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Cotahuasi Canyon traditional 4 days
- Discover the Cotahuasi Canyon, the deepest canyon on Earth. Enjoy a breathtaking 4-day expedition that will guide you through untamed landscapes, roaring waterfalls, therapeutic hot springs, and colonial villages frozen in time. Embark on an unforgettable journey full of mysticism and pure nature with Inca World Travel!
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4 days / 3 nights
Culture/History, Trekking/Hiking
Departures: On request
Physical level:
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Cotahuasi Canyon traditional 4 days
Our 4-day Cotahuasi Canyon tour is the ultimate route for trekkers, geology buffs, and cultural travelers. Known as the "Canyon of Wonders" due to its overwhelming natural beauty, this remote destination is twice as deep as the USA's Grand Canyon, offering an authentic experience completely free from mass tourism.
Throughout this trek, you will traverse 12 different ecosystems, climbing from warm, fruit-bearing valleys to dramatic viewpoints guarded by towering volcanoes. You will witness the raw power of the Sipia Waterfall, soothe your muscles in the medicinal thermal baths of Luicho, and hike amidst the giant cacti of Judiopampa. Furthermore, you will marvel at ancient Andean agricultural engineering as you walk past massive pre-Inca terraces where native crops like quinoa, kiwicha, and corn are still harvested today.
Immerse yourself in the deepest and most spectacular landscape on the planet with the safety, expert guides, and flawless logistics that only Inca World Travel can guarantee.
Day 1: Arequipa – Majes Valley – Cotahuasi Town
05:00 AM – Hotel Pick-up and Departure: We will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa to begin our trip in private transport toward the province of La Unión.
Majes Valley & Toro Muerto Route: Along the way, we will cross the fertile Majes Valley, where we will stop for lunch and take a close look at the famous Toro Muerto petroglyphs. We will then continue climbing winding Andean roads featuring spectacular views of the snow-capped volcanoes.
Arrival in Cotahuasi: By late afternoon, we will arrive at the picturesque town of Cotahuasi (2,680 m s. n. m). Dinner and overnight stay at a local hotel.
Day 2: Cotahuasi – Taurisma – Alca – Luicho Hot Springs
Exploring Traditional Villages: After breakfast, we depart for the village of Taurisma, crossing the Cotahuasi River over an exciting suspension bridge surrounded by ancient cedar trees. Next, we will visit Tomepampa and Alca, beautiful towns renowned for their colonial architecture, sillar arches, and intact agricultural customs.
Inca Trail Hike in Cahuana: We will hike up an ancient Inca stone staircase toward the community of Cahuana, an exceptional viewpoint surrounded by majestic pre-Inca terraces.
Relaxation at Luicho Hot Springs: We will transfer to the thermal baths of Luicho to enjoy a delicious local lunch and soak in its relaxing, mineral-rich medicinal pools—ideal for restoring your energy. Return and overnight stay in Cotahuasi.
Day 3: Deep Canyon – Sipia Waterfall – Cactus Forest – Velinga
The Canyon's Gorge & Sipia Waterfall: Breakfast and departure to the deepest section of the Cotahuasi Canyon, passing through the beautiful countrysides of Colcan and Piro. We will arrive at the stunning Sipia Waterfall, a spectacular $150\text{-meter}$ ($492\text{ ft}$) free-falling drop of water that breaks forcefully against the canyon walls.
Judiopampa Cactus Forest: We will begin a downhill hike toward the Judiopampa Cactus Forest, home to giant cardon cacti reaching up to 12 meters in height and a rich habitat for local wildlife.
Cultural Afternoon in Velinga: Arrival at the warm village of Velinga for lunch. We will spend the afternoon exploring the mystical ruins of Ayahuasi, the valley's fruit orchards, and the local eco-museum. To wrap up the day, we will visit the "Valle Bello" winery to enjoy a tasting of artisan organic wine. Overnight stay at a homestay in Velinga.
Day 4: Velinga – Chaquicocha Lagoon – Return to Arequipa
Hike and Final Views of Cotahuasi: After breakfast, we take a short 30-minute walk to board our transport back to Cotahuasi for a farewell lunch.
Chaquicocha Lagoon and Bell Tower: Before leaving, we will tour Cotahuasi’s best-kept secrets: the Chaquicocha Lagoon, colonial churches, historic manors, and the ancient Santa Ana Bell Tower.
06:00 PM – Journey Back: We will begin our drive back to the White City of Arequipa, arriving at approximately 03:00 AM the following morning (direct drop-off at your hotel).
PREMIUM SERVICE
- Private tourist transportation
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Specialized trekking guide (Spanish and/or English)
- 3 nights of accommodation
- First aid kit
- Entrance to Cotahuasi Canyon
- Camping and cooking equipment
- Water and snacks
- Tips
- Meals not specified
- Entrance to the Luicho hot springs
Recommendations
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Prepare for High Altitudes: While the town of Cotahuasi sits at a very comfortable altitude ($2,680\text{ m}$), the mountain pass on the road from Arequipa peaks at over $4,500\text{ m}$ ($14,760\text{ ft}$). We highly recommend drinking hot coca tea or taking soroche (altitude) pills before departing.
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Pack for Two Seasons: The weather here features extreme contrasts. During the day, the canyon sun is intense (bring short-sleeve shirts, a hat, and SPF 50+ sunscreen), but at night, temperatures plummet drastically, making a thermal or fleece jacket absolutely essential.
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Embrace a Digital Detox: Due to its rugged geography and remote location, cellular service is extremely limited or completely nonexistent along several sections of the trek and within the villages. Use this trip to completely disconnect.
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Sturdy Trekking Boots Are Mandatory: The trails in Cotahuasi are rocky, steep, and covered in loose dirt. Do not attempt this route with flat city sneakers; high-quality hiking boots or trekking shoes with mid-to-high ankle support and deep-tread outsoles are required.
What to bring
- Insect Repellent
- Swimsuit
- Light Clothing & Warm Layers
- Hiking Shoes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Plan your trip
Leave the typical and enter the unforgettable. Design your own adventure and discover Peru at your own pace, just as you always dreamed.
Why book with us?
- Quality touristic service
- Creating personalized experiences
- Free advice from an expert team
- Permanent customer service
- Guaranteed departures
Cotahuasi Canyon traditional 4 days
4 days / 3 nights
Culture/History, Trekking/Hiking
Departures: On request
P. Level:
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Testimonials
What Our Customers Say
| antonio b Colombia |
Excellent service
Excellent service, very attentive; our guide Renzo was very cordial and attentive.
Date: Aug 2026
Tripadvisor
| johanna m Lima, Peru |
Trip to Cusco! A wonderful trip!
Highly recommended—very organized, very punctual, and with impeccable service. I felt supported the whole time; it was a personalized tour that met my expectations 100%.
Date: Dic 2024
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| Mireya Spain |
Fantastic
I was very happy with the experience and would definitely book with this agency again a thousand times over. I went on a 5-night, 6-day tour and saw everything!
Date: Nov 2024
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Evans B Lima, Peru |
Travel to Cusco, a unforgettable experience
Excellent choice! They’re very flexible with payment options! The itinerary is followed 100%—there are no filler activities, so you’ll make the most of your time in Cusco to truly experience EVERYTHING. Their tour guides are highly knowledgeable and will teach you without overwhelming you with irrelevant information!
Date: Jan 2024
Tripadvisor
+ 18
Years of experience+ 120
Programs in all Peru+ 45,000
Packages sold+ 90
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