ON FOOT · AREQUIPA HIKING TOURS
The good arequipa hiking tours cap their group sizes and fill up weeks ahead. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Travel from central Arequipa to the Añashuayco Quarry and Culebrillas Canyon with an English or Spanish-speaking guide. See ashlar carving, a stone replica of the Church of the Company of Jesus, ancient Wari petroglyphs, apachetas, and volcano views. The tour costs $12, with 18 soles extra for entrance fees.
“The whole trip was very good and excellent value for money - the second ‘canyon’ was absolutely stunning.”
You’ll leave Arequipa before dawn, watch condors at Cruz del Cóndor, hike down to Sangalle Oasis, and climb back to Cabanaconde the next morning. English-speaking guides such as Carlos, Alex, Rafael, and Luigi lead small groups of up to 11. The $30 booking fee is only part of the cost, so bring cash for meals, entrance fees, and other charges.
“An amazing experience. Highly recommend doing this if visiting the area. I think it’s definitely better to do the 2 day if it’s something you can handle physically. Bring some tp or be prepared to buy some. A lot more to the tour than just the hike. The stops on the way back are all great especially the natural hot pools and cold plunge. Most importantly our guide was amazing. Carlos is from the Andes and was very informative and helpful with some of our struggling group members. He definitely elevated the experience. We crossed over with another group a couple times and Ivan was a great guide as well…”
Leave Arequipa before dawn for a demanding two-day trek through Colca Canyon. Walk downhill from 3,300 meters to Sangalle, sleep at Cielo Azul Lodge, then climb by torchlight to Cabanaconde. English and Spanish guides, meals, transport, and hotel pickup are included. A pool, hot springs, condors, and camelids round out the trip.
“We really enjoyed this 2-day trip to the Canon de Colca. The landscape was incredible and our tour guide, Eveline, was really competent and kind. She gave us some info and then let us free to enjoy this experience at our best supporting us in the hardes part of the treck. The tour was realised exactly as described (keep in mind that the place where you will spend the night is really basic) and we are happy to suggest it to those who wish to visit this amazing place.”
This four-hour Arequipa excursion combines volcano viewpoints, the working Añashuayco ashlar quarry, a church carving, and a short Culebrillas canyon walk. An English or Spanish guide explains how sillar shaped the city, while you see Wari petroglyphs and apachetas. Transport and guiding are included; entrance fees total 18 soles.
“Véhicule neuf. La visite a eu lieu seulement en espagnol car le guide anglais était malade. On nous a toutefois offert de reporter, mais nous avions autre chose. Le tour a commencé 30 minutes plus tard et nous n’avons pas eu assez de temps pour apprécier totalement.”
Trek Colca Canyon in a private group of 2 to 8, with English or Spanish guide support, family-home stays, local meals, condor viewing, Sangalle Oasis, and a pre-dawn climb to Cabanaconde. Guides such as José, Pepe, Miguel, Marcello, and Jarley have led this route.
Start in Arequipa at 8:00 am for a four-hour trek through Capua Canyon, where you cross puddles and streams to reach Capua Waterfall. Afterward, soak in volcanic hot springs, then visit Yura Viejo and its church. The group is limited to eight, and guide Pablo may provide snacks and help with photos.
“We really enjoyed this hike and our guide, Pablo, was wonderful and very helpful. We were the only ones on the trail which made this feel like we were being shown and unknown locals-only type trail. We walked in our hiking shoes through the river which was unique and pretty fun (be sure to pack some sandals for after!). Pablo did the hike in Tivas/Chacos with a strap, so you've got some options when it comes to footwear. Also, be such to bring sunscreen and bug spray! The waterfall was beautiful and so was the canyon overall. Pablo was really helpful in took lots of photos of us throughout the…”
You start at 3 a.m. from Arequipa, watch condors at Cruz del Condor, then hike into Colca Canyon over three days. Guides such as Marcos, Ghersy, César, and Jean Carlos lead small groups of up to 10. Expect basic lodges, generous meals, a steep descent, a hot climb, and an optional soak at Chacapi.
Start before dawn in Arequipa, descend from Cabanaconde into Colca Canyon, relax in Sangalle’s warm pool, and climb out by torchlight. Your small group continues through Chivay to Puno, with meals, lodging, and the one-way transfer included. Expect basic facilities, long hours, and a demanding uphill finish.
“Great experience, the colca canyon offers a fantastic scenery. We saw some condors along the way, too. The hike is quite challenging, especially on the second day - it's going 1200 altitude meters up. Planning was good, everything was taken care of, for example the transport of our luggage and the transfer to Puno (we had to change busses). The included food was okay, but not great. Same for the accomodation: Oasis ecolodge was a little shabby. But for one night it was ok.”
Travel from Arequipa to the Sillar Route with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. See volcano views, the Añashuayco quarries, a giant ashlar carving, Culebrillas Canyon, Wari petroglyphs, and apachetas. The 4-hour outing costs $20 per person, plus a 10-sol entrance fee, and includes transport and a guide.
“This was a good tour the only thing was our guide seemed very nervous and her accent was really heavy so most the time on the microphone we could not hear her or understand”
Other ways to spend the day on foot
Rock, ice, forest or crater rim.
