to Chivay (3650 m), you will cross a high altitude pass at 4900 m, before arriving in the Colca Valley. During the journey you will enjoy passing through a range of unique ecological zones, from desert to altiplano and dry tundra. Animals spotted along the way, or in the valley itself include herds of vicuñas (a wild relative of llamas and alpacas) and a variety of birds, of particular interest the giant hummingbird, eagles, Andean geese and even flamingos (September through March)
The town of Chivay (3650 m) is the capital of the valley, 176 km from the regional capital, Arequipa, and is well known to among locals and foreigners for the presence of the La Calera hot springs 3 km outside of town.
Chivay is also a good place to look for high-quality, locally-produced crafts, in particular goods hand-knitted from 100% alpaca fiber, and elaborately embroidered goods produced by hand on sewing machines (hats, coin purses, belts, etc.). Such crafts are also available in some of the miradors (scenic overlooks) along the highway, and in surrounding towns. Be careful not to be confused by cheaper, industrially-produced products of lesser quality.
From Chivay you will drive along the Colca Canyon towards the village of Cabanaconda. About 10 km before arriving at the village you will stop at the Cruz del Condor Mirador, the famous Condor Viewpoint, where you will usually be able to spot the mighty Andean Condor!
Between the villages of Callalli, at the high end of the Colca valley, and Tapay, in the depths of the Colca canyon, you’ll find a range of accommodations and activities, as well as microclimates that vary with altitude.
In the cold, dry, highlands, livestock production predominates, focused on alpaca and llamas; in the middle zone, agriculture is more important, featuring products such as corn, quinua, barley, beans, and a variety of potatoes, as well as dairy production; in the canyon, due to the warmer climate, fruit production is possible, including avocados, lucuma, peaches, and apples.
Extended itinerary Cabanaconde Colca Trek
First day: Arequipa - Cabanaconde - Sangalle
![Cabanaconde trek Peru](https://www.fairtravel4u.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Tour-12-1-mini.jpg)
Between 03: 00 am to 03: 30 am you will be picked up from your hotel in Arequipa to travel to the Colca Canyon. After approximately four hours of travelling we will reach the main Valley, Chivay. We will stop here so you can have breakfast and then continue the trip until we reach the village of Cabanaconde (1.45h). From this calm local village starts our hike down to the base of the Colca Cañon, which take us approximately 3 ½ to 4 hours. During our descend we get to see the diverse vegetation between Andean and tropical and the geological formations of the Colca Canyon, part of the formation of the Andean Cordillera. There is even already a good possibility to see a condor flying back to its nest!
![Oasis Cabanaconde Trek](https://www.fairtravel4u.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/12_colca-canyon-oasis-05-1637-300x225.jpg)
After lunch we continue our scenic hike towards Cosnihua, the village of Malata and Sangalle (Oasis). In its sub-tropic surroundings we can enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the natural pools (18 ° C), before dinner and a well deserved sleep in basic cabins.
Second day: Sangalle - Cabanaconde - Chivay - Arequipa or Puno.
![Condor Colca Canyon](https://www.fairtravel4u.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Tour-12-2-mini.jpg)
At around 4:30 am we will start our direct ascent (1300m) up to Cabanaconda. It is a Oasisquite a steep zigzag and rocky path, but we will take it easy and after approximately 3 hours we will arrive in Cabanaconda.
We will have breakfast at a local restaurant and then drive in about 15 minutes to the Cruz del Condor Mirador (viewpoint). From this point you have a great view over the Colca Cañon and during most of the year you will be able to see several condors ascending from the depths of the canyon. After saying goodbye to the condors we drive back to Chivay for lunch.
Depending on the size of the group it will be decided if you continue from Chivay with the tour in shared service towards Puno/ Arequipa, or if you travel in private services.
Inclusive in this Cabanaconde Colca Trek in shared service:
- Shared tourist transport (and additional public transport)
- Professional Guide in English (other languages available)
- 01 night accommodation in basic cabins (Sangalle)
- Meals (02 breakfast, 01 lunch, 01 dinner)
Not included:
- Entrance fee of Colca Cañon (70 soles)
- Last lunch in Chivay
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Optional entry to the thermal baths in Chivay (15 soles, if enough time)
- Tips
Recommended to take with:
Good shoes, good backpack, bathroom clothes, something warm for the night, sunscreen, torch, insect repellent, towel, Snacks, water (can be purchased at the tour), hat, walking sticks (optional).
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