2 Day Trek Including Transfer to Puno / Colca Canyon

This 2-day Colca Canyon trek is interesting because it mixes big early-morning Andean sightseeing with real hiking, then finishes with an included transfer to Puno. I especially like the small group size (max 12), which usually means you get more attention on the trail and in logistics. I also like the one-way ride to Puno, so you do not have to scramble for the next bus right after your hike.

The main drawback to think about is the effort level. Day 2 includes a sunrise uphill climb with torch lights, and even with good conditions it can feel tough, especially after a full day of moving downhill the day before.

Key takeaways before you go

• Small group, max 12 people means your guide can actually help when you slow down or want advice on footing.
• Condor’s Cross timing gives you a focused window for spotting Andean condors overhead.
• The Sangalle stop is built for recovery with a warm swimming pool after your long walk.
• Overnight in Cielo Azul Lodge, bungalows in Sangalle keeps you close to the hiking loop instead of commuting all day.
• Transfer from Chivay to Puno is included and you arrive in the evening, about 18:30, dropping you near central Puno.
• Optional Chacapi hot springs cost extra (PEN 15) if you want to soak before the ride to Puno.

From Arequipa at 3:00 am, to Chivay and Condor’s Cross

This trip starts extremely early. Your meeting point is set for 3:00 am, and you leave Arequipa around 3:00 to 3:30. The idea is simple, beat the heat, reach the key viewpoints in time, and still hike a full day without wasting daylight.

After about a 6-hour drive, you reach Chivay in time for breakfast, around 7:30. Chivay is known for its traditional houses and colorful setting, and this short stop gives you a breather before you jump into the canyon day.

Next comes Condor’s Cross, a viewpoint where the Andean condor is commonly seen. The stop is short, around 30 minutes, and it is free. The Andean condor is no small bird either, it can reach about 12 kg with a wingspan over 3 meters. In plain terms, you are there to look up and be ready. Bring sunglasses and have your camera set before you arrive, because the best moments happen fast.

If you hate waking up in the dark, this is your reality check. The payoff is that you get to enjoy canyon time while many people are still getting their day going in town.

Chivay to the trek start: quick altitude drop and real downhill miles

Once you leave Condor’s Cross, the group continues by bus for about 20 minutes to start the descent. The trek begins around 3,300 masl and drops to roughly 2,100 masl over about 3 hours. That is a lot of downhill time, which sounds relaxing until you realize your knees will learn something new.

The route then carries you through a sequence of villages, starting with San Juan de Chuccho. You get lunch there and some time to rest. San Juan de Chuccho matters because it is a calmer, greener pocket compared to the harsher canyon edges. From there, you continue past smaller towns including Cosñirhua and Malata.

What I like about this pacing is that the walk is not just one long grind. It breaks into chunks with meals and small breaks built in, so you can recover without losing the sense of progress. What to watch for: downhill hiking can feel deceptively hard on your legs, and the canyon walls can stay bright and hot even when the morning felt cool.

Sangalle at about 17:00: pool time and a lodge night in the canyon

By late afternoon, you reach Sangalle, around 17:00, at an altitude of about 1,900 masl. Sangalle is the kind of place you appreciate after a full day of walking. The big practical highlight is the warm swimming pool, which is made for recovery. After the descent, soaking for a bit can make tomorrow feel less like a punishment.

Your overnight is in Cielo Azul Lodge in Sangalle, with dinner included and you sleep in bungalows. This is not five-star lodging. One review-style detail worth taking seriously is that accommodations on this route can be basic, and you should not assume hot water is guaranteed. Still, it is one night, and the whole plan is built around being comfortable enough to sleep and reset for an early start.

Dinner is included, and from a value point of view it is helpful because you are in a hiking area where buying food on your own would mean extra time and effort. The balance here is that the tour spends money on guiding and logistics, not on luxury rooms.

Day 2 at 5:00: torch lights, sunrise views, and the climb back up

The second morning starts before most people even consider sunrise. You begin trekking uphill around 05:00, for about 3 hours to reach Cabanaconde, walking with torch lights. This section can be spectacular because you are climbing into views as the light comes up.

This is also where fitness matters. One key consideration from the hiking reality is the ascent. The climb is described as roughly 1,200 altitude meters up, which is the kind of number that makes a difference in how heavy your breathing feels. Take it slow. Do not try to outpace the group. Let your guide know if you need a break. With a max group size of 12, you should not feel lost or ignored.

Once you arrive in Cabanaconde, you get breakfast. Then the trip shifts from hiking intensity to a lighter sightseeing and relaxation rhythm.

Hot Springs Chacapi, Pampa Cañahuas, and your evening arrival in Puno

After breakfast in Cabanaconde, the plan includes a move toward Chivay for Hot Springs Chacapi. Entrance costs PEN 15 per person and is not included, but the pools vary from about 30°C up to 60°C, so the soak option is real. Going into the hot springs is optional. If your muscles feel wrecked, it can be the difference between tolerable and miserable for the next leg of your travel day.

