Colca Canyon: Best time to Trek & What to See

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