Jess at Sea

So you’ve decided to explore Colca Canyon – one of the deepest canyons in the world, home to soaring condors, traditional villages, and trails that will make your calves question your life choices. Whether you’re doing a multi-day hike or joining a guided tour from Arequipa, packing right is key. The canyon’s weather swings harder than a Peruvian pan flute solo, and the high altitude can catch even seasoned hikers off-guard.

Here’s exactly what to bring so you’re comfy, prepared, and ready for every “wow” moment.

Check out these tours to Colca Canyon:
From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour
2-Day Tour Colca Canyon from Arequipa
From Arequipa Trek : 2-Days of Hiking in the Colca Canyon

Packing List for an Overnight Tour

Colca Canyon’s climate changes fast – chilly mornings, blazing midday sun, and cold nights. The trick? Think onion, not fashion runway.

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Base layers	Thermal Underwear for Women Long Johns Set	Ensure your base layers are thermal for ultimate warmth.
Mid layers	33,000ft Women’s Zip Up Fleece Jacket	Fleece jackets or light sweaters to add warmth without the bulk.
Outer layer	33,000ft Women’s Softshell Jacket	A waterproof and windproof puffer jacket to protect against the cold as well as sudden rain or gusty winds.
Pants/Leggings	baleaf Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings Thermal Warm Winter Tights	Comfortable, durable pants that are flexible enough for hikes and waterproof if you plan on getting close to waterfalls or the beach. I would recommend fleece lined water resistant leggings as I found jeans a little chilly in the colder areas.
T-shirts or Long Sleeves		Breathable for hot hours on the trail.

Accessories

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Hat/Beanie	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	A wool or fleece hat will help retain heat and keep you cozy. Make sure it covers your ears.
Gloves	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	Insulated, touchscreen-compatible gloves will ensure your fingers stay warm while still allowing you to use your phone or camera.
Scarf/Neck Warmer	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	A thick scarf or neck gaiter is perfect for protecting your neck and face from biting winds.

Footwear: Your Feet Will Thank You

Colca Canyon’s trails are rocky, dusty, and steep. You’ll want shoes that grip like a llama on a mountainside.

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Waterproof Hiking Boots	Columbia womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped	Ideal for snowy towns and ski trips. Choose a pair with insulation and good grip.
Warm Socks	Anlisim Merino Wool Hiking Running Socks for Women	Wool socks are ideal for winter weather and will keep your feet warm even in cold, wet conditions.
Flip Flops		For a visit to the hot springs

Gear: Lightweight but Essential

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Waterproof Bag	WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag	A small waterproof bag or dry bag will protect your electronics and other essentials from rain.
Camera/Smartphone	8K Digital Camera for Photography	To snap photos of all the breathtaking sights you’ll encounter.
Power Bank	Miady 2-Pack Portable Charger	The cold can drain your phone’s battery faster, so a portable charger is handy.
Tripod	EUCOS 62″ Phone Tripod	Great for taking self-timer pics.
Waterproof Phone Pouch	Rynapac IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch	For keeping your phone dry in the rain/snow
Water bottle	Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle	Bring a reusable water bottle to refill and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Adapter and Chargers	VINTAR Universal Travel Adapter 30W	Pack a suitable adapter to charge your electronics.
Umbrella	BAODINI Mini Travel Umbrella with UV Sun Protection	Just in case it rains – this came in handy for me a few times on my trip!
Raincoat	33,000ft Women’s Rain Jacket	Just in case :)
Trekking Poles	Foxelli Trekking Poles	Optional for hiking

Must-Have Extras for the Altitude

At 3,000–4,000 m, Colca Canyon’s altitude can sneak up on you. These little helpers make a big difference:

• Coca leaves or coca tea – Traditional remedy for altitude adjustment (you can buy locally).
• Altitude sickness tablets – For extra peace of mind (some points on the trip reach over 4000m!)
• Lip balm with SPF – Dry air + strong sun = cracked lips.
• High-SPF sunscreen – Reapply often, even if it’s cloudy.

Snacks: Fuel for the Journey

Your tour will have lunch stops, but having your own stash of snacks is a game-changer.

• Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate for quick boosts.
• Water – the canyon gets very hot during the day!

Hiking Tour Must-Haves:

If you’re heading on the canyon trek, here are some extras you’ll need:

• Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder – You’ll need at least 2 liters for hiking days.
• Headlamp or flashlight – Some early starts are before sunrise, and village streets can be dark at night.
• Trekking poles – Lifesavers on steep descents (your knees will send you thank-you notes).
• Small first aid kit – Include blister plasters, band-aids, and painkillers.

Final Tips

• If you’re joining a guided tour, check what’s provided so you don’t double up.
• Pack light – for the hikers: you’ll be carrying everything! and for the tour bus takers: the vans are small, only pack a small overnight bag or backpack unless you are continuing on to Puno.
• Keep essentials accessible in your daypack. The condor viewing spot waits for no rummaging.

With the right gear, you’ll be able to focus on what matters: stunning landscapes, tiny mountain villages, and that magical moment when a giant Andean condor glides just overhead.

Planning a trip to Peru? Check out my 3-Week Peru Itinerary here!

Peru Helpful Links

Where to stay in Arequipa:
Luxury: Katari Hotel at Plaza de Armas
Mid-Range: Plaza Central
Budget: Viajero Arequipa Hostel

Top Tours from Arequipa
– 4-hour excursion: Sillar Route with Hiking in Culebrillas
– From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour with Meals
– 2-Day Tour Colca Canyon in Arequipa with end in Puno
– Tour to the Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve in Arequipa
– Arequipa: Chili River White Water Rafting with Hotel Pickup

How to Get Around Peru
Getting around Peru can be an adventure in itself, but it’s very doable with a little planning. For longer distances, domestic flights are a huge time-saver, while comfortable long-distance buses connect most major cities and tourist routes.

One of the easiest and most popular options for first-time visitors is Peru Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus service designed specifically for travellers. It connects destinations like Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, and Cusco, with flexible stops, local guides, and hotel pick-ups included making it a stress-free way to see the country.

For shorter trips or exploring at your own pace, taxis, uber, and car rentals round out the options nicely.

Peru SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Peru is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling lomo saltado near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Peru data plan before you even land.

There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.

👉 Get your Peru eSIM with Airalo here

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