Colca Canyon

Situated about 150km to the northwest of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon was long considered to be the worlds deepest. Although that title has now been transferred to the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon, this stunning and diverse area still pulls in many visitors.

Its not difficult to see why - the beauty and drama of Colca is hard to equal. The steep descents of the cliffs and the dangerous rapids of the river are countered by the gorgeous serenity of the oasis below Cabanaconde. Deep in the canyon, the climate is almost tropical, harbouring ferns, palm trees and even some orchids. On the plateau and higher slopes the air is cool and dry, but the depth of the chasm and frequent sunny weather creates updrafts, on which the areas famous condors soar.

It is not only modern trekkers who have been attracted to the area. In many rocky shelters within the canyon, paintings and carvings testify to nomadic hunters having passed through here 5,000 years ago, and dating from a more recent period, the Colca Canyon has some of the most extensive agricultural terracing in Peru. Although often seen as synonymous with the Incas, the Collahua people had been practicing terraced farming in the valley for many years before the arrival of the Inca empire.

From more recent history, it is possible to find impressive colonial churches, built using the proceeds of the gold and silver mines dotted around the canyon.

Some of the surrounding volcanoes have a spiritual significance for local people, including Mt Mismi (5,597m), considered to be the true source of the Amazon; Mt Coropuna, the third highest mountain in Peru, and Mt Ampato, on the high slopes of which the Inca Mummy, nicknamed Juanita, was found.

There are a wide variety of superb walks which can be done, ranging from longer 5-6 day treks to short day walks. Organized expeditions tend to take in the surrounding area as well; if you dont have long then much of the canyons splendor can be gleaned from a day walk to the oasis from Cabanaconde see Routes.