The spectacular canyons offer many excellent hiking options. Trekking agencies can arrange a whole array of off-the-beaten-track routes to suit your timescale and fitness level. Although you can trek year-round, the best (ie driest) time is from May to November. There is more danger of rockfalls in the canyons during the wet season (between December and April).

If you're nervous about hiking solo or want to tackle more untrammeled routes, there are dozens of tour companies based in Arequipa that can arrange guided treks. Be sure you book with a reputable company, never exchange money with touts on the street and always ask to see your guide's guiding card and booklet listing all the places that he or she has experience guiding.