Colca Trek 3 Days: An Honest 2025 Review & Guide
So, you are thinking about doing the three-day walk into the Colca Canyon, and you honestly want to know what it is really like. We get it, you know, because pictures online sort of just show the pretty parts. As a matter of fact, there’s a lot more to this adventure than just nice views and big birds. This is, at the end of the day, a serious physical undertaking. In this review for 2025, we are going to walk you through it, day by day, and give you a straight-up look at what you can pretty much expect. Honestly, you’ll find out if this is the right kind of trip for your style. I mean, it is obviously a popular choice for folks visiting Arequipa for a reason. Basically, this walk takes you down into one of the world’s deepest canyons, where you, like, spend two nights completely cut off from everything before climbing back out again. Still, it is not a simple walk in a park. You kind of have to be ready for the challenge. Let’s get into the real details of what goes down.
Day One: The Early Start and the Big Drop Down
Alright, so day one kicks off incredibly early, like, 3 AM early. A little van usually picks you up from your spot in Arequipa, and honestly, you will probably just sleep for the next few hours. The drive itself is, in a way, part of the experience, as you watch the city lights give way to the huge, dark shapes of volcanoes. Anyway, your first real stop is typically Cruz del Condor. Obviously, this place is famous for a reason. You will stand on the edge of this massive canyon, and seriously, seeing those Andean condors soar on the morning thermals is something you won’t forget. They get so close sometimes it is pretty much unbelievable. After that amazing show, it is time for the real work to begin. The trek starts with a long, steep drop into the canyon, you know? It’s arguably the toughest part on your knees for the whole trip. We are talking hours of a zigzagging, dusty trail that goes down, down, down. The sun tends to be pretty strong, even in the morning, so you feel its heat right away. The scenery, on the other hand, is absolutely out of this world. It’s a very raw and powerful kind of prettiness. Your first day usually wraps up in a little place like San Juan de Chuccho. Okay, so the accommodation is, to be honest, quite basic – think a simple room with a bed and maybe a shared bathroom. It is all you need after a long day of walking down into the earth, right?
Day Two: Through Villages to the Sangalle Oasis
Waking up on the second day is, like, a completely different feeling. You are literally inside the canyon, looking up at the huge walls you came down the day before. Frankly, it’s a very humbling sight to see first thing in the morning. After a simple breakfast, you set off again. Now, today’s walk is different; it’s less of a constant downhill and more of an up-and-down trail. You actually walk through a couple of small, quiet villages, for example, Cosñirhua and Malata. Here you really get a small peek into what life is like for the people who call this canyon home. You know, you will see them working their terraced farms, which have been there for, like, hundreds of years. The trail on this day is sometimes narrow and hugs the side of the canyon, so you have these incredible views opening up around every corner. By early afternoon, you will finally start to see it: the Oasis of Sangalle. And believe me, at the end of the day, it really feels like an oasis. After hours of walking in the sun and dust, seeing those green trees and swimming pools is just the best thing ever. You spend the rest of the afternoon just chilling out, swimming in the surprisingly cool water, and just letting your tired legs have a rest. It’s the perfect reward and a chance to, sort of, power up for what’s coming next.
Day Three: The Pre-Dawn Climb and Hot Springs Reward
Okay, so day three begins in the dark. We are talking a 4:30 AM or 5 AM start time, more or less. This is, without a doubt, the most physically demanding part of the entire three days. The whole point is to climb out of the canyon before the sun gets too strong, you know? So you get your headlamp on, and you join a line of little lights slowly making their way up the massive canyon wall. In the dark, you basically can’t see how far you have to go, which is probably a good thing. It’s just you, your breathing, and the sound of your boots on the trail. It is a very tough, steep zigzag climb that goes on for a few hours. But honestly, that feeling when you finally reach the top, right as the sun is starting to light up the canyon rim, is just absolutely amazing. You look back down at the tiny oasis far below, and it feels like a huge personal victory. A well-deserved breakfast is waiting for you in the town of Cabanaconde at the top. From there, you will hop back in the van for the ride back to Arequipa. On the other hand, the trip isn’t over just yet. You usually make a stop at some hot springs in Chivay. Soaking in that warm, volcanic water is literally the perfect medicine for your sore muscles. After that, you’ll make a few more stops at some viewpoints before finally getting back to the city in the late afternoon, completely wiped out but with an incredible story to tell.
What You Should Actually Pack and How to Get Ready
Alright, let’s talk gear, because, as a matter of fact, bringing the right stuff can make a huge difference. You do not need a lot, but what you do bring is pretty important. Frankly, think small and light because you have to carry it. Here’s a no-nonsense list of what you should probably have with you:
- Proper Hiking Shoes: Seriously, this is not the place for new sneakers. You need shoes with good grip that you have already broken in. Your feet will thank you, you know?
- Layers of Clothes: The temperature changes a lot. It is cold when you start in the dark, very hot during the day, and then cool again at night. So, a t-shirt, a long-sleeve shirt, and a fleece or light jacket are pretty much perfect.
- Sun Protection: The sun at this altitude is no joke. I mean, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a strong sunscreen are not optional.
- A Headlamp: This is an absolute must for the super early start on day three. You are literally climbing in the dark.
- Cash in Soles: You will want some small bills for things like water, snacks, drinks at the oasis, or even to use the bathrooms in some spots. And stuff like tips for your guide too.
- Water and Snacks: Your guide will tell you where you can buy water, but it’s always good to start the day with at least a liter or two. And, like, some energy bars are a good idea for a quick boost.
- A Small First-Aid Kit: Just the basics, like plasters for blisters, pain relievers, and any personal medication you need.
Now, let’s talk about acclimatization, because it is honestly the most important preparation you can do. The starting point of the trek is high up. You really need to spend at least two days in Arequipa, or another high-altitude place, before you start. This lets your body get used to the thinner air. Pretty much everyone who struggles on the trek is someone who didn’t give themselves enough time to acclimatize.
Is This Walk for You? A Straightforward Opinion
So, at the end of the day, should you do the 3-day Colca Canyon trek? It really depends on what kind of person you are. If you have a solid level of fitness and you, like, truly enjoy a good physical challenge, then absolutely. It’s an incredible way to experience a really raw, powerful landscape. The views are just immense, and that feeling of accomplishment on day three is something that sticks with you. Anyway, it’s not for everyone. If you have bad knees, the massive downhill on day one could be a real problem. If you hate very simple, rustic places to sleep, you probably won’t enjoy the nights in the canyon. And, obviously, if you aren’t prepared for a tough physical test, you might find it more stressful than fun. It’s less of a sightseeing trip and more of a full-body experience.
This trek is basically less about seeing things and more about feeling them—the burn in your legs, the sun on your skin, and, you know, the huge sense of achievement at the end. It’s a bit tough, but frankly, that is what makes it so good.
You have to be honest with yourself about your fitness and what you enjoy in a trip. If it sounds like your kind of thing, then get ready for an amazing adventure. Just remember to acclimatize properly first!
Read our full review: [Colca Trek 3 Days Full Review and Details]
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