Colca Canyon

(Local Name: Cañon del Colca) Although it was once thought to be the deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon (Cañon del Colca) is the second deepest, after nearby Cotahuasi Canyon. It is approximately twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States. Measuring 3400 m deep, the Colca Canyon is the result of a seismic fault between two volcanoes. At the base of the canyon is a winding river.

The Colca Canyon area has been inhabited for thousands of years and was home to the Collagua, Cabana, and eventually the Inca peoples. Stone terracing along the canyon walls dates to 800 AD and is still in use today.

The canyon is approximately a four-hour drive from Arequipa. One-day trips to the canyon