We got up before dawn to hike Peru’s Colca Canyon. With a shortened time frame, we had only one day to hike the two day circuit. Fortunately we spoke to someone in Arequipa who lead groups through the Canyon and he recommended a few things to help us complete it in one day- like getting up before dawn. By the time we walked out of town and to the start of the trail the sun was quickly rising. The sun had yet to reach the villages nestled deep inside the canyon and it was as though we were on the outside looking in. We started our trek in silence, enjoying the peace and quiet that only morning can bring.
As the switchbacks became steeper, we could see mule trains heading up the canyon. We watched them snake up towards us as we snaked down towards them. Eventually we met, and with a short “Buenos Dias” to the cowboy we were back on our way. Not until we reached the second village did we see other hikers hitting the trail.
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IF YOU GO: The Colca Canyon is beautiful and we were thankful to take the trip from Arequipa to stretch our legs and hike. It’s nearly a full-day journey by bus from Arequipa, and you’ll have to buy a tourist ticket on board. If you don’t get off at the Condor Overlook you can buy the less expensive ticket, but you’ll really have to negotiate for it. Buses leave Arequipa and Cobanaconde (the town where the trail starts) very early in the morning, so be prepared for a long morning. There are small shops inside the canyon, but remember everything is brought there by mule so the prices are reflect that. Make sure you pack your trash out, don’t leave it down there- it will be burned. There’s an oasis at the bottom of the uphill hike. Stay there for a few hours relaxing before you head up the hill. If you’re legs give out on you, the last mule train going back to Cobanaconde leaves the Oasis around 3pm. As around as soon as you get there and remember to negotiate your rate.
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