Best Treks in South America: The Ultimate Bucket List

Nevado Pisco Climb: Facts &amp; Information. Routes, Climate, Difficulty, Equipment, Preparation, Cost

Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek: Comparing the Hiking Trails of Machu Picchu

Christophe Lehner

<span style="font-weight: 400">When visiting a fascinating country like <strong>Peru</strong>, the options to explore are endless. Therefore, I crafted this unique<strong> itinerary</strong>. So you’ll be able to visit the most <strong>iconic spots</strong> on this country in just<strong> 21 days</strong>.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Over three weeks we’ll visit the most famous corners of <strong>Peru</strong>, from the south region bordering <strong>Bolivia</strong>, to the <strong>Vilcanota mountain range</strong>, including of course the unrivalled <strong>Machu Picchu</strong>.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">At the south, we’ll explore the volcanic mountain range in <strong>Arequipa</strong>. Here, we will visit this colonial city, with its uniquely white architecture. Then, we will head towards the <strong>Colca Canyon</strong>, for a three day trekking adventure. At the heart of this majestic place, we’ll reach the <strong>nest of the condors</strong>, where we’ll be able to see them <strong>flying right above us</strong>. To end our first week, we will head to the <strong>Titicaca lake</strong> at the<strong> Llachon peninsula</strong>, where we’ll hike through secluded places away from tourists. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Thereupon we will head to the <strong>sacred Inca Valley</strong>, visiting its numerous archaeological sites, easily reached from <strong>Cusco</strong>. And of course, we will trek through the incomparable <strong>Machu Picchu</strong>.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Finally, on our third week we will hike across <strong>Ausangate (6,300 m)</strong>, at the heart of the <strong>Vilcanota mountain range</strong>, with its<strong> snow capped mountains</strong> rising above <strong>6,000 meters</strong>.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Please note this is a <strong>long journey</strong> that requires an <strong>excellent fitness level</strong>, and a<strong> good acclimatization</strong>. But the places we will get to see will make it completely <strong>worth all our effort</strong>.</span>

<strong>So if you are up for this challenge, don’t hesitate and request to book this trip today. It would be my absolute pleasure to be your guide on this incredible trip.</strong>

Looking for a completely different type of trip? I also guide this  <a href="https://www.explore-share.com/trip/via-ferrata-in-belgium/">one or more days of via ferrata in Belgium</a>.

Peru trek: Colca, Titicaca, Ausangate &amp; Machu Picchu (3 weeks)

Carlos Zárate

<div class="mod">
<div class="hb8SAc kno-fb-ctx">
<div>Located about 120km from Arequipa, Colca Canyon is renowned as the deepest river canyon in the world and famed as a destination for hiking and for observing the giant Andean Condor. The condor frequents the canyon and can be admired from the superb lookout <strong>Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor (3800m). </strong></div>
<div></div>
<div>There are agricultural practices ongoing in Colca that out date the Incas and wonderful traditional villages to discover throughout the lush green valleys and rugged rocky landscapes.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div class="mod">The first day will see us rise at 3:30am and head to Mirador de la Cruz del <strong>Cóndor (3800m)</strong>, stopping at Chicay (3600m) on route for lunch. Next we'll hike to Pampas San Miguel (3300m), and after we'll descend the canyon with its many beautiful vistas. Later we'll arrive to Sangalle (2225m) to spend the night, a mountain oasis with gorgeous crystalline pools.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The second day starts by scaling the canyon to reach the town of Cabanaconde (3230m), with several interesting tourist sites including the thermal baths of Calera Chivay. After lunch we'll return to the city of Arequipa (3 hours).</div>
<div></div>
<div>We welcome those of all fitness conditions as long as you are ready for some consistent walks and excited to explore the surroundings.</div>
<div></div>
If hiking the Andean mountains, luxuriating in thermal baths and admiring the majestic condors sounds fun to you the sign up now and I'll be waiting to share this marvellous experience with you!

