Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of The Phoenix Projects working in Perú.
Saturday 25th July – Saturday 1st August 2026
We will be taking on a multi-day hike in Colca Canyon, the world’s second deepest canyon behind Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, with depths between 1,000-2,000m (3,300-6,600 feet). We plan to trek over 50km/30 miles in total.
The highest point of the four-day trek will be 3,287m (10,784 feet) and we will undertake an acclimatisation day hike before at a similar altitude. To travel to and from Colca Canyon we do drive over the Paso de Patampa at 4,910m (16,108 feet) but won’t be hiking there!
You will need to carry personal equipment you need for the trek. Accommodation will be in a hotel in Arequipa and simple lodging on the trail.
Arequipa is generally around 25 degrees Celsius/77 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, dropping to 10 Celsius/50 Fahrenheit during the night. During the Colca Canyon challenge day temperatures are around 21 degrees Celsius/70 degrees Fahrenheit and can drop to around 0 degrees Celsius/32 degrees Fahrenheit at night though is generally in single digits. There shouldn’t be any rain in June or July though always best to be prepared.
We will plant trees to help cover your carbon footprint for the challenge, including inbound and outbound flights.
If you are interested in joining us or need more information please do email us on info@thephoenixprojects.org . We will need to confirm numbers by the end of February 2026.
Last edited: 02/11/25 – removed June dates
Saturday
Fly into Arequipa (2,335m / 7,660 feet) and a welcome dinner
Sunday
Half-day altitude training hike to get used to the altitude. The hike will be around 3,600m/11,500 feet and we should cover around 10km/6 miles.
Monday
3am start as we drive from Arequipa over Paso de Patampa (4,910m/16,108 feet) to Chivay (3,635m/11,925 feet) for breakfast and then visiting the Cruz del Condor.
We will then trek for three hours descending the canyon from 3,287m/10,784 feet to San Juan de Chuccho (2,200m/7,217 feet), our base for the night. In the afternoon we will trek to and from Tapay up the other side of the canyon. 12km/7miles.
Tuesday
We start hiking early and continue along and up the canyon for eight hours to Llahuar (2,200m/7,217 feet) and simple cabin accommodation.
We will pass through small villages along the way with the highest point being Fure (2,800m/9,186 feet) as we meet the second canyon of the trek, Cañon de Fure. 12km/7 miles.
Wednesday
The toughest day today as we climb out of the canyon over 9-10 hours from 2,200m/7,217 feet via Sangalle to Cabanaconde at 3,287m/10,784 feet where we will sleep. 12km/7 miles
Thursday
We will take on a shorter trek in the morning along the lip of the canyon and hopefully see condors before heading back to Arequipa arriving in the afternoon. 6km/4 miles.
Friday
We will spend the day in the school celebrating with traditional dance and food finishing with a farewell meal back in Arequipa.
Saturday
Head back to Arequipa airport for those who are leaving…
From Saturday evening through to Saturday morning all hotels are included where needed. All meals are included though extra alcoholic drinks are on your tab! All trips, entrance fees, internal transport and airport pick-up and drop-off are included. Tips are not included and we will let you know how much we recommend.
The costs for all explained above are $840 (£675) with two people sharing a hotel room in Arequipa or $900 (£720) for single supplement. Accommodation on the trek is in shared rooms of two to three. Please do remember this is a fundraiser for Phoenix and not just a trip so we do ask you to fund raise as well and we will provide you with fundraising pages.
If you are interested in joining us or require further information please don’t hesitate to email us on info@thephoenixprojects.org
