Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon holidays

North of Arequipa is the impressive Colca Canyon. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in North America, this was thought to be the deepest canyon in the world until the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon at 3354m was found to be 163m deeper.

The Colca Valley is usually accessed from Arequipa, either as a private tour or as part of a small group. The journey passes through the Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca where vicuñas are often seen. Llamas, alpacas and snow capped volcanoes may also be seen on the journey over the altiplano which, at the highest point, climbs to 4800m before dropping dramatically down to the Colca Valley and the market town of Chivay.

Travelling along the Colca Valley is like taking a step back in time with traditional agricultural villages set amongst the pre-Inca terraces channelling water to the crops.

A wonderful place for relaxing or hiking, we recommend a stay of at least one night. Included in every visit is the Mirador Cruz del Condor. Here, at a point where the canyon is 1200m deep, condors can be seen gliding on the morning thermals against the dramatic backdrop of the canyon and the distant mountains, volcanoes and glaciers.