Colca Canyon 3-Day Trek

What the extra day changes

The three-day Colca Canyon trek operated by The Best Trips Peru separates the descent, valley crossing and ascent into three days. On the shorter itinerary, the descent and the walk onward to Sangalle share the first day. This distinction matters more than the simple number of nights on the booking page.

Day one: Arequipa to San Juan

The provider advertises pickup around 3:15 AM from Arequipa. Transport stops for breakfast and at Cruz del Cóndor before reaching the start of the hike around 9 AM. The walking stage descends towards San Juan de Chuccho, where lunch, dinner and the first overnight stay are planned.

This is still an early and tiring opening day. Pack before going to bed and keep the day’s essentials separate from anything you do not need during transport. Arrange storage for your main suitcase in advance if you are travelling with more than an overnight hiking bag.

Day two: continue to Sangalle

After breakfast, the itinerary describes approximately three hours of walking to Sangalle. Lunch is followed by time at the accommodation and its pool. An afternoon with fewer scheduled activities is the main benefit for travellers who want to enjoy being in the canyon rather than moving continuously through it.

Treat the pool as a lodge amenity, not evidence of luxury accommodation. Check room arrangements, bathroom expectations and any personal requirements with the operator. Carry toiletries and other essentials rather than assuming a canyon lodge provides the same supplies as a city hotel.

Day three: climb out and return

The advertised departure from Sangalle is 5 AM, followed by an approximately three-hour ascent towards Cabanaconde and breakfast. Transport then makes return-route stops that can include Chacapi hot springs, mountain viewpoints and wildlife habitat. Arrival in Arequipa is advertised around 5:30 PM, two blocks from the main square.

An extra night does not flatten this climb. The provider describes the walking as moderate to strenuous and requires good physical condition. Allow for your own pace and ask about the group’s schedule if you are concerned about keeping up.

Inclusions and suitable alternatives

The listing includes round-trip transport, bilingual guiding, both overnight stays, three breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners. The tourist ticket, optional baths and final lunch are separate costs. Bring cash for these items and reconfirm the selected option before checkout.

Compare the two-day trek if available time is the main constraint. Choose the overnight sightseeing tour if the uphill exit is unsuitable. Three days is a different hiking pace, not a replacement for evaluating whether you want to trek at all.

Source: linked GetYourGuide product, checked 26 October 2026. Stop order and walking durations remain subject to conditions.