The Colca Canyon: Witness a larger-than-life spectacle of nature

Located 3 hours north of Arequipa and at an altitude of 3500 meters, the Colca Canyon boasts some stunning Andean landscapes and is famous for its condors and thermal baths. The road which leads to it is now asphalted and it is home to some lovely hotels. Even if the valley itself still contains some dirt roads, one can now visit the Colca Canyon in perfectly comfortable conditions.

The Canyon is often depicted as being the “deepest in the world”. This statement is debatable, as it depends on how the depth of the Canyon is measured. From the “Condor Cross” viewpoint (“Cruz del Condor”), the river flows 1000 meters below and on the other side, the mountains overlook the Canyon from 2000 meters up, which is a very impressive sight.

Possible activities in the Colca Canyon:

The traditional excursion lasts two days, and will take you around the main sights of interest in the Canyon : the hillside terraces, the condors and thermal baths. This excursion can be done as a group (generally in a minibus shared with 15-25 other travelers, with an English & Spanish-speaking guide) or by private vehicle with a English-speaking guide. In any case, you won´t be alone waiting to see the flight of the condors! The Canyon is a very frequented place due to the beauty of its landscapes and nature, but you will be always be able to feel relaxed and far from home.

You could also opt for a 3-day hike, in order to explore the depths of the Colca and its isolated villages, which one can access only on foot. Accommodation comfort is much more basic here, and it is very much advised to be in good physical shape in order to brave the 1000 meter climbs, on the way down as well as the way up.

If you enjoy physical activity but don’t want to work too hard or sacrifice accommodation comfort, the excursion can be done in 2 days, with an added day in the Canyon to take a horse ride, or an easier walk through the open parts of the valley. This will be your chance to come into contact with rural life of the Andes, and to meet some local farmers as they guide their herds to the fields.

Another option is also to lodge with a host family for a night, and then to spend a day with them discovering their traditions and ways of life.

Excursions in the Colca Canyon normally end in Arequipa, but it is also possible to go straight to Puno, on the banks of Lake Titicaca, which saves you a day on the whole tour. The benefits of spending a night in Arequipa on the way back is the added rest, which is especially helpful in order to acclimatize to the altitude.