Colca Canyon

Overview

Colca Canyon combines dramatic canyon scenery with indigenous Andean culture. Condor watching at Cruz del Condor and local homestays give visits a focus beyond the viewpoints.

Languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish

Overview

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Places to know

A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.

• sleep

  Julia Ocsa Family House

  Julia Ocsa house is a family-run hostel including activities with locals.

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

• sleep

  Llanhuar Lodge

  A great place to stay is in the canyon at a place called Llahuar lodge. They have hot springs right next to the river, you can jump in to cool of and climb back into the hot pool. Come around 3PM to still enjoy the sun and a great view. In the evening they serve vegetarian menu for S/10. The best trip is a 4 day hike from Cabanaconde to Llanhuar Lodge then to the remote and sweet village of Fure to visit the waterfall then back via the Sangalle area (Oasis).

  Recorded price: S/40 for double with shared bathroom, S/20 for a basic dorm bed

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

• sleep

  Pachamama hostel

  Run by a Peruvian with great English, that has years of experience as a tour guide in the canyon. Rooms are basic and cheap, but the restaurant at night is a lively place with a great fire-oven pizza and a rich alcohol bar. The website includes some possible itineraries in the canyon, more tips available when you will ask.

  Recorded price: S/60 for double w/ shared bath, S/80 private bath

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

• sleep

  Paraiso Lodge

  Nice lodge in Oasis de Sangalle with a pool, volleyball field and hammocks. Small restaurant on site, with set menu for dinner for S/15.

  Recorded price: S/30 for double with shared bathroom

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

• sleep

  Refugio del Colca

  Located on the road to Yanque and is five minutes from Chivay, capital of the province of Caylloma. To get there, take a car from Chivay to El Refugio. You can take the cars to go to Yanque and stay in el Refugio. is the perfect hideaway for your holidays in the Colca Valley, located along the Colca River in a historical and cultural setting; the perfect combination of nature, culture and comfort.

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

• sleep

  Tradicion Colca Lodge

  Charming French-run hotel specialized in adventures and horseback rides in the valley villages and in the Canyon as well. The three star hotel has sauna, jacuzzi and massages. A complete spa center. Includes an equitation center and a small astronomic observatory with a 54mm telescope. Tasty food.

  Recorded price: US$57 double

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

• see

  Cruz Del Condor

  The most popular spot for viewing condors. The best time for condor sighting is in the morning, between 07:00 and 09:00. If you arrive at 07:00 you have about an hour of solitude before the package tours arrive around 08:00. The viewpoint also provides good views down to the canyon floor, m

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

• do

  Cycle Cruz Del Condor

  After visiting Cycle Cruz Del Condor, ride back to Cabanaconde. This allows you to stop at several more viewpoints that are much less crowded. The road is paved and mostly downhill with the exception of a single large hill. Bicycles, with disk breaks and front suspension, can be rented from the Pachamama hostel in Cabanaconde. The price includes transport via truck to Cruz Del Condor at 06:30.

  Recorded price: S/60

  Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

Before you go