Colca Canyon Travel Guide
Travel to Colca Canyon - Witness the flight of the condor
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The Colca Canyon was for many years believed to be the deepest canyon in the world. Although this accolade has been taken by the nearby Cotahuasi Canyon, Colca is still staggering, with a depth in places up to 3,100 metres.
Deep within the canyon, the Colca River, continues to carve its way towards the ocean, and experienced rafting enthusiasts pitch their skills against its wild waters. The terraced slopes of the canyon contain many routes carved over time by ancient society and more recent muleteers, as such it is a wonderful haven for trekkers.
What draws most visitors to Colca, however, is the opportunity to see Condors take flight and soar through the awesome landscapes of the Colca Valley.
Life has existed around the Colca Canyon for centuries, and its remote location has meant that very little has changed of the rural peoples’ lifestyles today. Travelling through the region it is possible to see vicuña, llama and alpaca, as well as the stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Within the Colca Valley it is possible to see archaeological of the ancient Collagua society who inhabited the area, including cave paintings and grain storerooms known as ‘colcas’. In the sixteenth century, small towns were established which still maintain many of their original characteristics, such as their richly-decorated colonial churches and traditional festivals.
The area is known for its excellent regional arts and crafts such as carpets and embroidered clothing. The hot springs of Chivay are popular, but most famous of all is the appropriately named Cruz del Condor - a superb natural lookout where travellers can watch condors circling over the valley.
Attractions in Colca Canyon
See the cave paintings and ‘colca’ grain stores, dip into the hot springs at Chivay and make sure you spend an hour at Cruz del Condor in the morning light to watch the flight of the condor with your own eyes.
Activities in Colca Canyon
The Colca Valley offers excellent opportunities for trekking and rafting. A 2-3 day trekking circuit through the villages of Cabanaconde and Tapay is a popular option.
Relaxing
After a tough few days of trekking, lay back in the mineral-rich waters of the hot springs, and let life return to your muscles.
Getting Around
If time is short, you’ll need transport to see the main places of interest. With time, this region is a perfect location for trekking on foot.
Colca Canyon Reviews
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Posted on:
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Friday, 8th August 2008
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It was an early 2am start and a long drive from Arequipa to get to Cruz del Condor for dawn... driving along bumpy roads, ice formed from the condensation inside the windows of our bus.
As morning came, the Andes began to appear with a glorious Technicolor glow. We saw local life wake up around us, herds of alpaca and vicuna... then reaching the edge of Colca Canyon itself, were able to gaze upon Condors swirling on the thermals right next to us...
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Posted by:
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Stuart
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Posted at:
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18:18
