25 Colca Canyon Facts: Explore One Of The World's Deepest Canyons In Peru!

The Colca Canyon is a beautiful sight to behold due to its dramatic landscape and towering cliffs.

The Colca Canyon is also one of the best places in the world for observing birds. More than 350 species of birds can be found in the canyon, including condors – the largest flying bird in the world!

The Colca Canyon is a beautiful sight to behold due to its dramatic landscape and towering cliffs. As you explore the canyon, you'll see a variety of different landscapes including the high peaks of Andes mountains, flat valley floors, and Inca empire ruins.

This canyon is even twice as deep as the Grand canyon!

The canyon was formed over millions of years by the erosion of the river that runs through it.

It has an average width of over 43.49 mi (70 km) wide with steep cliffs on both sides covered by lush vegetation including fertile agricultural terraces built centuries ago by indigenous people who still live there today! The locals strive to maintain ancestral traditions and also have been practicing the pre-Inca step-terraces.

The local residents continue to practice old traditions and even now they cultivate the stepped terrace's pre-Inca. The starting point of the Colca River is the high of Andes at Condorama Crucero Alto where its name changes to Majes. Further, it is known as Camana before it reaches the Pacific Ocean.

Colca Canyon Location

Approximately 100 mi (160 km) away from the largest city in Peru, Arequipa, lies the town of Chivay. In this sleepy town lies the entrance to the second deepest canyon you can find in Peru called the Colca Canyon.

• Colca Canyon is located in southern Peru near the city of Arequipa Colca valley lies between two volcanoes - Coropuna with 20,922 ft (6377 m) elevation and Ampato with 20,630 ft elevation (6288 m).
• It's about 62.13 mi (100 km) from Tacna international airport with direct flights to lima.
• Colca Canyon has been inhabited by humans for over 12,000 years! Ancient cultures such as the Incas left behind a wealth of archaeological treasures that can still be seen today.
• The easiest way to get to the Colca Canyon is by flying into Juliaca Airport, which is located about two hours away from the canyon.
• You can travel by car too but the roads leading up to the canyon are often narrow and winding, so it's best to hire a driver if you're not comfortable driving in Peru.
• If you are traveling by bus, you can get to the Colca Canyon in about three hours.
• It is an enjoyable experience and the journey will leave you appreciating all the wonderful natural views and pre-Inca agricultural terraces.
• Fun fact, the terraces are still used by the local farmers and cultivators, practicing the traditional way of life.

Landscape Details Of Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is a geographical marvel, with its rugged cliffs and steep slopes. The Colca valley is striking in color and the Andean valley is still filled with towns!

• The Colca Canyon is divided into three sections: the upper canyon, the middle canyon, and the lower canyon.
• The walls of the Colca Canyon are made up of a variety of different rocks, including limestone, sandstone, and shale.
• The Colca Canyon is home to a variety of plant life, including cacti, pine trees, and bromeliads. The canyon's deepest point is in the region of Huambo near the town of Cabanaconde.
• The Colca canyon walls are made up of layers of volcanic rock, which gives them their distinctive red color. The walls are also not as vertical as the ones seen in the Grand Canyon.
• The Cotahuasi Canyon is often seen as a bigger and deeper canyon but it's not true.
• The canyon is also home to a variety of wildlife, including llamas, vicuñas, and Andean condors.
• If you wake up early enough at the Cruz del Condor, you might be able to get a spectacular view of the Andean condor mid-flight.
• The Amazon river can be accessed here from Lake Tuti. Another lake found in this amazing place is Lake Titicaca.
• Lake Titicaca is the most navigable lake in the world so you'll enjoy an awesome rafting experience here!

Animals Present In Colca Canyon

The canyon's surrounding regions are home to 25 native species of mammals including Andean foxes, condors, spectacled bears, pumas, and mountain lions. Other animals include colubrid snakes like the Colca cobra as well as many rodents such as mice, rats, and chinchillas.

• Vicuñas: These wild relatives of the llama are considered to be one of the most endangered animals in the world. Vicuñas are known for their incredibly soft wool, which is highly sought after by textile manufacturers.
• Alpacas: Alpacas are smaller than llamas and have shorter hair. They're prized for their high-quality wool, which is often used to make sweaters, hats, and other clothing items.
• Condors: The Andean condor is the largest bird in South America, with a wingspan of up to 10 ft (3 m).
• These magnificent birds can often be seen soaring over the Colca Canyon. Cruz del condor is a popular tourist site to get a view of these condors in flight!

Colca Canyon Facts For Tourists

There are many small villages scattered throughout the Colca canyon and each one has its own unique character and charm.

They are all worth a visit if you have time to spare! When you head back to Arequipa, you can also stop by the north side of the Colca River and take a look at the remarkably isolated settlements here.

It also contains many thermal hot springs that make perfect spots for bathing after trekking around all day long or swimming in freshwater pools during the summer months when temperatures reach up to 86 F (30 C).

• Colca canyon trekking is a popular activity and there are many different routes to choose from. Some treks take just a few hours while others require several days hiking through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. This canyon is also perfect for you if you adore adventure sports too!
• Biking: Mountain biking is popular in the Colca Canyon because there are so many different routes available for bikers of all skill levels. You can rent bikes at local shops near where you'll be staying while visiting this area.
• Rafting: The Colca River has class III rapids and is perfect for whitewater rafting or kayaking. There are several companies offering guided tours down this beautiful river with expert guides who know how to navigate its currents safely!
• Hiking: There are many trails that wind through the Colca Canyon, making it a great place for hikers of all skill levels. Hikers can choose from easy day hikes or long overnight treks across the canyon floor.