Ultimate Travel Guide to Colca Canyon – Arequipa, Peru
The Colca Canyon is located in a river valley in southern Peru and is famous for being one of the deepest in the world. It is a famous destination for trekking. It is a habitat of the giant Andean condor, which can be seen from viewpoints such as the condor cross. The canyon landscape encompasses a green valley and remote traditional villages with terraced agriculture that predates the Incas. The Colca River is popular for rafting.
Through the Colca Valley we can find samples of ichu and yareta, characteristic vegetation of the area and some animals such as alpacas and vizcachas, a species of medium-sized rodents similar to chinchillas.
The Calca Cayon
The Colca River extends for 450 km on the eastern slope of the Andes mountain range, along its course it changes its name to the Majes River and later becomes the Camaná River. The Colca Valley corresponds to the first portion of the basin of this river and it is there where the Colca Canyon is located.
An important fact to mention is that in 2005 the Polish mathematician and expeditionary Andrew Pietowski announced that in the area adjacent to the town of Quillo Orco, in the district of Huambo, the depth of the Colca Canyon reached 4,160 m on the north side. and 3,600 meters on the south side. An earlier measurement made in 1981 gave the depth as 3,250 m.
As for the settlement of these valleys, it is believed that the first inhabitants arrived in this place about 8,000 years ago, since vestiges of more than 5,000 years are found in the Sumbay cave. Later, 3,000 years ago, a Neolithic revolution took place when the settlers improved their instruments and extractive techniques. Currently you can see terraces with more than 1000 years old that are still used for agriculture.
Where is the Canyon del Colca?
The Colca Canyon is situated in the Arequipa department, south of Peru. Precisely, at 162 kilometers north of the city. The province of Caylloma hosts it and borders the department of Cusco to the north, the provinces of Camaná and Arequipa to the south, the department of Puno to the east, the province of Castilla to the west, and the province of Condesuyos to the northwest.
Colca Canyon altitude
The Colca Canyon goes from 970 to 6,300 meters above sea level. In addition, the extension of the Colca Canyon is around 100 kilometers in a north-south direction. The highest parts of the canyon descend abruptly to the very base of the depression, where the river is located.
How deep is Colca Canyon?
It has 11,154 feet of depth, making it the fourth-deepest canyon in the world. This canyon is just behind its twin, the Arequipa canyon of Cotahuasi (11,297 feet deep), the Nepal canyon of Kali Gandaki Gorge (18,000 feet deep), and the Chinese canyon of Yarlung Tsangpo (18,000 feet deep)
Villages to visit in the Colca Canyon
The natural wealth of the Colca Canyon is reflected in its nearby towns, where the ancestral traditions of the first inhabitants of the canyon are still preserved. These are some of the most interesting places to visit:
Chivay
Entrance point to the canyon and the best-known town in the area. Here, you will find tourist services, local markets, and thermal baths like those of La Calera. It is a good place to acclimatize and start your route.
Yanque
A few kilometers from Chivay, Yanque has one of the most beautiful colonial churches in the valley: the church of the Immaculate Conception. In the mornings, in the main square, you can see traditional dances such as the Wititi.
Cabanaconde
Ideal for adventure seekers, from this town you can access the best hiking trails, such as those that go down to the Sangalle oasis. It is also one of the best places to observe the flight of the condor.
Coporaque
One of the oldest towns in the valley. It is quiet and perfect for getting to know the local lifestyle, with panoramic views and pre-Inca ruins nearby.
Maca
Famous for its baroque church and craft stalls. Although it is a short stop, it is worth stopping to visit its square and try a chicha or cactus ice cream.
The other Attractions of the Colca Canyon
- Laguna de la Mucurca (4350m): You have to go in a 4×4. It offers a magnificent panorama between the Hualca-Hualca, Sabankaya and Ampato volcanoes, as well as the possibility of seeing many birds, among them the pink flamingos.
- The ruins of Kallimarca: It is a pre-Inca religious archaeological site located 1h20 from Cabanaconde. They offer magnificent views over the agricultural terraces, the town of Cabanaconde and the Hualca-Hualca volcano.
- The ruins of Uyo-Uyo: This abandoned town that dominates the valley was the capital of the Colca. You can then head to the abandoned village of Uyo Uyo, which was the capital of the Colca. There are ruins of the Collagua and Inca cultures, as well as remains of their irrigation system.
- The Chimpa Fortress: It is a pre-Inca fortress built by the Collagua people, strategically located and hidden in the beautiful landscape. It can be reached by an ascent of 2h-3h.
- The Hualca-Hualca volcano (6025m): It is possible to climb it by trekking, only for experienced hikers!
- Lari Church: Called the “cathedral” of Colca, it is a beautiful baroque building from the 18th century.
The Condor Cross Viewpoint
The Cruz del Cóndor is a must-see in the Colca Canyon. Some 1,200 meters below, the Colca River flows and in front of it is the Mismi volcano, 5,547 meters high.
It is a viewpoint that not only offers a superb view of the canyon, but also reveals itself as a strategic location to observe the Andean condor, one of the largest birds in the world (it can reach a wingspan of 3.50 meters).
For many, the main motivation for visiting the Colca Canyon is that the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor is not only a good vantage point to enjoy the terraces of the valley, but also that it is very easy to see the flight of the condor.
