Trek to the Sangalle Oasis

Looking at Colca Canyon from the rim is one thing; walking down into it is another. The trek from Cabanaconde to the Sangalle Oasis, known locally as the Oasis, descends more than a thousand metres on a switchback path to the Rio Colca, crosses a bridge, and ends at a cluster of cabins and natural pools around a patch of palms and fruit trees. It is the classic Colca trek, usually done in two or three days with an overnight in the canyon, and it feels a long way from the minibus crowds at the Cruz del Condor. The scenery is dramatic, the silence is real and the swimming pools after a hot descent are a reward you will remember.

The route starts at the village of Cabanaconde, at the western end of the valley, where a trail drops steeply from the rim through dry scrub and cactus. The descent takes around three hours, and it is hard on the knees, with loose stones and sun exposure in the middle of the day. At the bottom, a bridge crosses the river, and a short climb on the other side leads to the Oasis, a series of simple lodges, small swimming pools fed by springs and a restaurant-style kitchen serving meals.

Many itineraries add a night in the villages of San Juan de Chuccho or Cosnirhua on the way, with homestay-style lodging and shared meals.

The hard part is the climb out. The ascent from the oasis back to Cabanaconde climbs about a thousand metres in around three hours, which can feel punishing at altitude. Most guides set off before dawn to avoid the heat and be at the rim by mid-morning, and mules can often be arranged for tired walkers.

Even so, the effort is part of the experience, and the views back over the canyon walls as you climb are superb. A reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to walk at your own pace are essential, and trekking poles are useful for both the descent and the climb.

Trekking operators in Arequipa offer many versions, so read the itinerary carefully. Some are guided and include accommodation, meals, transfers and the tourist ticket, while cheaper options may leave you to cover entry fees and food. Others are three-day, two-night routes that visit multiple villages. Carry a sun hat, high-factor sun cream, a swimsuit, trekking shoes, warm layers for cold nights, and cash for the ticket and extras. Avoid the wet season from about January to March when trails can be slippery and rock falls are possible, and ask your guide about current trail conditions.

Safety and comfort details are worth checking. Ask about the guide-to-guest ratio, whether the operator carries a first aid kit, and what happens if someone cannot manage the climb. Carry at least two litres of water for the descent, electrolyte tablets if you use them, blister plasters and a light head torch for early starts.

Phone signal is patchy, so agree meeting points in advance, and leave a note of your plans with your hotel in Arequipa. Remember that the oasis lodges are simple, with shared facilities in some cases, so pack a sleeping liner and earplugs.