Descent into Colca Canyon near Arequipa, Peru

Colca Canyon, near the city of Arequipa, stands out even in a country known for its diverse natural beauty. This scenic wonder, which lost its title of deepest canyon in the world to nearby Cotahuasi Canyon, is best known for the Andean condor colonies which call it home. As the sun begins to heat the canyon each morning, these massive, endangered birds ride the rising thermals, soaring in ever-higher circles while barely needing to flap their wings. In the mornings, travelers gather at the canyon’s most famous lookout, Condor’s Cross, to await the flight. As striking as it is to see these giants at close range, or to notice how they block out the sun above you, the canyon is a geological wonder with plenty more to offer visitors. 

Many people choose to simply visit Colca as a daytrip: arriving by bus, having breakfast in Chivay, and visiting Condor’s Cross lookout before departing the canyon, stopping briefly at Salinas Aguadas Reserve enroute back to Arequipa. The downside to this plan is that the majority of the excursion is actually spent on the bus, with only a few hours to enjoy a superficial part of the canyon. (The bus trip takes three and a half hours each way.) For those with no time to spare, it’s certainly better than not visiting at all, but those with more time should consider a trek into the canyon itself.

Trekkers will be treated to a range of sights that other visitors often don’t get to see. Among them is a variety of very large Incan and pre-Incan agricultural terraces which are still in use today, with the same ancient irrigation systems they were constructed with. There are also colcas, structures from the same period which were built for crop storage.

You are likely to spot vicuña, giant hummingbirds, Andean condors, and flamingoes (during the September through March season). Other notable sights include the hotsprings, the picturesque canyon towns, the small fields of subsistence crops, and the Oasis at the canyon floor, complete with a pool and a nearby waterfall accessible by short hike.

If trekking is not your style, consider alternative trips to accommodate your interests- adrenaline junkies can downhill mountain bike, pre-Colombian rituals are available for those interested in mysticism, as are homestays for immersion travelers. You can visit independently by buying your own bus ticket, and purchasing a Tourist Ticket once you reach Chivay. Or, you can contact an agency in Arequipa to arrange visits or treks of several days’ duration.

To arrange visits to the Canyon, or receive information on how to get there, visit our hostel in Arequipa, Pirwa Park Hostel Arequipa, or contact Pirwa Travel at pirwatravel@gmail.com.