You are in: / Peru / Colca Canyon

Photo by kind permission of Senderos/Rainforest Expeditions

Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon, about 100 miles northwest of Arequipa, is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in America.

The name Colca actually refers to small holes in the cliffs in the valley and canyon. These holes were used in Inca and pre-Inca times to store food, such as potatoes and other Andean crops. They were also used as tombs for important people.

Along the Colca Canyon you will find a path studded with unique towns such as Cabanaconde, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, Coporaque and Yanque with their picturesque colonial churches and be charmed by the traditionally dressed countrywomen. After visiting these towns, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dip in La Calera thermal spring.

You cannot miss the amazing spectacle of watching Condors flying at the “Cruz del Condor” viewpoint, the highest point of the Colca Canyon. Although you are never guaranteed a fly-by at this spot condors often soar gracefully on the rising thermals. The condors hunt in the early morning and late afternoon, so these are the best times to see them.

To visit the Colca Canyon we recommend the following hotels:

The Colca Lodge is a unique, 33 roomed hotel set right in the middle of the Colca Valley overlooking the Colca river. As you can imagine there are some great views from the rooms! More…

This newly opened and extremely comfortable Orient-Express property, Las Casitas del Colca boasts twenty individual casitas offering privacy, exclusivity and an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Colca Canyon in true style. More…

Let us tailor-make your holiday to Peru to include Machu Picchu

Include the Amazon Jungle in your Peru itinerary with Imagine Latin America

Include the Nasca Lines in your Peru holiday with Imagine Latin America

Any questions? Call Jo on 0207 622 1116 or click here to email her.

IMAGINE LATIN AMERICA
16 Bromells Road
Clapham Common
LONDON
SW4 0BG

t: 0207 622 1116
f: enquiry form
e: email us
n: sign up for our newsletter

Click here to get some itinerary ideas for your holiday to Peru

We are ATOL protected. ATOL number: 6607