Cabanaconde: Hiking Trails and Viewpoints at Colca Canyon

Several hiking trails lead from Cabanaconde to the bottom of Colca Canyon, including one to the Oasis de Sangalle. This makes the town a starting point for hikes, whose route conditions you should check locally. If you’re looking for hotels in Cabanaconde, the hiking trails and nearby viewpoints can shape your travel plans. Festivals and historical sites are also part of the town’s appeal.

Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

The Achachihua–Llahuar, San Miguel–Puente San Juan, and Sejana–Sangalle trekking trails are located in the Cabanaconde District, in Caylloma Province, Arequipa Region. These add three specific route names to the hiking trails in the canyon. Check local route conditions before planning a hike.

The Mirador de San Miguel is on the edge of Colca Canyon at an elevation of about 3,330 meters and is about a 25-minute walk from Cabanaconde. From there, you can see the towns of Tapay, Cosñihua, and Malata, the mountains Sepregina and Bomboya, and part of the canyon. The viewpoint is part of the Colca trekking route and the starting point for the descent to the Valle de Sangalle. There is also a life-size replica of the Juanita mummy at the viewpoint.

The Mirador de Achachihua is about 15 minutes from Cabanaconde. From there, the panoramic view stretches across the inter-Andean valley of Sangalle to the opposite side of Colca Canyon. While San Miguel offers views of several towns and mountains, the panorama from Achachihua takes in the valley and the opposite side of the canyon.

On the way to the Mirador de San Miguel, you can also visit the Museo de la Momia Juanita. Check the museum’s opening hours in advance.

Festivals, Food, and History

The religious festival in honor of the Virgen del Carmen takes place in Cabanaconde every year on July 16. It features music groups known as “caperos” and traditional bullfights. Check the program locally for the year you plan to travel. The town’s carnival traditions also include the traditional Wititi dance; dates and programs may vary.

In February, the typical dish Chapliuchu is served at the festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. It is a combination of spices, meat, charqui, potatoes, guinea pig, chicken, fried egg, and toasted bread. The festival program may vary. For your travel plans, the festivals mentioned are therefore not only cultural occasions but also events whose program you can check in advance.

The Templo de San Pedro Alcántara stands on Cabanaconde’s main square and is recognized as Cultural Heritage of the Nation under R.M. No. 0928-80-ED, dated July 23, 1980. Nearby, architectural and ceramic remains show a clear influence from the Inca period of the Late Horizon. Alongside the viewpoints and hiking trails, you can also encounter evidence of the town’s history.

Discover more destinations: Camana, Pinchollo, Coporaque, Yanque, Cerro Colorado District, Yura District, Cotahuasi, Yanahuara District.

For the main travel overview: Arequipa.