Canon Del Colca

Discovering the Natural Wonders of Cañon del Colca

Located in southern Peru, Cañon del Colca is one of the deepest canyons in the world, offering breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor activities. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best places to visit, eat, stay, and explore in Cañon del Colca.

Where to Visit

The Canyon

The main attraction of Cañon del Colca is, without a doubt, the canyon itself. With depths reaching over 4,000 meters, it’s more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The views are simply stunning, with towering cliffs, lush green valleys, and traditional Andean villages.

Cruz del Condor

This iconic viewpoint offers panoramic views of the canyon and is a great spot to see the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead.

Tapay Village

This charming village is nestled at the bottom of the canyon and offers a glimpse into traditional Andean life. Visit the local market, try some local cuisine, and explore the ancient ruins nearby.

Where to Eat

El Chinito

Located in the town of Chivay, El Chinito serves up delicious Peruvian cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their famous rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers).

Café del Valle

This cozy café in Cabanaconde offers stunning views of the canyon while you enjoy a cup of coffee or a light meal.

Where to Stay

Hotel Kuntur Wasi

Located in Chivay, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere. Take advantage of their spa services and enjoy a soak in the hot tub after a long day of exploring.

Casa Andina

In Cabanaconde, Casa Andina provides rustic but cozy accommodations with breathtaking views of the canyon from every room.

Activities and Tips

Hiking

Cañon del Colca offers numerous hiking trails for all levels, from easy day hikes to multi-day treks. Be sure to hire a local guide to get the most out of your hike.

Biking

Explore the canyon on two wheels with a guided bike tour. The scenic routes and downhill rides are not to be missed!

Hot Springs

Relax in the natural hot springs at La Calera, located near Chivay. Soak away any fatigue from hiking or biking.

Andean Culture

Take part in a traditional Andean ceremony or festival to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Other Things of Interest

Pre-Inca Ruins

Explore the ancient ruins of Sumbay, Pinchollo, and Maca, which date back to the pre-Inca era.

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for the Andean condor, llama, alpaca, and vicuña, all of which call Cañon del Colca home.

Festivals

Cañon del Colca is known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción in August. Be sure to plan your trip around one of these colorful events!

Getting There

The closest airport is in Arequipa, from which you can take a bus or taxi to Chivay or Cabanaconde.

Language and Currency

While many locals speak some English, it’s still recommended to learn basic Spanish phrases. The Peruvian sol is the local currency, although US dollars are widely accepted.

In conclusion, Cañon del Colca is a nature lover’s paradise, rich in culture and history. With its stunning scenery, exciting outdoor activities, and warm hospitality, this destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.