Having gone all the way to Peru, I'm glad we visited Colca canyon. Arequipa is a lovely city, and our favorite in Peru! Colca canyon itself is lovely, though we didn't go to the deepest part. We saw many condors in flight. We also enjoyed our hike along the colca.

My husband and I went with Huber, the excellent guide from the excellent Carlitos Tours and we were not dissappointed. The treck itself could be very challenging for those not used to (like us) and on the way down, we hardly enjoyed it. Althought the views were rewarding, it was much effort for us but we are glad we did it. We spent the night at the oasys in Sangalle and since it didn't have electricity or warm water, it didn't give us the kind of rest we were expecting. Our way up to Cabanaconde was in mules and it was a 1.40hour ride -also challenging but fast!
Cabanaconde and Chivay are beautiful little towns and the Cruz del Condor to see condors flying is beautiful. It is possible to go to Chivay and Cabanaconde in small bus and skip the trek altough it's nice for the brave. I really recommend Carlitos and Huber for your tours.

Awesome. Just don't take too much gear and don't be drunk. Take three days to do it and probably hike to San Juan, then to the Oasis then back to Cabanaconde. Get some coca and stay in some greatly priced places in the canyon.

I wouldn't have believed we could spend so much time watching birds fly over a canyon! Gazing at these majestic birds in flight was mesmerizing!