The Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is said to be twice the depth of Arizona’s Grand Canyon; but having lived in Arizona and hiked into the Grand Canyon, we would not agree with that statement. Even though the "canyon" is very deep; I would say that the Colca "Canyon" is not so much a traditional canyon as it is a deep river basin. Of course, each "canyon" has it's own unique beauty! The Colca Valley is extremely deep and picturesque. It is formed by the Colca River; surrounded by huge mountains, small villages, interesting market places, colonial churches, and green agricultural terraces hugging the hillsides with herds of wandering llamas. The Colca Valley is 124 miles long and 11,155 feet deep. It's Colca River is a popular "White Water" rafting spot with a world wide reputation. Because the valley is very deep, the rising winds are strong and the condors in the area, take advantage of these winds to soar gracefully into the sky. Located between Maca and Cabanaconde, where the winds are even stronger, is the "Cruz del Condor" lookout point. It is the most popular viewing point from which to see the Colca Valley and it is also a good place to see the giant condors soaring on their incredible wingspans above the depths of the canyon below. The main towns are Chivay, Cabanaconde, Huambo, Maca, Achoma, Yunque, Larl and Coporaque. Each town has a beautiful stone church and central plaza with a rectangular street plan of adobe houses sited on a natural river terrace. These major terraces have been further terraced for agriculture, producing maize and potatoes dating back to pre-Inca times. In fact the area has been inhabited by man for over 7000 years. In addition to being the first village on the edge of the canyon, Chivay is also the major point linking the two sides. Many people stay overnight in Chivay Town, located about three hours from Arequipa, and just a a little over an hour from the "Crux del Condor" lookout. On the opposite side of the bridge is the old Inca road to Cusco, which is marked by a path that heads up to ancient stone grain stores. You’ll also find several Inca storehouses on the hillside above the trail. If you’re up for a walk, head to Chivay’s 18th century church Nuestra Señora Asunción, or to the bridge with Inca foundations, which is located just outside of town. Because of the volcanic nature of the region, there are hot springs in many different areas of the valley. The main ones are Chivay, Yunque, Callalli, La Calera, Huancarama, Yura and Jesus. Furthermore, these hot springs are frequently related to 'puquiales", natural sources of cold, extremely pure and 100% potable water. La Calera hot springs at Chivay a wonderful way to relax after a day's touring. The Colca Valley's spectacular terracing is considered among the most extensive in southern Peru. These terraces, which allow cultivation and irrigation of the steep slopes of the canyon, were built by the Collagua and Cabana ethnic groups between the ninth and fourteenth centuries AD. The Collaguas occupied the eastern and central parts of the valley and the Cabanas settled in the lower part of the Colca Valley. Today the inhabitants of the Colca Valley still use some of the terraces for cultivation of corn, potatoes, broad beans, alfalfa, quinua, barley and wheat. While the Colca Canyon two day or longer tour was very nice, we would recommend that the direct trip, which leaves Arequipa at 3 AM in the morning and gets back at about 6 PM, would be a much better choice if you only have a short time to stay in Peru. We would especially make this recommendation if you are experiencing any altitude sickness. We used the city of Arequipa as our base while preparing to visit Colca Canyon. Arequipa is well known for its glistening white buildings made from sillar, a white volcanic rock, which gives the city its nickname 'La Ciudad Blanca' or 'The White City'. Arequipa is Peru's second largest city and was founded in 1540. The site was chosen for its proximity to the coast, enabling settlers to trade the products of Cusco and the mines of Potosi (Bolivia) with Lima. The local cultivation of wheat, corn and grapes all contributed to the regions economic growth. Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanoes; El Misti, still active at 19100.82 feet, the higher and extinct Chachani 19930.86 feet and Pichu Pichu 18277.34 feet. The melt water from the snow-capped peaks of these volcanoes form the headwaters of the mighty Amazon River, thousands of kilometers away. We visited Colca Canyon on April 23, 2006 through April 24, 2006. We left from the Libertador Hotel In Arequipa Peru on April 23, 2006 At 8:00 AM. We returned at about 6:00 PM on April 24, 2006. Leaving Arequipa, we headed northeast of the city towards Yura, past El Misti Volcano, climbing behind Mt. Chachani into the high altitude desert savannah - known as puna - crossing Pampa Cañahuas, a chance to see vicuñas and views of the volcano of Sabancaya and the snow-capped peaks above the Colca Valley passing by the village of Chivay. The peaks are 15747.84 feet tall. We then stopped at the Pass Of Patapampa between Arequipa and Chivay is at an altitude of 15911.88 feet to admire the distant volcanoes amidst an area strewn with little stone prayer cairns built by the native travelers over the pass. The road then zigzags down to the village of Chivay, the biggest of about 14 villages in the Colca Valley established by the Viceroy Toledo in the 16th century, who insisted that the rural converted Indians live close together. There we have lunch and then are driven to our hotel for the evening, the Colca Canyon Lodge. At around 7:00 AM the next morning we head towards the Cruz del Condor vantage point, a spot from where you have an extremely good view on the and from where you can observe best the spectacular flight of the condors. On the way we stop at the Mirador de Choquetico vantage point to see a a Shrine to Apu, the mountain god. The Inca believed that, by terracing, they were affecting the body of Apu, the mountain god. They would commonly carve the plans for the terracing on the mountain wall, seeking Apu's approval and a bountiful harvest. Also at Mirador de Choquetico we saw the fantastic hanging tombs or in Spanish "tumbas colgantes"; which resulted in the Colca Valley's name. We then stopped at the Cruz del Condor vantage point for about two hours to see some wonderful views of Colca Canyon and the famous Peruvian "Andean Condors" that frequent the area. After viewing the condors, we returned back the way we had come to the Mirador de Antahuilque vantage point to view the Colca Valley Terraces and three mysterious lagoons.

