Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon, north of Arequipa, is one of the deepest canyons in the world, roughly twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, a vast Andean gorge carved by the Colca river. Its terraced slopes, farmed since pre-Inca times, and traditional villages in colourful dress preserve an old way of life, and its most famous spectacle is the giant Andean condor, which soars on the morning thermals at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint.

History

Before the Inca, the valley was home to the Quechua-speaking Cabanas and the Aymara-speaking Collaguas; the Inca probably arrived around 1320 and ruled through marriage rather than war, and the Spanish under Gonzalo Pizarro came in 1540. The first passable road from Arequipa came only in the 1940s, and in May 1981 the Polish Canoandes expedition made the first descent of the river below Cabanaconde, after which Guinness recognised Colca in 1984 as possibly the world's deepest canyon (Wikipedia, Colca Canyon).

Highlights

• The Cruz del Condor - the viewpoint where condors soar on the thermals.
• The canyon depth - the vast gorge, one of the deepest on earth.
• The terraced villages - the pre-Inca terraces and traditional towns.
• The hot springs - the thermal baths near Chivay.

When to go

May to November, the dry season, for the best weather and condor sightings, which are best in the early morning; the condors are most reliably seen at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint soon after dawn.

What to expect

It is high, over 3,000 metres and higher at the passes, so acclimatise in Arequipa first. The condors are wild, best seen in the early morning and not guaranteed, so an early start is essential. It is often a long, early day tour from Arequipa; staying overnight in the canyon is more rewarding and less rushed.

Nearby

Arequipa is the gateway city; the villages and hot springs of the canyon lie along the route.

Key facts