Colca Canyon

Photo provided by Arequipa/Renzo Tasso/PromPeru

Visit Colca Canyon

Activities

Visit one of the world's deepest canyons, a geological landmark in southern Peru that is home to colossal birds, fascinating rock forms and ancient villages.

Embark on an outdoor adventure through Colca Canyon and see glaciers, gorges, ancient villages and some of the world’s biggest birds. With a depth of 13,650 feet (4,160 metres), Colca is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The natural wonder carves through the High Andes and is twice as deep as Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

Colca is home to the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds. From Chivay, the principal gateway to the canyon, go 30 miles (48 kilometres) east to the Cruz del Condor. This lookout area approximately 4,000 feet (1,219 metres) above the canyon floor offers close-range views of flying condors. Look for kestrels, peregrine falcons and mountain partridges too.

Stop in some of the 16th-century villages on your route through Colca. Many have elaborately decorated churches. These are also places where you can buy embroidered goods, including rugs and skirts. As you journey through the canyon, observe terraced fields along the canyon slopes, many dating back to Incan times.

Thrill seekers can ride a zip line across the canyon. Reach speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour (96 to 112 kilometres) and fly more than 300 feet (91 metres) above the Colca River. The aerial attraction is located close to Chivay. Nearby, find the Calera Hot Springs soothe aching limbs by slipping into indoor or outdoor thermal pools.

Start your visit in Chivay where you can pick up maps and detailed information about routes through the gorge. Purchase a Boleto Turistico (Tourist Ticket) required to enter some of the canyon’s attractions, such as the Cruz del Condor.

Getting to Colca Canyon involves a 4-hour drive or bus ride from the city of Arequipa. The majority of visitors tour Colca as part of an organised excursion. Before exploring the canyon’s attractions, it is common to stop in Chivay for at least a couple hours to acclimate to the altitude. Prepare for cool, dry weather.

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Top Colca Canyon Hotel Deals

La Granja del Colca

Carretera a Cabanaconde Km. 9.7, Cabanaconde - Caylloma, Cabanaconde

Kuntur Wassi Colca Hotel

Calle Cruz Blanca S/N, Cabanaconde, Cabanaconde

Paraiso Las Palmeras Lodge

SANGALLE SIN NUMERO, Cabanaconde, Arequipa

Colibrí Lodge

Anexo San Juan de Chuccho s/n , Tapay, Tapay, Arequipa

Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs

Fundo Puye S/n, Coporaque, Arequipa

Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel, Colca Canyon

Parque Curiña s/n desvio carretera Yanq, Yanque, Arequipa

PUQIO by Andean

Yanque s/n, Valle del Colca, Yanque, Arequipa

Xima Colca

Anansaya Predio Chollorota S/N, Yanque

Hotel Puerta del Sol Colca

Carretera 109 Chiquillo, Yanque, Arequipa

See all 40 properties in Colca Canyon

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do in Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon, nestled in the Arequipa Region of Peru, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Visitors can indulge in rejuvenating body treatments and spa sessions, while popular activities include guided tours of the canyon, excursions to witness majestic condors, and visits to local alpaca farms. Whether seeking thrilling hikes or rich cultural insights, Colca Canyon caters to every traveller's desires.

Shopping

In Colca Canyon, visit the local markets such as Chivay Market, where you can find traditional textiles, handicrafts, and unique souvenirs. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly vendors make shopping a delightful experience, allowing you to take home a piece of Peruvian culture.

Recreation

Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs offers a tranquil retreat with natural thermal baths and rejuvenating spa treatments amidst stunning mountain views. Experience yoga sessions in a peaceful setting, complemented by nature walks that immerse you in the breathtaking scenery of Colca Canyon.

La Casa de la Montaña provides a serene environment for relaxation, featuring holistic therapies and meditation spaces. Engage in guided hikes to explore the canyon's beauty, followed by wellness workshops that promote mindfulness and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Embark on a guided trek through the stunning landscapes of Colca Canyon, where you can encounter unique wildlife and marvel at breathtaking vistas. Experience the thrill of zip-lining across the canyon, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs at Chivay after a day of exploration.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Colca Canyon by visiting the charming Café Andino, where you can savour local Peruvian cocktails. For a lively atmosphere, head to the Colca Lounge Bar to enjoy traditional music and dance while mingling with fellow travellers and locals alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences for visitors. Key attractions include the stunning Colca River, the picturesque canyon rim, and the serene oases nestled within the landscape. Whether you're seeking breathtaking scenery or a taste of local culture, the miles of the canyon and the charming piazzas provide ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

Sangalle Oasis: Nestled 19.3km from Colca Canyon, Sangalle Oasis offers a tranquil escape amidst lush greenery and serene landscapes. The outdoor vibes make it perfect for relaxation or a refreshing dip in natural pools, surrounded by towering cliffs.
Plaza de Armas: Located 19.3km from Colca Canyon, this vibrant square is the cultural heart of the region. With its stunning colonial architecture and lively atmosphere, it's an ideal spot to soak in local traditions, enjoy street performances, and sample traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Condor's Cross: Situated 27.4km from Colca Canyon, this peak provides breathtaking panoramic views and is a prime spot for observing majestic Andean condors in flight. The outdoor experience here is truly remarkable, offering a unique connection with nature.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Colca Canyon

To save money on your trip to Colca Canyon, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, February, or November, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance. Tuesdays tend to be the least expensive days for accommodation, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's tools to compare room rates and filter for your budget and preferences. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can yield significant savings. Don't forget to check for last-minute deals for potential discounts.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Colca Canyon are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Colca Canyon is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Colca Canyon is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Colca Canyon is Saturday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your Colca Canyon hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.

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