Colca Canyon Trek: Your Complete 3-Day Classic Review

Thinking of hiking Colca Canyon? So, it’s among South America’s deepest canyons, actually way more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. I mean, that fact alone kinda makes it worthy of a peek, right? The 3-day classic trek is what gets recommended pretty often, yet it is still a seriously worthwhile route if you are hoping for knockout scenery and also a bit of a test. Now, you know, this guide is to give you, like, the lowdown on what that hike is really going to feel, and so, like, you can make an alright call about doing it.

Why Choose the Classic 3-Day Trek?

You might be thinking, why specifically three days? Well, you see, a shorter jaunt might just not let you drop into the canyon floor proper and back, and so, like, it rushes you through all the knockout viewpoints. Then again, longer treks do exist, yet that 3-day gives a satisfying blend of effort and sights. It means you can take your time drinking in that, um, just massive area plus seeing some indigenous cultures without having to rush.

Day 1: Into the Depths

The whole shindig usually kicks off in Cabanaconde, the town that is the jump-off point for treks down to the canyon. Almost at once, the path dips in, like giving you those knockout canyon views as, in a way, you start zigzagging your path. The incline? Is a little bit unfriendly on the knees, truth be told. The trail usually ends at a canyon-floor town, San Juan de Chuccho or maybe Cosñirhua. And so, it gives you an early feel for those very indigenous towns where people live a life not at all like, um, ours in many ways.

Day 2: Oasis Bound

The next day has you heading into the canyon in order to get over to that famous “oasis” they call Sangalle. It’s that area at the very bottom, you know? Is, that, like, full of palm trees and also, rather surprisingly, swimming pools, as a matter of fact. Seriously, talk about out of place. Still, the hike down and back that day does also bring you right into canyon settlements where it might feel like you, like, stepped back centuries in time. You, like, have a choice in how comfy you want to be in Sangalle too. Sleeping arrangements there, you see, stretch from totally basic cabins all the way through to just slightly more pleasant bungalows. That stuff kinda fills up quick, too it’s almost. Therefore, getting an early booking is, actually, worth pondering.

Day 3: The Ascent and Condor Cross

Day three, huh? Then, in a way, comes that brutal climb out of Colca Canyon. Is a climb that usually starts real early in order to swerve that crazy hot sun that appears by midmorning, actually. You rise close to, give or take, 1,000 meters (around 3,280 feet) from bottom to rim – over not loads of miles, too. If your knees hate downhills, boy they will loathe that uphill section. And also, what helps is bringing at least 2-3 liters of liquid just to be on the safe side, for instance. Once people conquer the rise back to Cabanaconde, you usually go right away to the Cruz del Condor overlook. And that is that place where tons of people gather, usually hoping to scope some huge Andean condors in flight. That stop rounds out the entire classic Colca Canyon trekking experience in a way.

What to Pack for Colca Canyon?

You got to consider Colca Canyon’s climate shifts – hot at the canyon base, much colder way up. You want, for instance, layers, I am telling you. Take some heavy hiking boots; then bring trekking poles, like, you know, if you love having your knees love you back. A wide brim hat also becomes something you cherish up there. The sun, is brutal there.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Loads of firms provide Colca Canyon tours. When doing your comparing, do watch for ones that will not rip you off by supplying adequate acclimatization time up at high elevation; ones which treat staff well and pay them good; and ones that supply good grub. Is often something that one might have to push just a bit to find out, but really, doing your bit when you tour goes far. Check too it’s almost they have good first aid knowledge given how far into the wilderness this goes.

Is Acclimatization Very Vital?

Dude, yeah. Arequipa, which is where you jet into often on route to get there, is pretty high. Going down into the canyon will stress you way less assuming you took, like, a few days getting acclimated up high first. So, just do it.

When’s Best Time?

The dryer stretch spans April to October. Like, at the wettest points in the rainy bit, like, portions of the trails could close. Still, just do note even that dryer time of year has variance in weather up there.

Physical Condition, Is It Truly A Big Thing?

Well, kinda. You, you know, will hike long days with, um, tough elevation shifts at high altitudes. Getting in alright cardio and even getting in several tough hill-hike practice days would prove a blessing for enjoying that hike, like.

The Wildlife in Colca Canyon

Outside condors, the canyon runs alive with some various fauna. The Andean gull might glide overhead, as the canyon echoes due to the vizcacha, a rabbit like chinchilla, scampering among those rocks. In addition, there’s prospects, even, for you, like, catching glimpse those seldom seen creatures as puma but still you will certainly gonna want to carry an alright zoom lens, cause, like, many do prefer getting watched out of distance only.

Respecting the Local Culture

When people hike by them settlements along that canyon area, bear in mind the communities stay separate compared with the western lifestyle norms, right? Therefore getting a little respectful whenever taking peoples snap, possibly consulting whenever planning for shopping specifically. It benefits just ensuring any cash which travelers part is spent properly inside all locales, helping reinforce their lives then safeguarding her practices to endure moving years further.

Staying Safe on the Trail

That Colca can be stunning yet is really vital for appreciating aspects respecting its safeguard. Persistently maintain pathways designated and avoid straying by at your own due those potential concerning landslides especially during wetter conditions of it all there, you realize? Getting outfitted inside trek footwear will be vitally helpful whilst tackling terrain throughout since getting well knowledgeable respects high condition indicators lets ensure you go respond ideally with responding when feeling sick or light headed on you for any part trekking it over those heights.

After the Trek: Relaxing in Arequipa

Following one’s body has worked up climbing one big massive gorge still experiencing wildlife from all Peru is worth actually appreciating what chill opportunities in Arequipa area. The city features incredible foodies scenes whilst visitors will kick backward plus reflect around those awesome achievements since exploring its fascinating story while even appreciating pretty architectures it holds also. Thought about receiving an therapeutic back session is additionally good strategy when caring your aching legs given they gonna appreciate most all one consideration after hiking days out along rocky pathway also?