Where are the trailheads?
First, from Arequipa, travel to the small village of Cabanaconde (5-6 hours by bus via Chivay). Start hiking from Cabanaconde on one of our recommended routes.
Most hikers finish back in Cabanaconde.
But a hearty few, do the 5-day trek to Andagua, in the Valley of the Volcanoes.
How do I get there?
That is the BIG & EXPENSIVE question for foreigners.
In 2005 the cheapest flights we found to South America were into Lima, Peru.
From Lima it is an easy flight to Arequipa or Cuzco — fares run as low as US$60 one way due to competition between a number of airlines.
Cuzco is at 3326m, Arequipa 2230m. You need to spend some days acclimatizing in either before hiking Colca.
If you want to do the 5-day Colca trek, it is better to visit the Cuzco area (higher altitude) before Arequipa as the long trek has a 5100m pass.
Many hikers prefer to travel overland if they have enough time. Many bus companies compete on the Lima <> Arequipa <> Cuzco route. Bus travel is easy & comfortable in Peru.
There are more options in our Details section.
What does it cost to hike Colca Canyon?
Note: Big fluctuations with US currency make this section inaccurate. Use it only as a general guideline. Prices quoted are high season, July & August. Other months you can negotiate accommodation prices.
The big cost for foreign hikers is travel to Peru. The hike itself is comparatively inexpensive. Peru is an inexpensive country.
The Colca Canyon Trek is not expensive.
For tenting independently, budget these possible expenses:
+ bus Arequipa <> Cabanaconde = US$5 one way
+ bus departure fee Arequipa to Cabanaconde = US$.30
+ hotel in Cabanaconde = US$2-10 / night / person minimum
+ tenting = free or minimal cost
+ cot in village hostel = US$2 / night / person
+ hut or tenting at Oasis = US$3-5 / night / person
+ swimming pool at Oasis = US$3.50 / day / person
+ food = US$?? (purchase in Arequipa)
+ bus Andagua to Arequipa = US$4 one way
... if you do the 5-day hike
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If you insist on spending more, you could hire pack animals & mule driver, or even a guide though an agency in Arequipa or through a hotel in Cabanaconde.
In 2005 you needed to budget about US$10 / day for a horseman/guide (arriero) and US$6 / day / burro. A bargain, though we prefer to carry our own packs. You also need to provide food & perhaps some of his gear.
An English speaking guide will cost US$30-60 / day plus expenses.
Budget for a substantial tip if you are happy with the service provided.
The closest city is Arequipa, in the south of Peru, somewhat close to Machu Picchu & Cuzco. Since every tourist travels to Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon is a natural add-on.