| Peru is one of the world's leading trekking | | | | to virtually freezing cold. |
| destinations, and virtually every Peru vacation | | | | Enjoy dinner in Chivay at one of the town's |
| involves at least a small trek through some of the | | | | numerous Peñas, restaurants offering lively |
| country's jaw-dropping natural landscapes and | | | | - and often interactive - music and dance |
| scenery. | | | | performances. El Nido, behind the town's market, |
| Most Peru trekking experiences are focused | | | | is a local favorite which gets very busy after |
| around Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail but | | | | 8pm. |
| the country has a lot more to offer, and one of | | | | The hiking options from Chivay are varied and |
| the finest and most rewarding alternatives is a | | | | can suit any level, provided you're already well |
| hike in the Colca Canyon region near Arequipa. | | | | acclimatized to the altitude. For a short walk from |
| Colca Canyon is famous for being one of the | | | | the town itself, head out on the road to the hot |
| world's deepest canyons, more than twice as | | | | springs, cutting left as you leave the town. This |
| deep as the Grand Canyon. The region is also | | | | track will eventually lead you to the attractive |
| incredibly high and at around 4300 meters above | | | | village of Corporaque, complete with ruins and a |
| sea level, visitors will need several days | | | | pleasant river-side spot to stop and catch your |
| acclimatization in nearby Arequipa before | | | | breath. |
| attempting anything more energetic than a short | | | | From here, follow the path to the neighboring |
| walk. | | | | village of Yanque, around 5 miles from Chivay. |
| Visiting the canyon region is easy, trips are | | | | You can either walk back from here or catch a |
| offered by most providers of Peru tours or else | | | | cab back to town. |
| several buses run from Arequipa's main bus | | | | Stretching from Chivay, the Canyon is dotted |
| station to the town of Chivay, at the canyon's | | | | with small towns and villages, all of which are |
| head, on a daily basis. Tickets sell out quickly, so | | | | served by bus services leaving from Chivay's bus |
| either book for travel on the following day or get | | | | terminal. For some stunning and fairly challenging |
| there early, before 7am. | | | | hikes, catch a bus to Cabanaconde a small town |
| The three hour journey from Arequipa to Chivay | | | | which provides the basics you'll need for a few |
| (15 soles) is spectacular in its own right, crossing | | | | days - lodgings, food and basic services. |
| high mountain passes and the barren, ethereal | | | | You can either hire a local guide, or purchase a |
| world of the high alti plano. Up here the water is | | | | map of the area and walk solo. A well trodden |
| frozen into thick ice and very little vegetation | | | | path heads to an oasis known as San Galle at the |
| grows on the mountain-sides, but you'll still see | | | | foot of the canyon, where natural swimming |
| the odd bird and herds of llamas apparently | | | | pools offer a chance to cool off and catch your |
| thriving in this ultra harsh environment. | | | | breath following the steep descent. From here |
| This entire region is set within a vast natural park, | | | | you follow the same path uphill back to town, a |
| and entrance will cost 30 soles for a universal | | | | challenging climb which will probably take the rest |
| tourism ticket (boleto turistico) which will cover | | | | of the day - bring plenty of water and some |
| you for access to the entire 100km Canyon. | | | | high-energy snacks. |
| Once in Chivay you can set up base here in one | | | | The more adventurous visitors can attempt |
| of the numerous hotels and hostels. Compared to | | | | longer treks spanning several days, all of which |
| the generally high standards of Peru hotels, | | | | hug the canyon and riverside which has numerous |
| services here are Spartan at best but there are a | | | | campsites to pitch your own tent. Outside of the |
| few good hotels offering hot water all day, cable | | | | villages and towns themselves, there are no |
| TV and other luxuries. There are also a healthy | | | | services whatsoever so be sure to bring |
| scattering of restaurants serving up a range of | | | | everything that you'll need and don't attempt |
| food, from quick snacks to full hearty meals of | | | | overnight treks alone unless you have the |
| local specialties, which will set you up well for a | | | | necessary skills and prior experience. |
| day or two of hard hiking. | | | | Visitors needing equipment rental, guides, maps |
| If arriving late in the day, save your energy for | | | | and any other information are best served in |
| the following morning or treat yourself by taking | | | | nearby Arequipa, before heading into the Canyon |
| the short walk uphill to the town's famous hot | | | | itself but informal advice and information is |
| springs (entrance 10 soles) where you can bathe | | | | available from hotel owners and fellow hikers |
| in one of seven pools ranging from unbearably hot | | | | within the Canyon. |