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Colca Canyon
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The Colca Canyon in the Arequipa region is one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching a depth of approximately 3,270 meters, which is significantly deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States. The canyon was carved by the Colca River over millions of years and is framed by the massive Sabancaya and Ampato volcanoes. Historically, the valley was home to the Collaguas and Cabanas cultures, who built extensive agricultural terraces long before the Incas, many of which are still in use today. A major draw for visitors is the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where one can observe the majestic Andean condors soaring at close range. The region is not only geologically spectacular but also culturally rich, preserved through the traditional dress and customs of the local inhabitants. Hiking through the canyon involves traversing various ecological zones, from the high-altitude plains to the subtropical valley floor.
- Location: Peru
- Top sights: Mirador Cruz del Cura · Mirador de Wayrac Punku · Tumbes Chulipas
- Nearby: Chivay (32 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 64 | 39 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 16 | 15 | 35 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Travelers typically reach the expansive canyon rim via winding mountain roads originating from the regional hub city. Frequent, well-established local bus services and organized tourist minivans easily connect visitors to the prominent panoramic viewpoints.
Best season
The Andean dry season, which stretches roughly from May to November, features vastly superior conditions with reliable, brilliantly clear skies. Visiting during the wet season severely increases the likelihood of dangerous road washouts and dense, obscuring fog.
Terrain & paths
The geography is exceptionally dramatic, characterized by a staggering drop from the high plateau down to the distant rushing river. Hiking trails descending into the actual gorge are notoriously steep, remarkably uneven, and highly physically taxing.
What to bring
Layered outdoor clothing is essential to handle the massive temperature variations between the chilly, exposed rim and the much warmer valley floor. Additionally, very sturdy trekking poles and rugged hiking boots are vital for safely navigating the steep descents.
Parking
Official parking zones are normally organized directly adjacent to the most famous viewpoints where tourists gather to observe the flying condors. While these areas are relatively safe, it remains prudent to keep all valuable belongings completely hidden from sight.
Safety
Altitude sickness is a very real, common danger at the rim, so visitors should deliberately take ample time to acclimatize beforehand. It is also strictly advised never to stray from the established pathways near the completely unfenced, sheer cliff edges.
Time needed
A straightforward visit exclusively to admire the views and spot condors can typically be thoroughly enjoyed in just half a day. Conversely, ambitious hikers aiming to descend all the way to the canyon bottom must plan for a grueling multi-day expedition.
Geography
Facts
- The canyon reaches a maximum depth of approximately 3,270 meters.
- The Cruz del Condor viewpoint sits 1,200 meters above the canyon floor.
- The valley contains 14 villages established during the colonial era in the 16th century.
- The Colca River is renamed the Majes River as it flows toward the Pacific.
- Andean condors seen here have wingspans of up to 3.2 meters.
- The highest nearby peak is the Ampato volcano at 6,288 meters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Colca Canyon (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where to see condors?
At the 'Cruz del Cóndor' viewpoint in the early morning.
How long is the descent?
It takes several hours to reach the bottom of the canyon.
Is the canyon family-friendly?
The viewpoints yes, trekking is strenuous.
Are there hot springs?
Yes, for example in Chivay there are well-known baths.
Best season?
Dry season, May to September.
Colca Canyon: where is it located?
Colca Canyon is located in Peru.
Colca Canyon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mirador Cruz del Cura, Mirador de Wayrac Punku, Tumbes Chulipas.
Colca Canyon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Colca Canyon: why is it worth visiting?
The Colca Canyon in the Arequipa region is one of the deepest canyons in the world, reaching a depth of approximately 3,270 meters, which is significantly deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States.
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Nearby cities
Arequipa
Known as the 'White City'.
Tacna
The "heroic city" of Tacna sits on Peru's southern border, rich in patriotic history and desert charm.
Puerto Maldonado
The capital of biodiversity in the southern Amazon basin and the gateway to the pristine Tambopata and Manu reserves.
Moquegua
An elegant colonial city nestled in a fertile valley, known for its world-class Piscos and sunny streets.
Urubamba
A peaceful town in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic Andean peaks.
Chivay
A picturesque Andean town and the main gateway to the breathtaking Colca Canyon.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Condor Cross (Cruz del Cóndor)
A spectacular viewpoint on the edge of the Colca Canyon, the best place to watch Andean condors in flight.
Sabancaya Volcano
An extremely active, heavily glaciated stratovolcano near the Colca Canyon, often emitting ash clouds.
Mount Ampato
A dormant, ice-capped volcano in the Andes where the famous Inca ice mummy 'Juanita' was discovered in 1995.
Nevado Mismi
A glaciated mountain peak whose meltwater ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean after a long journey through the Amazon.
Pampa de La Joya
A desert plain in southern Peru, often used for space research due to its extreme aridity and Mars-like landscape.
Chachani
A massive volcanic complex near Arequipa, often considered the easiest six-thousander to climb due to the lack of glaciers.
Cerro Verde Mine
A massive open-pit copper mine located near the city of Arequipa.
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Orcopampa Mine
An underground gold and silver mine located at high elevation in the Arequipa region.