Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, plunging 4,160 meters to make it the fourth deepest on Earth. Located in the province of Caylloma, in the Arequipa region, its name comes from the Collaguas and Cabanas peoples who have inhabited the banks of the Colca River since ancient times.

The Colca is far more than a dramatic landscape: it is a living territory where extreme nature coexists with Andean communities that maintain their traditions, dress and rituals from pre-Inca times.

History and Culture of the Valley

The Colca Valley was inhabited more than 2,000 years ago by the Collaguas to the south and the Cabanas to the north. These groups developed remarkable agricultural engineering, constructing thousands of andenes (stepped terraces on the mountainsides) that are still used by local communities today.

With the arrival of the Inca Empire, the valley was incorporated into the Tawantinsuyo. During the Spanish Colonial period, populations were concentrated into towns or “reducciones” that survive to this day with their white-stone baroque churches.

One of the most striking features of Colca communities is the traditional dress of the women, particularly their embroidered hats: the Collaguas wear cylindrical hats while the Cabanas wear more elaborate ones decorated with flowers. This visual difference, maintained for centuries, is one of the most authentic cultural spectacles in Peru.

The Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint

The most visited point of Colca Canyon is the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, located about 60 km from Chivay. From here you can contemplate the full depth of the canyon and observe Andean condors in free flight.

The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) has the largest wingspan of any bird in the world (up to 3.2 meters from wingtip to wingtip) and is one of the most endangered. The Colca is home to one of the largest condor colonies on the planet, making it one of the best places in the world to observe this majestic bird.

Condors typically appear between 7:00 and 10:00 in the morning, when warm air currents rising from the canyon floor allow them to soar effortlessly to great heights. Arriving at the viewpoint before 8:00 am gives the best chances of sightings.

Chivay and the Hot Springs

Chivay is the main town of the valley and the service hub for visitors. At 3,635 meters above sea level, it is the arrival point for those coming from Arequipa and the place to find guides, accommodation, restaurants and tour agencies.

Near Chivay are the famous La Calera hot springs, natural warm water sources that emerge at temperatures up to 40°C. After a day of trekking through the canyon, soaking in these waters is an unforgettable experience.

Activities

• Condor watching: the star activity of the Colca.
• Trekking to the canyon floor: a 2-day hike to the Sangalle oasis, where there are natural pools. Challenging but extraordinary.
• White water rafting: the Colca River offers rapids suitable for various difficulty levels.
• Mountain biking: mountain bike routes at different difficulty levels.
• Homestay tourism: some communities welcome visitors to share daily life, food and rituals.

How to Get There

Lima – Arequipa: Flight, approximately 1 hour 25 minutes

Arequipa – Chivay: Bus, approximately 4 hours 30 minutes

Chivay – Colca Canyon: Bus, approximately 10 minutes

Opening Hours

Varies by visit type and tour operator. Consult locally or with agencies.

Entry Price

Varies by operator and tour type. Verify current prices before visiting.