Plan exploreInca Trail to Machu Picchu
Colca Canyon
colca canyon: best time to trek & what to seeThe Colca Canyon is one of the most recognized tourist destinations in Peru. Located to the northeast of Arequipa, this deep valley has a depth of 4,160 meters, making it the deepest canyon in the world. As attractive as the Colca Canyon may be, its not a great place to visit year round. Below we share when is the best time to visit the Colca Canyon.
Best Time to Trek the Colca Canyon
Although it is possible to visit the Colca Canyon any time of year, it’s advisable to go between April and December, when the majority of days are clear and the views, including condor sightings, are spectacular. The rainy season goes from December to March, so the trails may be muddy during that period and the vistas can sometimes be overcast.. From April to December, days will usually be sunny but temperatures can drop dramatically at night to below freezing, so be sure to dress in layers.
Trek Recommendations
Before trekking the Colca Canyon, we recommend you spend a day in Arequipa to acclimatize to the climate and altitude. Another recommendation is to travel light. Unlike other treks in Peru, there are no porters or mules to carry your luggage for you. What should you bring? We recommend sun block, hiking boots, and lots of water. It’s best to pack enough water to cover a consumption of 1.5 – 3 liters daily.
Destinations Outside of the Colca Canyon
Before or after your trek in the Colca Canyon, you can visit several other tourist destinations nearby, including:
The Cruz del Condor Viewpoint
From this natural viewpoint, it’s possible to get a panoramic view of the entire canyon. The viewpoint is located at 3,287 m.a.s.l. and is an essential stop before or after your Colca Canyon trek. The best time to spot condors is between the hours of 10am and noon.
The Colca Window
The first of the attractions that you’ll see on your drive into the Colca Valley is the Colca Window, a curious geological formation that appears as a portal through which you can see amazing canyon vistas. It’s located at 4,300 m.a.s.l.
A Colca Canyon trek should be at the top of your list if you’ll be
Plan exploreDestino Cusco
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