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Natural canyon in Peru
Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Colca Canyon is in Peru's Southern Sierra region, near Arequipa.
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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, 1,200 m below. During the day, there are a number of locals selling drinks, snacks, and souvenirs. Don't forget your Tourist Ticket as they are checked at this location.
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.
Hot springs with several pools of varying size and temperature. Lockers are provided and refreshments are available for purchase. Collectivos (S/1) depart when full from the main square in Chivay.
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.
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.
Julia Ocsa house is a family-run hostel including activities with locals.
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.
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).
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.
5 hr, S/15 in 2019). The journey traverses several high passes before arriving in the valley. The road is paved but it is possible to encounter snow or sleet at higher elevations.
Read in the guideThe individual towns and villages in the valley are small enough to explore on foot. Larger centers such as Chivay and Cabanaconde also have taxis and trucks for hire.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Arequipa · International · AQP
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