Alternatively, if Arequipa is where you want to be but you'd fancy a day of speed then consider joining me for <a href="https://www.explore-share.com/trip/half-day-mountain-bike-trip-peru/">this half-day mountain biking beginning from the base of Mt Pichu Pichu!</a>

2-day Colca Canyon Trek in Arequipa, Peru

<h5><span style="font-weight: 400;">Right outside the city of <strong>Arequipa</strong>, only 120 kilometers away from it, lies one of the most stunning<strong> canyons</strong> on Earth, the <strong>Colca Canyon</strong>. This nature’s wonder is the perfect place for a <strong>hiking adventure</strong>. And, it’s an amazing spot if you wish to observe the majestic <strong>Andean Condor</strong>. Don’t miss the chance to visit it, and join me on this<strong> 3-days trip</strong>.</span></h5>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Our first day will be full of surprises. I will pick you up and drive you towards <strong>Chivay (3,600m)</strong>. After this point, we’ll continue towards <strong>Cruz del Cóndor (3,800m)</strong>, which is the perfect place for observing condors. Then, we’ll head to <strong>Pampas San Miguel (3,300m)</strong>, where we’ll begin our trekking adventure. As we descend the canyon, we’ll run into a suspended bridge over the <strong>Colca river</strong>. We’ll also pass <strong>Tapay</strong> and <strong>San Juan de Chuccho</strong>, where we’ll get the chance to stay with local families to learn about their culture.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">On our second day we’ll explore <strong>Tapay (2,900m)</strong> and other enchanting farming villages, like<strong> Cosnihura</strong> and <strong>Malata</strong>. Then, we’ll hike to the <strong>Sangalle (2,225m)</strong> a breathtaking oasis, with crystal clear pools of warm water, where we’ll stay for the night.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Day three will begin climbing the side of the Canyon, until we reach <strong>Cabanaconde (3,230m)</strong>.There, we’ll get a delicious breakfast and return through the valley visiting other lovely towns. Also, pending the time and the group, we could stop at the <strong>Calera</strong> thermal waters, for a refreshing bath. And after lunch at <strong>Chivay</strong>, we’ll drive back to <strong>Arequipa</strong>.</span>

<strong>If you are up for this trekking adventure, don’t hesitate and send me a request. It will be my pleasure to guide you across this wonderful place in Peru.</strong>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Are you looking for a shorter version of this trip? I also guide this<a href="https://www.explore-share.com/trip/2-day-colca-canyon-trek-peru/"> 2-day Colca Canyon Trek in Arequipa, Peru</a>.</span>

Colca Canyon 3-day trek from Arequipa, Peru

Compare and book a certified guide for your Colca Canyon Hiking trip with Explore-Share.com: 1500+ guides, 70+ countries and 11000 programs to choose from.

Hiking trips – Colca Canyon

Top Hiking Trips in Colca Canyon

Peru trek: Colca, Titicaca, Ausangate & Machu Picchu (3 weeks)

2-day Colca Canyon Trek in Arequipa, Peru

Colca Canyon 3-day trek from Arequipa, Peru

Search Amazing Outdoor Activities

Pick And Book Your Favorite Trip

Live A Unique Adventure

Live A Unique Adventure

Search Amazing Outdoor Activities

Pick And Book Your Favorite Trip

Live A Unique Adventure

Search Amazing Outdoor Activities

Pick And Book Your Favorite Trip

Live A Unique Adventure

Why choose Explore-Share.com?

Professional and Verified Local Guides

7000+ Outdoor Activities Worldwide

Online Customer Support 7 Days a Week

Secure Online Payment

What People are Saying

Be the first to tell us about your experience!

Related Blogposts

Best Treks in South America: The Ultimate Bucket List

LEARN MORE

Nevado Pisco Climb: Facts & Information. Routes, Climate, Difficulty, Equipment, Preparation, Cost

LEARN MORE

Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek: Comparing the Hiking Trails of Machu Picchu

LEARN MORE

You may also like

Need help discovering your next adventure?

Join our Newsletter