Can I buy food on the Trail?
Yes, in quite a few places. Every village offers basics.
The items available are limited but not expensive.
Last minute items you can pick up in Cabanaconde at the start of the Trek. Bring your main food supply from Supermercados of Arequipa.
Are there toilets in the Colca Canyon?
The Oasis has simple flush toilets, of a sort.
Otherwise, it will be pit toilets or nothing.
Remember — as is the norm in South America — few provide toilet paper. Carry your own.
Showers? Hot Springs?
The solar powered showers at the Oasis are warm, though you may prefer the cool pools.
There is a new resort we have not yet visited in Colca Cayon called Lahuar. It looks good and has hot springs. There are hotsprings in the town of Chivay, as well.
What animals will I see?
Condors for sure. There are many hummingbirds.
We saw one lizard and one scorpion on the arid Cabanaconde side of the canyon.
Otherwise, mostly domestic animals on Colca. Horses, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, etc.
At the Oasis there is an entirely different ecosystem highlighted by bright butterflies.
Other things to do near Arequipa?
For hikers, the other big treks close are:
In Arequipa do not miss:
- Santa Catalina Monastery <photos>
- Santuarios Andinos museum (ice princess)
Additionally, you could head to Huaraz, in northern Peru. The great hikes there include Alpamayo & Huayhuash.
Many hikers organize other adventures in Cuzco or Arequipa, especially rafting & mountain biking.
The Nazca lines are not far. And many backpackers head to Ica for sand dune boarding.
Lake Titicaca is very convenient from Cuzco, as is travel to La Paz, Bolivia.
Nobody is bored in Peru!
