Going Solo to Colca Canyon

So, some people figure out how to visit Colca Valley on their own. It’s a bit more of a hassle, but totally doable. Thing is, there aren’t a ton of public buses (those faster ones) and regular buses heading out from Arequipa. Plus, once you’re actually in the valley, getting around on public transport isn’t super easy. You’re mostly looking at catching ‘colectivos’ (shared minivans), hopping on mototaxis, or grabbing taxis.

If you’re set on seeing Colca Canyon by yourself, the smartest move is probably to hang out in Chivay (altitude: 11,811 feet, 3,600 meters) for about 4 days and make it your home base. It’s got more stuff there, like places to stay and ways to get to other spots in the valley. Even so, we’d say it’s a good call to spend a night in Cabanaconde (altitude: 10,761 feet, 3,280 meters) too. That way, you can get to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint nice and early and have a better shot at seeing those massive birds.

Just a heads up, getting from Chivay to Cabanaconde takes over 2 hours by bus. So, another option to think about is renting a scooter in Chivay to get around locally, or even renting a car back in Arequipa and doing the whole thing yourself. If you go for the car, just remember it’s mountain roads, so you gotta drive carefully. Lastly, you could also ask around at a travel agency in Chivay. They often run morning or full-day trips to Cruz del Cóndor and other viewpoints.

If you do end up exploring Colca Valley on your own, you might wanna check out booking a stay at Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs. It’s known as the top hotel in the area. If you’re looking for a place in Chivay, Casa Andina Standard Colca is a solid option. And in Cabanaconde, La Granja del Colca is worth looking into.

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