Routes such as the Colca Valley and the Sillar Route

We know that choosing between two iconic routes in Arequipa can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together a clear and comprehensive guide comparing the Colca Valley and the Sillar Route. You’ll discover prices, key differences, and essential tips to help you make the best decision without wasting time searching elsewhere.

🧭 What is the Colca Valley?

The Colca Valley is one of the deepest canyons in the world, famous for the Andean condor’s flight, its pre-Incan terraces, and traditional villages. It’s ideal for those seeking nature, culture, and high-altitude adventure.

🔹 How does the tour work?

Departures from Arequipa (2–3 days recommended)
Tourist transportation + guide
Stops at viewpoints and villages
Visit to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint

🏛️ What is the Sillar Route?

The Sillar Route is a short tour near Arequipa where you’ll discover how the white volcanic stone used to build the city was extracted. Perfect for a half-day cultural tour.

🔹 How does the tour work?

Duration: 3–4 hours
Transportation from Arequipa
Visit to active quarries
Easy hike among rock formations

📊 Key Comparison Chart

Feature	Colca Valley 🏞️	Sillar Route 🏛️
💰 Average Price	$40 – $120 USD	$10 – $25 USD
⏱️ Duration	1–3 days	3–4 hours
🥾 Difficulty	Medium (high altitude)	Easy
🌤️ Best Time	April – November	Year-round
🌄 Experience	Nature + wildlife	Culture + history

🧳 Requirements and Preparation

For the Colca Valley

Prior acclimatization (minimum 1 day in Arequipa)
Thermal clothing (temperatures below 0°C in the morning)
Travel insurance recommended

For the Sillar Route

Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
Water

💡 Expert Tips (Pro-Tips)

🌎 For foreigners:

Altitude sickness: In Colca, you can reach altitudes of over 3,500 meters above sea level. Bring medication or try coca tea.
Extreme weather: Sunny days but freezing mornings. Wear layers.
Cash: Many places do not accept cards.
Language: Most guides speak basic English.
Photography: Best light in Colca: 6–8 a.m. (condors active 🦅)

🤔 Which one to choose?

👉 Choose the Colca Valley if: you want a complete experience, nature, and adventure.

👉 Choose Ruta del Sillar if: you have little time or prefer something cultural and relaxed.

Recomendaciones de nuestros pasajeros

Gimena Rojas

Doing the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, and a big part of that was thanks to the outstanding service and care provided by Marvelous Peru. From the very first contact, their team was professional, friendly, and informative. They answered all of our questions quickly and gave us clear, detailed information about the itinerary, what to pack, and what to expect on the trail. The logistics were flawless — every transfer was on time, the campsites were well set up, and the support team was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the journey. A special mention goes to our guide, who was not only knowledgeable about Inca history, the local flora and fauna, and the geography of the Andes, but also passionate and deeply connected to the region's culture. His insights truly enriched our experience. The trek itself was absolutely breathtaking. Each day brought new landscapes: from the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Salkantay Mountain to lush cloud forests, turquoise glacial lakes, and ancient Inca trails. The route was well-paced, with plenty of breaks, and we always felt safe and supported. It’s a physically challenging trek, but Marvelous Peru made sure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of. One of the highlights was definitely the food. Considering we were in remote mountain areas, the meals exceeded all expectations. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. There were generous portions, local flavors, and even vegetarian options — a huge plus for some of us in the group. Our camp chef deserves a medal! Reaching Machu Picchu on the final day felt incredibly rewarding. After five days of hiking through such diverse and awe-inspiring terrain, standing before one of the world's wonders felt even more magical. It was the perfect end to a journey that tested us physically and rewarded us spiritually. I wholeheartedly recommend Marvelous Peru to anyone considering the Salkantay Trek. Their passion, organization, and genuine care for their travelers truly set them apart. If you want to discover the beauty of the Andes and Machu Picchu in a way that’s immersive, authentic, and unforgettable, go with Marvelous Peru. You won’t regret it.

Sergio Prado

The guide had so much knowledge and heart-he brought the trail to life

Marilyn Astudillo

I didn’t expect to enjoy the food on a mountain trek so much. Every meal was amazing.

yosgali rebeca boza carpio

Exelente

Noce Tampoco ce

Everything was so well organized, and the views were absolutely unforgettable.

Alexander Quispe R.

Reserve el tour de Salkantay de 5D/4N fui con el el mejor Guía Pablo tube una experiencia Maravillosa y en nuestra visita a Machupicchu tuvimos un clima espectacular recomiendo la compañía 🥳😃😃😃buena organización 🤗

nilton abelardo ccopa lopez

Una excelente experiencia recomendamos hacer los viajes con la compañía, servicio de calidad

Ivn_ Nghtmr

The Salkantay Trek with Marvelous couldn't have been better thanks to our incredible guide, Daniel. Honestly, I've never had such a great guide. Daniel is so warm, cheerful, and energetic. He wasn't just a guide, but part of our trekking family—many guides could learn something from him! Aside from that, our group was very personable, young, and motivated. The private cooks traveling with us prepared amazing food, and there was always enough of it. I've never eaten so well on a trek. Only in the last few days, when the cooks left and provided us with food at the restaurant, did the quality of the food really suffer compared to before. The accommodations were good, the sleeping bags provided were sufficient, and Daniel, our guide, tailored the route to our group's needs so everyone was satisfied.