Colca Canyon Area Map

Colca Canyon Detail Map, Courtesy of Rumi Llaqta Hotel

Click Here To See A Video Of A Very Funny Alpaca 7.86 MB File

View Of Pampa Canahuas, A Reserve For Vicuñas

On April 23, 2006 At 8:00 AM We left The Libertador Hotel Ciudad Blanca In Arequipa Peru, For Colca Canyon	We Stop In A Residencial Area To Pick Up Some Other People
We Then Drive By Arequipa's Plaza de Armas	And "La Compañia de Jesus" Arequipa's Cathedral, Founded 1612
Urban Areas Are Growing All Around Arequipa	Small Municipalities Are Springing Up Where There Was Nothing A Few Years Ago
There Are Businesses And Schools Developing	Caused By The Population Movement Into The Cities From The Farms
We Pass A Cement Plant A Few Miles Outside Of Town	We Leave All Of This Behind As We Drive Higher In Altitude
As We Climb Higher We See Many Volcanoes	Another Volcano
We Are Now At The Famous Protected Reserve, Pampa Canahuas	A Reserve For Vicuñas And Other Indigenous Species
Vicunas	Vicuñas Mother & Baby
Next To The Village Of Cañahuas	On The Banks Of The Sumbay River
Are These Strange Sandstone Formations	The "Stone Forest Of Puruna"
Cañahuas Village Market	Canahuas Village Market El Misti Volcano In Background
Canahuas Village Market	Canahuas Village Market
Canahuas Village Market	Canahuas Village Market
We Leave Canahuas Village	And See Alpoca On The Road
A Little Further And We Drive Through The Pass Of Patapampa In Addition To Volcanos	We See These Amazing Rock Cairns They Are Where Prayers Are Made By Travelers To The Area
Patapampa Prayer Rock Cairns	Patapampa Prayer Rock Cairns
This Llama Is Near The Drop Off Into Chivay Town	A View Of Chivay Town
Our Chivay Town Resturant	Our Chivay Town Resturant
Inside The Resturant	Good Food
Chivay Town Street	Chivay’s 18th Century Church Nuestra Señora Asunción
From Chivay Town We Are Headed For Colca Canyon Lodge	And A Good Meal! We Will See Condors Tomorrow!