Day Hike | Yanque to Coporaque & Fascinating Uyo-Uyo Pre-Inca Site

This is a map and basic overview on how to take an awesome day hike in the Colca Canyon from Yanque to Coporaque Peru. This lovely day hike includes: beautiful viewpoints, otherworldly desert landscapes, cute hamlets, Pre-Inca burial sites, and the fascinating Archaeological Site of Uyo-Uyo that was inhabited by the Collawa, or Collagua culture.

The best place to begin this hike is from charming Yanque, which is located 20 miles before the ticketed area of the Colca Cayon and is one of the most spectacular villages in the entire canyon. Yanque can easily be reached from Chivay, a busy transportation hub that provides frequent routes to and from the Colca Canyon.

🚐 Chivay to Yanque Collectivos | Cost: $1.30 PEN (30¢) | Depart when full, three blocks from the Chivay Plaza de Armas near here | Duration: 10 minutes

There are many things to do in Yanque including the worthwhile day hike to Coporaque Peru.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

Logistics of Hiking from Yanque to Coporaque Peru

• Loop Trail
• The trailhead leaves Yanque near Le Foyer Colca Hostel, and ends near the road by the Uyo-Uyo Archaeological Site. If you wish, the road leads back to Yanque or alternatively to the hot springs.
• Yanque to Coporaque Peru Mileage: 3.25 miles
• Total Mileage: Around 6.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate, some sections of the trail are steep and the altitude is quite high.
• It's best to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the intense desert heat.
• Trail Markers: The trail follows along a dirt path without trail markers, but there are some signboards along the way. An offline map really comes in handy!
• Excursion Duration: +/- 6 hours, depending on hiking skills, how much time you spend at each highlight along the route, ect.
• Note, Yanque is included in the non-ticketed section of the Colca Canyon, so the 70 PEN ($17.25 USD) entrance ticket is not required to do this hike to Coporaque Peru.
• Day Hike Essentials

  • Daypack with plenty of water and snacks
  • Good Hiking Shoes with ankle support
  • Sunscreen
  • Baseball hat or buff to protect from sun
  • Lightweight long sleeve for sun protection & hiking pants
  • Hiking poles if you wish
  • Offline Map & battery pack

Yanque to Coporaque Peru

As stated, follow the road out of town near Le Foyer Colca Hostel, cross the orange bridge, and head up to the main road. From here, look for the uphill dirt path that will put you on the main trail to Corporaque Peru. The main trail is obvious and easy to follow.

Enjoy sweeping views of the Colca Canyon. In December, the cactuses were blooming beautiful white flowers. The first mirador is Chiqra at 9,843 ft (3,000 m). The views of the distant volcanoes are incredible. Volcan Sabancaya is usually smoking, as it's still quite active. Continue to San Antonio Mirador at a whopping 11,827 ft (3,605 m). After that take the scenic path into the village, where you will notice crumbling ruins along the route.

In Coporaque Peru, appreciate the small Plaza de Armas and church. There is a charm to the village and there are plenty of tiendas to grab snacks and benches to sit on.

When ready, head past the Plaza de Armas and look for the clearly marked signboard towards Uyo-Uyo.

Coporaque Peru to Uyo-Uyo

Leave Corporaque Peru and continue on the path to the unique Pre-Inca burial sites of the Collagua culture. Skulls and bones are still in their resting places. This is the highest point of the Colca Canyon day hike.

After that, start downhill to meet up with the San Antonio Mirador again. Follow the trail back to where you started, but instead of going back down to the road, continue on the path that is well defined to the entrance of Uyo-Uyo Archaeological Site.

Uyo-Uyo Pre-Inca Site | Standard Admission: 5 PEN ($1.25 USD)

At Uyo-Uyo, there are many trails to wander around and explore. Make sure to go check out the waterfall. When you're done exploring, leave the park via the mirador and head to the road.

End of Trail

Once you reach the road, there are two options. Follow the road and head back past the main entrance of Uyo-Uyo. Continue to the path and walk across the same bridge you started at and continue back to Yanque. This is an additional 1.25 miles.

Alternatively, head down towards the river and soak in one of the many Yanque hot springs.

Alternative Colca Canyon Day Hike to Coporaque

The route from Yanque to Corporaque Peru and onto the Uyo-Uyo ruins is a fantastic alternative Colca Canyon day hike for those travelers looking for something a little different. As it's outside the main ticketed area, it sees far less visitors and is more "off the the beaten path." Read the complete and detailed blog post here:

Colca Canyon Day Hike from Yanque to Coporaque Peru and the Uyo-Uyo Ruins

More Arequipa & Colca Canyon Travel Resources

• 4 Day Colca Canyon Trek Without a Guide
• 8 Adventurous Things to Do in Yanque Peru
• Soak in the Yanque Hot Springs
• 14 Wonderful Peru Hot Springs You Need to Visit
• 10 Awesome Things to Do in Arequipa
• 10 Must Try Typical Dishes from Arequipa
• Visit these 3 Districts in Arequipa
• Where to Eat in Arequipa Peru
• 32 Landmarks in Peru You Need to Visit