Cabanaconde Colca Trek

• Trekking Peru

Cabanaconde Colca Trek

More information about the Colca Valley and Tours:

Driving from Arequipa (2450 m) to Chivay (3650 m), you will cross a high altitude pass at 4900 m, before arriving in the Colca Valley. During the journey you will enjoy passing through a range of unique ecological zones, from desert to altiplano and dry tundra. Animals spotted along the way, or in the valley itself include herds of vicuñas (a wild relative of llamas and alpacas) and a variety of birds, of particular interest the giant hummingbird, eagles, Andean geese and even flamingos (September through March)

The town of Chivay (3650 m) is the capital of the valley, 176 km from the regional capital, Arequipa, and is well known to among locals and foreigners for the presence of the La Calera hot springs 3 km outside of town.

Chivay is also a good place to look for high-quality, locally-produced crafts, in particular goods hand-knitted from 100% alpaca fiber, and elaborately embroidered goods produced by hand on sewing machines (hats, coin purses, belts, etc.). Such crafts are also available in some of the miradors (scenic overlooks) along the highway, and in surrounding towns. Be careful not to be confused by cheaper, industrially-produced products of lesser quality.

From Chivay you will drive along the Colca Canyon towards the village of Cabanaconda. About 10 km before arriving at the village you will stop at the Cruz del Condor Mirador, the famous Condor Viewpoint, where you will usually be able to spot the mighty Andean Condor!

Between the villages of Callalli, at the high end of the Colca valley, and Tapay, in the depths of the Colca canyon, you’ll find a range of accommodations and activities, as well as microclimates that vary with altitude.

In the cold, dry, highlands, livestock production predominates, focused on alpaca and llamas; in the middle zone, agriculture is more important, featuring products such as corn, quinua, barley, beans, and a variety of potatoes, as well as dairy production; in the canyon, due to the warmer climate, fruit production is possible, including avocados, lucuma, peaches, and apples.