Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is a large canyon in southern Peru’s Arequipa Department, notable for its depth and terraced valley agriculture. It is often cited as one of the deepest canyons in the world, with a maximum depth of about 3,270 meters.

The valley has been occupied and farmed for centuries by local Andean communities, with pre-Inca and Inca-era terracing still visible. The area became a regular destination for travelers and scientific visitors during the 20th century as road access and tourism infrastructure improved.

Colca Canyon sits in the high Andes of Arequipa Region, roughly northwest of the city of Arequipa; the usual visitor gateway is the town of Chivay in the Colca Valley. The landscape is high-altitude puna and steep canyon walls carved by the Colca River.

• Depth: The canyon reaches a maximum depth of about 3,270 meters from rim to river, making it one of the deepest in the world.
• Best wildlife viewing: Early morning at viewpoints such as Cruz del Condor gives the best chance to see Andean condors on thermal lifts.

What to See #

• Cruz del Condor: A popular viewpoint on the canyon rim where Andean condors are frequently seen riding thermal updrafts in the early morning.
• Chivay: Market town that serves as the main visitor hub and transport gateway for the canyon; located at roughly 3,600 m above sea level and used by most tours as a base.
• Sangalle (the Oasis): Oasis near the canyon floor with lodges and campsites used by trekkers on multi-day hikes that descend into the canyon.