Then you stop at Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve in the Pampa Cañahuas area. This is a quick stop on paper, and you will still want more time in real life because it is a great chance to spot camelids like alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos, plus volcanic scenery. The reserve stop includes free admission.

The highlight is that this tour does not end at the canyon rim. In the afternoon you begin your transfer to Puno, descending from about 4,830 masl down to roughly 2,325 masl along the way. You arrive in Puno around 18:30 and get dropped off at your hotel or hostel if it is located in the center of the city.

If you are thinking ahead about your next day plans, this is the kind of arrival that works well. You get a full day’s end without arriving so late that everything is closed and you are stuck trying to negotiate a late dinner.

Food and lodging: included meals, and what “basic” really means

This is a short trek, and the tour makes sure you do not have to hunt for meals between trail segments.

Included food:

• Dinner
• Lunch
• Breakfast (2 times)

Not included:

• The last lunch in Chivay (PEN 30 per person)
• Hot springs entrance (PEN 15 per person)

So what should you expect? The plan is practical and fueled for hiking, not foodie-focused. One clear pattern from the experience of this style of trek is that meals are usually filling and local, but not always restaurant-level. Lodging is also part of that same tradeoff. You sleep in bungalows in Sangalle, and on this route you should expect simple comfort. A past traveler also noted that hot water was not a given, so pack with that in mind.

For me, the most useful mindset is this: treat lodging and food as recovery fuel. The value of the trip is the walking loop, the condor viewpoint stop, and the move from Colca Canyon into Puno without extra ticket hunting.

Price and value for $179: when it is a smart deal and when to compare

At $179 per person for a roughly 2-day experience, the headline value is not just the hike. You are paying for:

• transportation from Arequipa to Chivay and trail access
• a guided small-group trek setup
• one overnight in Sangalle
• included dinner, lunch, and 2 breakfasts
• the transfer from Chivay to Puno one-way

That package can be a good deal for people who want structure and hate coordinating multiple tickets back-to-back.

But add-ons matter:

• Colca Canyon entrance costs PEN 70 per person (not included)
• Hot Springs Chacapi entrance costs PEN 15 per person (optional, not included)
• Last lunch in Chivay costs PEN 30 per person (not included)

So your real budget is the base price plus those site fees, plus whatever snacks or drinks you want on top.

One more practical warning is worth sharing: some people report that booking through online resellers can be much more expensive than booking through local offices in Arequipa. If you care about price, take 10 minutes to compare. If the difference is big, you can decide whether you want convenience or lower cost.

Who should book this Colca Canyon to Puno trek?

This is best for you if:

• you want a guided, small-group trek without figuring out logistics on your own
• you are okay with early mornings and a full day of walking twice
• you like the idea of finishing with an included one-way transfer to Puno

It may not be for you if:

• you want an easy hike. Day 2 includes a long uphill climb and can feel tough even at moderate fitness
• you expect hotel comfort, hot water, and lots of amenities in Sangalle
• you are extremely sensitive to altitude and exertion, since the route includes significant altitude changes and long walking hours

The good news is that the trek is designed for people with moderate physical fitness, and the small group size helps if you need support.

How to pack and pace yourself for downhill and uphill days

Because this tour is built around time on your feet, packing smarter matters.

Bring:

• good hiking shoes with grip for downhill
• a light layer for the early morning torch light start
• sun protection, because this region can feel intense even when you start early

Pace is everything:

• On the downhill day, go slow and protect your knees. Short steps help.
• On day 2, accept that you will be climbing steadily, not sprinting. The torch-lit start means you climb in darkness before the big views kick in.

One more smart move: keep your backpack light. A review mentioned the uphill segment felt demanding and advised not to overload your pack. If luggage transport is handled for you on the route, you can travel easier, which is exactly what you want on a climb.

Should you book this 2-day trek with transfer to Puno?

Book it if you want a guided Colca Canyon hiking loop with condor viewpoint time, a real overnight in Sangalle, and an included ride into Puno so your trip keeps flowing.

Skip it or think twice if you:

• hate waking at 3:00 am
• want an easy day of walking
• care a lot about warm showers and a hotel-style room
• are trying to keep costs low, because local vs online pricing can vary a lot

If you do book, plan for the extra site fees (Colca Canyon entrance, optional hot springs) and go in knowing that the “value” is the experience, not luxury.

FAQ

What time do you pick up in Arequipa?

You meet at 3:00 am. The tour notes pickup at your hotel or hostel in Arequipa, with departure to the Chivay area around 3:00 to 3:30.

How physically demanding is the hike?

The trek is for people with moderate physical fitness. You hike downhill for about 3 hours on day 1, then you hike uphill for about 3 hours on day 2, starting around 05:00 with torch lights.

What meals are included?

The tour includes dinner, lunch, and breakfast twice.

Do I need to pay for the Colca Canyon entrance?

Yes. The Colca Canyon entrance is not included and costs PEN 70 per person.

Is Hot Springs Chacapi included?

Hot Springs Chacapi is optional. Entrance costs PEN 15 per person and is not included.

What is the group size?

This tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

If the weather is bad, do I get a refund?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The policy also states the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.