Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days: A Traveler’s Honest Review

So, you are thinking about trekking Colca Canyon in Peru, right? It’s a common one that’s on many peoples list when seeing Peru. I was the same a short while back. This immense place, sometimes missed because Machu Picchu is, that, you know, pretty famous, it offers sights that rival pretty much anything in South America. Many would agree! This trek is a really common choice, it gives you a great taster in a small space of time, all while testing yourself on some of those steep hills, and down some massive valleys. If you’re looking to hike deep into a place with stunning sights and a chance to spot huge condors, well, read on – I will cover pretty much everything, it should really help!

What to Expect on the 2-Day Colca Canyon Trek

The 2-day Colca Canyon trek is, arguably, one of the most popular options, and this means a fairly quick but intense descent into the canyon, an overnight stay in the base, and, like, an equally challenging climb out. Actually, I would describe it more like an intense Stairmaster work out, really. The walks, and, oh, man, can be rather steep in certain parts, and a reasonable level of fitness will be really helpful. Don’t think that because it is only two days that this walk will be some kind of casual saunter.

Normally, that whole adventure starts early in Arequipa, the transfer can, actually, take you a good few hours before reaching Cabanaconde. It is a very, very small place on the rim of the Colca Canyon. Most, actually nearly every, trek begins here. As you might be doing, people, and myself, generally trek to the bottom on the first day, stay in one of the base camps, and ascend early in the morning on day two.

Day one typically involves going down a pretty long way, expect maybe around four hours of constant down hill, with several stops to allow your knee to recuperate, and admire the wonderful vista of this special area of Peru. The evening has a basic, but useful dinner to allow you to prepare yourself. You will need it!

Day two involves a hike back out. No surprises, of course. That sounds fairly obvious, that! The way out differs between most, there are, generally speaking, three exits you might use, depending on the tour guide you have chosen. Whichever path you walk, expect some serious inclines that may challenge your will to keep going. The feeling, the great feeling, when you reach the top, actually getting there, seeing all the folk in shops, getting some water down you…well, you won’t be disappointed. Very nice.

Difficulty Level: Be Prepared!

I wouldn’t actually go and say the trek is a simple thing. But many seem to! Maybe some super hikers! It’s important to be honest, okay? It really shouldn’t be underestimated. You do need a decent standard of fitness to enjoy yourself on that decent. Going down, it is actually, possibly, more tiresome, with plenty of care required as you really want to avoid knee injury. Actually getting out requires plenty of, like, mental preparation to get yourself up those slopes!

Altitude is a very important thing, maybe it might even be a serious detail for this challenge. Cabanaconde is super high, well, around 10,700 feet (3,280 meters) in height. This height may, I say may, affect even the most physically fit trekker. Pay real consideration to some acclimatization. Take your time, stay a little while in Arequipa to settle, and go slow once you begin your actual walking. Honestly. Don’t let any problems creep in just because of your altitude!

What to Pack: Essentials for Your Trek

Packing right is super, super vital to having fun with this adventure, maybe a real consideration. That whole key is, arguably, travelling rather light but making sure you are well covered for all the environments. Here are my ‘can’t miss’ pieces for your own rucksack, maybe they will help:

Walking boots which are broken in. Okay? Avoid getting blisters when down in the base. Get practicing with those boots beforehand!
Layers of things you can wear. The temperatures swing around, dramatically! Very cold to almost sauna in, one day to another, too!
Sun Cream. Oh yeah! Don’t burn, the air is super think, remember, protecting that skin!
A hat is helpful. Similar to that cream!
Insect repellent. The mosquitos come, that is so right. Take protection.
Water, water and some more. Take sufficient, stay covered. Actually, and I do honestly believe this, hydration packs might be something to actually give real thought to!
Snacks. When you drop down into Colca from above you may get very very tired. Some good snacks help to keep you going, just that little extra oomph that may be helpful to stay going.
Head Torch or Flashlight. Handy at nighttime, especially walking to toilets, and at night the views with the light shining are really awesome, you should try them.
Toilet Roll. A must! Just in case. Actually the toilets can be okay, to okay-ish, though you never know. You have been pre-warned now, though!
Basic First Aid items. Plasters can make all the difference, very useful and small too, take some with you.
Camera Obviously for getting all your memorable shots! Memories forever.

Choosing a Tour Operator: What to Look For

You may discover a big, massive range of trip companies available offering this 2-day walking escapade. Okay? It can be somewhat tricky determining a business when each firm sounds so convincing. Anyway, these are some vital facts which helped me whenever I was assessing all the options:

Examine the reputation of the company, obviously. Check the internet for write ups of what went right. And, maybe even vital, any wrongs. Actually Tripadvisor can be super.
Is the guide properly accredited? This, personally speaking, I thought, would add an additional level of trust with these guides. So consider this.
Look at sizes for treks. Small is a big point, a real plus! Large is generally cheaper, this is obviously very common, still, in such treks a reduced total makes experiences so very intimate.
Think about just what they involve in your trip offer. Food? Accommodation? Transport? Verify every area when comparing different types of offers.
Check precisely, carefully too, for their approach of safety. Possessing appropriate things if difficulties arise is critical in my own estimation, a detail to seriously check!

Personal Experience: The Highs and Lows

For my travels personally inside the Canyon itself I’ll simply highlight some really good elements together with downsides I came across. It is honest I can reassure you.

The good stuff:

The views, wow! The massive Canyon views are special really. Pictures fail to show, honestly.
Viewing of Condors can be special, especially observing this awesome creature going over head as this majestically hovered around searching far underneath within those profound ravines! Very stunning.
Those nights are beautiful as those stars become so brilliantly, extremely dazzling when looking so way, manner above us, simply making this feel seriously stunning together when enjoying some time just being calm.
This camaraderie. Bonding yourself, actually with some walking friends and chatting, joking, just when facing trials while, basically, descending together simply really added to this fantastic feel which lasts with me long, really long past such challenge times!

Aspects which can improve:

The restrooms. Let’s face it! At times those lavatories down those canyons can certainly need improving for their sanitary facilities; thus, actually preparing when needing nature is highly advisable prior leaving onto all daily travelings.
Aggressive treks can affect one if you are not properly set, so preparing right so you possess full advantages of enjoyment along way.

Is the 2-Day Trek Right for You? Factors to Consider

Just decide? Right? Actually perhaps you might have any questions around precisely, if two days around Colca truly meet needs! Verify these when it suits:

Do you enjoy those energetic walks? Whenever that plan possesses difficult levels when having fitness levels might seem extremely challenging rather. Ensure yourself whenever something simpler may rather work suited for whenever you lack some experience climbing these kinds treks much rather difficult generally.
Timing matters too, quite really! Short plans can give someone a swift tour of every view and lacking much into deeply getting integrated from the vicinity around about yourself rather closely generally and perhaps, a person would look over that shorter schedule anytime possessing even much extended periods might benefit personally!
Spending amounts do obviously really affect everyone too, really! Often this trip costs affect trip decisions significantly. Long term explorations require bigger payment fees always and confirm budget limits against various types that each meets personal needs!

If enjoyment does truly mean personally testing your limitation physically but additionally wish obtaining short glances towards scenic vistas lacking long schedules might personally be for you. Okay?

Two-day explorations at that impressive abyss around Colca presents everyone a magnificent mix comprising visual delight against just short moment ventures ideal everyone desiring intense happenings combined picturesque wonder!

With my considerations? Those are wonderful but really guarantee preparation plus physical conditions being adequately satisfied ensuring amazing, okay? Great exploring!