Colca & Cotahuasi
The deepest canyons in the world
The region of Arequipa features Peru's deepest canyons, the Colca (3,400 meters / 11,154 ft) and Cotahuasi (3,535 meters / 11,598 ft). The Colca Valley has become a paradise for adventure travelers since it is ideal for river running, trekking and mountain biking as well as other sports. The length of the valley is studded with 14 towns rich in tradition and which have
preserved their religious festivities and folk art and music. The surrounding landscape includes the Hualca-Hualca, Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes.
Cotahuasi Canyon is located in an inter-Andean valley that also has its traditional villages, more than 100 thermal sprints, waterfalls, geological faults and beautiful vistas of the snow-capped Coropuna and Solimana mountains. The area is ideal for hiking, river running, rock climbing, paragliding and mountain biking, and there is also a rich variety of animal and plant life. There are picturesque villages such as Pampamarca, whose people are skilled in working with alpaca wool to knit sweaters and weave rugs and other items; Callata is the most attractive town in the area, and noted for its cemeteries posted on the hillsides and known as the Cliffs of Tenajaja.
Colca Canyon (depth 3400 meters-11,154 ft). Colca is the Quechua word for 'granary'. The canyon is formed by the Colca River and its length is covered in hundreds of pre-Hispanic terraces, which are still used today and are proof of the high degree of farming expertise of the ancient Peruvians. The towns along this valley preserve their colonial churches, ancient customs and traditional festivities. Vistas include the volcanoes of Coropuna, Ampato and Sabancaya. The highest point is the lookout point of Cruz del Condor, which offers the unforgettable experience of seeing condors in their natural habitat. Two days are recommended for this excursion, staying overnight at Chivay.
Cotahuasi Canyon (depth 3,535 meters - 11,598 ft). Located in an inter-Andean valley with traditional towns such as Cotahuasi (2,683 meters / 8,802 ft); hot medicinal springs such as those at Luicho; waterfalls such as those at Sipia, with a drop of 250 meters / 820 ft; and vistas of snow-capped peaks of Coropuna and Solimana. It is home to a wide variety of animal and plant life. The area is ideal for hiking, river running and rock climbing.
How to Get There
Overland, from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon, 164 kms (102 miles) in 3 1/2 hours. Access is also possible from Puno.
Overland, from Arequipa to the Cotahuasi Canyon: 375 km/233 miles in 9 hours.
Lodging
Up to three-star hotels in the towns along the Colca Valley.
Activities
Condor watching, trekking, horseback riding, river running, eco-tourism, llama treks, wildlife watching.
Tourist Services
Transport (car, bus), full trekking and river running services provided. Cotahuasi should be visited through a specialized travel firm.
Recommendations
Avoid over-exertion for a few hours on arrival, eat easily-digestible food and drink coca tea to ward off high-altitude sickness.
Other Attractions
Valley of the Volcanoes in Andagua; ascent of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes; National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca.
Minimum Length of Stay
- Colca Canyon: three days from Arequipa to take in the canyon and other attractions, four to seven days for trekking down to the bottom of the canyon.
- Cotahuasi Canyon: a minimum of six to seven days is required.
Season / Climate
The Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons can be visited yearround, although the best time of year for trekking and river running is between April and November. A temperate climate, with cool afternoons and cold nights.
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