Holiday in Colca Canyon
Area in Peru — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇵🇪
Country
Peru
Type
Area
Best time to travel
April to November (dry season, clear visibility, best chances to see condors)
Budget/day
60-100€: Better tour with good hotel, thermal springs, guide
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Arequipa (approx. 14h with a layover), then 3-4h by bus/car to the canyon.
Deals for Colca Canyon:
What makes Colca Canyon special as a destination?
The Colca Canyon in the Peruvian Andes is 3,270 meters deep, making it twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and one of the most impressive gorges in the world. The dramatic landscape with terraced slopes from Inca times, hot springs by the river, and majestic Andean condors soaring above the canyon is breathtaking. The villages in the canyon still preserve their traditional Kollagua and Cabana culture with colorful costumes and festivals.
What are the top highlights in Colca Canyon?
The top highlights in Colca Canyon include Cruz del Condor, Canyon Trekking, Chivay Thermal Springs, Terraced Fields.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Cruz del Condor
The viewpoint where Andean condors glide just meters above your heads in the thermals — a magical natural spectacle.
Canyon Trekking
The 2-3 day hike down to the oasis of Sangalle at the riverbed with natural pools and palm trees.
Chivay Thermal Springs
The hot springs (La Calera) at the canyon's edge offer relaxation with mountain views after trekking.
Terraced Fields
The Inca terraces on the steep slopes have been cultivated for centuries — a living cultural heritage.
Hotels in Colca Canyon
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Reise-SIM für Colca Canyon
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Colca Canyon?
The best time to visit Colca Canyon is April to November (dry season, clear visibility, best chances to see condors). Rainy season Dec-Mar, 10-18°C, paths slippery, fog In winter: Dry season Apr-Nov, 5-20°C, freezing cold at night (-5°C), but clear visibility
Recommended travel time
April to November (dry season, clear visibility, best chances to see condors)
Summer
Rainy season Dec-Mar, 10-18°C, paths slippery, fog
Winter
Dry season Apr-Nov, 5-20°C, freezing cold at night (-5°C), but clear visibility
How much does a holiday in Colca Canyon cost?
Budget travellers: 25-40€: Tour from Arequipa (2 days from $30), simple accommodations in the canyon/day, mid-range: 60-100€: Better tour with good hotel, thermal springs, guide/day, luxury: 200€+: Colca Lodge with thermal pool, private tour, luxury trekking/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
25-40€: Tour from Arequipa (2 days from $30), simple accommodations in the canyon
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
60-100€: Better tour with good hotel, thermal springs, guide
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200€+: Colca Lodge with thermal pool, private tour, luxury trekking
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Colca Canyon?
Flight to Arequipa (approx. 14h with a layover), then 3-4h by bus/car to the canyon.
Book a package holiday to Colca Canyon
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Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Colca Canyon?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Visit Cruz del Condor early in the morning (7-9 AM) — that's when the condors fly the lowest.
The hike down into the canyon is easy, but the ascent (3-4h) is strenuous at 3,400m.
Coca tea and candies help with altitude sickness — available in every shop.
Chivay has the best market for traditional textiles and alpaca products.
What should you eat in Colca Canyon?
Typical specialities in Colca Canyon: Alpaca Steak — Tender, lean meat, the superfood of the Andes., Chupe de Camarones — Shrimp soup, the specialty of the Arequipa region., Rocoto Relleno — Stuffed spicy peppers with minced meat and cheese., Chicha de Jora — Fermented corn beer, brewed since Inca times..
These specialties you must try!
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