Best of Colca Canyon

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Colca Canyon
One of Peru’s most impressive natural wonders, the Colca Canyon plunges over 10,000 feet (3048 m) into a vast rock-walled abyss. Standing on the edge of aptly named Condor’s Point gives you a breathtaking view over the canyon, with massive Andean condors soaring on thermal currents against a backdrop of chiseled peaks. The scenery alone warrants a visit, but there’s much to do in this Andean wilderness in southern Peru, including walking and trekking, visiting pre-Colombian archaeological sites and relaxing in misty thermal springs.

Get a taste of present-day Andean life on a more immersive experience. Previous kimkim travelers have stayed overnight in small mountain communities and visited traditional villages. Farmland surrounds Maca and Yanque, which were both founded by the Spanish and still contain centuries-old baroque churches (Yanque’s dates back to 1690). Go horseback riding for a memorable journey across the Andean landscape.
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Trek along Colca Canyon
Map of Colca Canyon Trek - 7 Days
Colca Canyon Trek - 7 Days

For people who enjoy backpacking in the mountains and beautiful hot springs, this is the ideal multi-day trek. You'll have a local guide who will help you discover Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, with stunning views of the Andes.

Colca Canyon
Map of Colca Canyon & Lares Trek Adventure - 13 Days
Colca Canyon & Lares Trek Adventure - 13 Days

Discover Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Here, you'll find a canyon filled with rivers, verdant forests, and an ancient agricultural tradition. During the trek, you'll have the chance to interact with friendly Andean farmers and taste the typical foods of the region. Enjoy afternoon swims in natural pools and waterfalls before camping overnight in tents in beautiful natural campsites. After your time in Colca Canyon, head to the Inca capital of Cusco and explore colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley. Next, embark on the Lares Trek, and hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Top it all off with a full day exploring the iconic Machu Picchu Ruins.

Colca Canyon
Map of Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, & Amazon Adventure - 12 Days
Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, & Amazon Adventure - 12 Days

On this Peruvian highlights itinerary, you'll explore Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, then head out to Lake Titicaca - a place rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. Next, travel to Cusco and explore colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley before hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. End your trip among the wildlife and jungle lodges of the Amazon.

Colca Canyon
Map of Arequipa, Colca Canyon & Lima- 11 Days
Arequipa, Colca Canyon & Lima- 11 Days

From the hustle and bustle of Lima to Peru's dramatic coast, this tour of Peru's south and Pacific seaboard is perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure. Explore the colonial-era southern city of Arequipa, then explore the nearby Colca Canyon—the 2nd deepest in the world. Visit pre-Inca petroglyph sites, dinosaur prints, and mummified trees, then continue to Camana on the coast. From soaring Andean condors to the Paracas nature preserve, this exploration of Peru's wild nature is a must-see. 

Uros floating island on Lake Titicaca
Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu Adventure - 11 Days

From Colca Canyon to Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu, this diverse itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Spend some time exploring Lima before heading out to explore the colonial city of Arequipa. Next, explore Colca Canyon and beautiful Lake Titicaca. Finally, head to the Inca capital of Cusco, discover colorful textile markets in the Sacred Valley and hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Colca Canyon
Map of Culture & Nature in Peru: Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca - 14 Days
Culture & Nature in Peru: Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca - 14 Days

Start your two-week trip at the impressive Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. From there, visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Explore the markets and towns of the Sacred Valley, complete a short Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, and end your trip in Puerto Maldonado among Amazonian wildlife including macaws, cayman, giant river otters, and tapirs.

Stay two nights on a luxury train as you travel from Cusco to Colca Canyon (photo courtesy of Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train)
Map of Luxury Train Journey to Machu Picchu & Southern Peru - 14 Days
Luxury Train Journey to Machu Picchu & Southern Peru - 14 Days

Experience the best of southern Peru on a luxury trip that combines world-famous landscapes with city culture in Lima and Arequipa. After a street-art tour in the nation's capital, you'll travel to the Sacred Valley to walk in the footsteps of Incas at Ollantaytambo and ride the rails to the sky-high ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The luxury train adventure continues to Lake Titicaca and the vast Colca Canyon for more hiking, followed by relaxation in the charming colonial city of Arequipa.

Stay two nights in a luxe 16th-century building while exploring Arequipa (photo courtesy of CIRQA)
Map of Luxury Southern Peru: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu - 14 Days
Luxury Southern Peru: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu - 14 Days

Canyons, lakes, colonial cities and ancient Inca ruins—you'll explore all this and more over two weeks in Peru. Enjoy first-class amenities as you travel in style, beginning with fine dining, art, and culture in the dynamic capital of Lima. Then, visit the nation's most awe-inspiring landmarks, like spotting condors at Colca Canyon, exploring Lake Titicaca, and horseback riding around the Spanish-colonial city of Cusco. You'll also hike at your own pace around that great citadel in the clouds, Machu Picchu.

Finish the adventure with a guided tour of colonial-era Arequipa
Map of Peru in a Nutshell: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno & Arequipa - 16 Days
Peru in a Nutshell: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno & Arequipa - 16 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this exciting Peru tour promises an extraordinary exploration of the country's rich heritage and natural wonders. Over the course of 16 days, you'll embark on memorable experiences from savoring Peruvian cuisine with a Lima food experience to tracing the footsteps of ancient civilizations with the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You'll also ride the luxury Titicaca Train from Cusco to Puno, seek thrills with a zipline over the Sacred Valley, and soak in thermal hot springs.

Other popular travel destinations in Peru
Sacred Valley · Lima · Cusco · Machu Picchu · Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu · The Amazon · Southern Peru · Puno · Northern Peru · Arequipa & Colca Canyon · Paracas · Arequipa · Inca Trail · Iquitos · Trujillo · Chachapoyas · Tambopata · Nazca · Chiclayo · Ica · Ausangate Trek · Mancora · Ayacucho