Visiting the Colca Canyon is a great 3/4 day trip from Arequipa – you’ll see some stunning scenery as the canyon is the second deepest in the world (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon) with majestic condors flying overhead, plenty of traces of the old Inca construction along the valley; and end it with some adrenaline pumping zip-lining.
If you’re going to hike one trek in Peru, especially as a first timer it will be (and should be) Hiking the 4 days Inca Trail – one of the best travel experiences in the world. But the Colca Canyon trip is one that will cost a fraction of that, be far less busy and allow you to go at your own pace. I really rated it and would have it on your priority highlights for a 2 / 3 week itinerary for the highlights of Peru.