By Katherine Pivaral
What if adventure could also mean protection, purpose, and connection?
For over 40 years, Colca Trek has been leading travelers through the soul of southern Peru — especially the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest and most culturally rich places. Behind this trailblazing company stands Vlado Soto, a historian, explorer, and the first-ever trekking guide to descend into the Colca with tourists back in 1981 — the same year the legendary Canoandes expedition brought global attention to the region.
Vlado is not just a guide. He’s an ecologist, a cultural defender, and a true son of the canyon. As Honorary Consul of Poland in Arequipa, and President of APTARE (the regional adventure and ecotourism association), Vlado embodies what it means to protect both nature and people — while inviting others to do the same.
With Colca Trek, travelers walk off the beaten path — exploring quiet trails and avoiding overcrowded tourist stops. Their model? Travel with positive social impact.
🌱 Every trip is 100% carbon compensated, supports local employment, and honors the traditions and landscapes of Arequipa.
💬 “We want to leave the world better than we found it,” says Vlado. And that’s exactly what they’re doing.
Are you ready to discover the Colca through a different lens — one of respect, story, and wonder?
📩 Let us know if you want to explore Colca with intention.
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