Colca Canyon: The definitive travel guide

Visiting the Colca Canyon: Have you already planned your trip to Peru? Would you like to know how to visit the Colca Canyon? Well anyway we will tell you how to get there, but not before leaving you some interesting information about this place.

Firstly, mention that the Colca Canyon is located in the valley of a river in southern Peru; famous for being one of the deepest in the world (about 3400 meters deep and 100km long). Data aside, it is the third most visited tourist destination in Peru. It is also very close to many volcanoes, and it is there where you can enjoy the flight of the condors, hot springs, small colonial towns, the practice of trekking and good food. 

What can you see in the Colca Canyon?

Salinas and Agua Blanca Reserve:

This place has as its main tourist attraction the reserve of South American camelids: vicuñas, llamas and alpacas in complete freedom; you will be able to observe many of them free; This reserve is very large, located at 4000 meters above sea level. We recommend that you take an infusion of coca (mate de coca).

Patapampa Volcanoes Viewpoint: 

From this point you will see many volcanoes, including the Pichu Pichu (where the Juanita mummy was found).

In addition to the viewpoint; there is a place with small stones and of round form that join one another; This has a character of veneration since the time of the Incas; Keep in mind that this is the highest place onroute, the Colca Canyon at 5,000 meters above sea level.

Chivay, the most important town on the entire route:

It was the first town founded by the Spanish; They also used it as a base, and now it is the largest and most equipped in the whole area, the only place where you can find shops, ATMs and other services.bus station and even a police station. Remember this town is at 3600 masl So take your precautions against altitude sickness!

La Calera hot springs:

The Area of Colca Canyon, is a volcanic area, has many hot springs. However, the most famous and popular is the Calera Hot Springs; that it is 3 kilometers from the outskirts of chivay; Many times the tours do not include the visit or use of it, but you can go by yourself taking a taxi.

Once there, you can buy a ticket for the cost of S / 15 soles; If you don’t have bathing suits or something necessary for that place, don’t worry, you can rent towels and bathing suits, also buy water and some snacks.

Yanque:

It is one of the small towns that are on the way to the Colca Canyon, it is very quiet and you will not find much, that place is generally used to stay and spend the night, one of the tourist activities that its inhabitants practice and demonstrate are their traditional dances that they demonstrate in the mornings in the square, which you can see freely.

Uyo Uyo Archaeological Complex:

These Pre-Inca Ruins are located near Yanque, moreover you can walk to that place, they are very close to the town. The entrance has a cost of S / 5 soles, it is a place with very few people nearby; so if you are concerned about the accumulation of large groups that do not let you enjoy the visit to this place, you will be very lucky therefore it is worth visiting!

The Town of Maca:

Maca is another of the main towns on the way to the Colca Canyon; one of the things that you will see that this town is surrounded by hills (mountains).

One of its main attractions is the Church of Santa Ana; and inside its gold and mirrors, the entrance is free however they ask you for a voluntary donation, which is the right thing to do to visit this place, you can also shop and take souvenirs, because there is a market especially for souvenirs.

Pinchollo and the Mirador Antahuilque:

Another picturesque town on the way to the Colca Canyon; one of the few known, if you make a stop there; you can visit the church of San Sebastián located in the Plaza; also from the town you can see a geyser still active and the Hualca Hualca Volcano of more than 6000 meters high and always covered with snow. Finally, near this town there are many viewpoints on the route, and if there are any that you cannot miss when visiting the Colca Canyon, it is the Mirador de Antahuilque, which is just 3 minutes by car from Pinchollo.

Cabanaconde:

Town located a couple of hours from Chivay, it could be said that it is the last town on the way to Cruz del Cóndor; Although it is a very small place; It can be an opportunity to spend the night or have lunch in that place due to the existence of restaurants and you will also find buses that take you to Chivay.

The Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, the most important place of your visit to Colca:

Finally we mention but the most important place of your trip to the Colca Canyon; and it is not to exaggerate, but you will find a good viewpoint, where you can appreciate the valley terraces and the famous flight of the condors. The Andean condor is a scavenger bird; that with its open wings it measures between 230 and 330 centimeters and weighs up to 15 kilos; This makes it the largest flying animal in the world. Condors live 60 years and with them a great job of conservation and protection is being done.

Where to sleep in the Colca Canyon:

Although the Colca Canyon is highly visited; There is not much variety of accommodation in the area; However, in the different towns en route to Colca you can find accommodation at a good price and with good quality homemade food. Next we will mention accommodation in the main towns on the way to the Colca Canyon.

• Accommodation in Chivay: Almost all accommodations are around the same price. The most valued are the accommodation of La Casa de Anita and Colca Land Hostal.
• In Yunque: Although in this town you can still find accommodation at a good price such as Miskiwasi Bed & Breakfast; Anvil is the best place if you want to find a good accommodation; You can stay at the Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs or the Killawasi Lodge.
• By Cabanaconde: The accommodations are similar in style to those offered in Chivay; the most recommended are: Hostal Valle del Fuego and Homestay Pachamama; And if you prefer something quieter and located on the outskirts, we would recommend La Casa de Virginia; with thermal baths and garden.

What routes are recommended for trekking in the Colca?

Hikes: Oasis – Tapay, lasts 3 days

Hikes: Llahuar – Huaruro Waterfall, 4 days

Tips for visiting the Colca Canyon:

Please take into account the tips that we will give you below for your visit to the Colca Canyon Be the best experience:

• The first thing you have to do is buy your Tourist Ticket. Once you are on the way to Colca; You have to take into account that you will only be able to buy this ticket in CASH, since you will not be able to pay with cards or any other means of payment; the cost of this ticket is S / 70 soles for overseas.
• The best time to travel to the Canyon will be from May to November, but always keep warm clothing and sun protection in mind.
• If you have more time on your travel itinerary, we definitely recommend adding Trekking to your visit to the Colca Canyon. It is the best way to appreciate and discover the wonders that the offers you Colca Canyon.

More Tips

• Something important is that when deciding to visit the Colca canyon; carry everything you think you care about or are really going to need; Remember that there are only ATMs in the town of Chivay and that on the way to the canyon you will not find shops or places to buy things that you really need for your trip.
• The Colca Canyon is a safe area; Although sometimes there are tremors because it is in a seismic zone, take your precautions, which you would take when visiting any other place.
• If you don’t really like red meat, we recommend that you ask for a vegetarian menu on excursions. 
• Don’t forget your travel insurance! In addition to altitude sickness, you can suffer any silly fall or a simple food poisoning … and goodbye excursion! The outlay that is made when contracting a good travel insurance is nothing if you compare it with what it would cost you to solve any problem without it.

Is it worth visiting the Colca Canyon?

We consider the Colca Canyon as a spectacular place, and we have no doubts. You will be able to see amazing landscapes; you will love the flight of the condors and the homemade food will be something that you will like; And one of the most important things is that when you get away from Chivay you will find few tourists; This makes it easier to enjoy a quiet environment, for this reason, among other things, we see a visit to the Colca Canyon Essential.

To check tours around Colca Canyon, visit Incalake.com