The best months to visit Colca Canyon are Apr – Nov. Dry season, clear skies for condors.
Quick facts
When to go
One of the world's deepest canyons where Andean condors soar on morning thermals above terraced walls built before the Inca.
Apr – Nov is the busiest window in Colca Canyon, so accommodation and flights go first. Book ahead. The shoulder weeks either side are usually quieter for the same reason.
Getting Around in Colca Canyon
- Colectivos (shared minivans) connect Arequipa to Chivay (15-20 PEN, 3.5hrs) departing from Terminal Terrestre. In the canyon, colectivos run between villages for 3-10 PEN
- Organised tours from Arequipa run 1-day ($20-30) and 2-day ($40-60) trips to the canyon. These are convenient but rushed, and independent travel allows more time at each stop
- Within Chivay, everything is walkable. Taxis to La Calera hot springs cost 5 PEN. For the canyon trek, a colectivo from Chivay to Cabanaconde costs 10 PEN (2hrs)
For month-by-month detail, itineraries and costs, see the full Colca Canyon travel guide.
Timezone: PET (UTC-5) (No daylight saving)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Colca Canyon?
The best months to visit Colca Canyon are Apr – Nov (Dry season, clear skies for condors), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Colca Canyon budget breakdown.
