Colca Canyon — Arequipa to CabanacondeLoop.
Distance
380 km
Duration
2 days
Climb
5,200 m
Colca Canyon — Arequipa to Cabanaconde Loop.
Two days from the white volcanic city of Arequipa across the high altiplano to one of the world's deepest canyons. The route crosses Patapampa Pass (4,910m) — one of the highest paved passes in the Americas — passing herds of vicunas in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca reserve. The Colca Canyon is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. Andean condors with 3.2m wingspans soar at the Cruz del Condor lookout.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance380 km
Days2
Total climb5,200 m
DifficultyModerate
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2 days, 2 moods.
A suggested split across 2 days with 10 waypoints to discover along the way.
Arequipa — Plaza de ArmasStart · Start in Arequipa (2,335m) — the white city built from sillar volcanic stone. El Misti volcano (5,822m) towers on the skyline. Fuel up before climbing.
Pampa Canahuas Vicuna ReserveScenic Point · Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Wild vicuna herds graze the puna at 4,200m. Stop quietly — they are skittish.
Patapampa Pass (4,910m)Mountain Pass · Mirador de los Volcanes — six 6,000m+ volcanoes visible on a clear day. One of the highest paved passes in the Americas. Severe thin air.
Yanque Hot SpringsScenic Point · Traditional Collagua village with Sunday plaza dances. Hot springs nearby for soaking off the altitude headache.
ChivayOvernight · Overnight in Chivay (3,635m) — the canyon's commercial centre. Try alpaca steak and rocoto relleno. La Calera hot springs an evening soak.
Maca VillageScenic Point · A village rebuilt after the 1991 earthquake. The colonial church survived. The road from here narrows along the canyon edge.
Cruz del Condor LookoutPhoto Spot · The best condor viewing point on Earth. Birds rise on thermals from the canyon at 8–10am. 1,200m vertical drop into the canyon below.
CabanacondeScenic Point · Trailhead for descents to the canyon floor. The road ends here. Turnaround point.
Sumbay Caves DetourScenic Point · Optional detour to 8,000-year-old cave paintings of guanacos and dancers. The high puna landscape on the return is otherworldly.
ArequipaEnd · Return to Arequipa via the same Patapampa road. Celebrate the descent with picarones and a pisco sour in the colonial centre.
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