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Colca Canyon Guide

The spectacular Colca Canyon is the deepest or the second deepest canyon in the world (depending on how it is measured!). At 10,729 feet, it is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA. 

The journey to the canyon from Arequipa takes several hours before descending into the Colca Valley and arriving at Chivay, the most important town of the valley. The journey takes you past the volcanoes that overlook Arequipa, to the Altiplano and through a natural Vicuña reserve. Vicuña are the smallest of the South American cameloids and their fibre is one of the finest in the world.  Unlike Alpaca, Llama and Guanaco, Vicuña will not breed in captivity so once a year they are rounded up to be shorn, and are free to roam the area for the rest of the time.

The Cruz Del Condor in the canyon is one of the best places to see the magnificent Andean Condor. With wingspans up to 15 feet they are the largest land-based birds the world.  As the birds fly up on the morning thermals they often swoop just a few feet above the heads of those who come to watch the spectacle.

Along the Colca Canyon you will find unique towns such as Cabanaconde, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, Coporaque and Yanque with its picturesque colonial churches and the charming dressing of countrywomen. Spectacular scenery, traditional towns and villages, ancient Inca terracing and tombs are all part of what makes your visit to Colca Canyon unforgettable. From the canyon you can either return to Arequipa or drive on through mountain scenery to the altiplano or “high plain” where Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

condors in the colca canyon vicunas in the colca canyon