Colca Canyon in southern Peru is the deepest canyon in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. It goes down 10,730 ft (3,270 m). It is located in the Colca Valley along the Colca river. The Colca Valley offers a beautiful scenery of volcanoes, snow-capped peaks, pre-Inca stepped terraces and charming towns. Private Lima Tours with Sara tells you how to arrive, what to see and when to go to Colca.
Where is Colca
Colca is located about 100 miles northwest of Arequipa, the second largest city of Peru. Arequipa is known as the “White City” due to its buildings made of white volcanic stones. Here you can find how to reach Arequipa from Lima.
How to arrive to Colca
The only way to arrive from Arequipa is by land.
What to see on your trip to Colca
It takes three hours to arrive from Arequipa to Chivay, the first town and entrance to the Colca Valley.
On our way to Chivay you will pass through the following spots:
1. National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca
The Reserve contains:
Volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, Urbinas and Pichupichu.
Puruña Stone Forest: An impressive area formed by natural stone pillars which make it appear like a mysterious petrified forest.
A huge population of camelids: Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos.
Beautiful lakes, home of a big diversity of birds.
2. Pampa Cañahuas
At Pampa Cañahuas you will see the vicuñas at their natural habitat. Vicuña is a South American camelide, the wild ancestor of alpacas. They produce the world´s most expensive wool.
3. Mirador de los Andes
It is located in Patapampa, at more than 14,800 ft. This is the highest point on your trip. From this watchtower you can appreciate a magnificent view of the volcanoes Misti, Chachani and Mismi. You can also observe the Ampato Glacier (20,630 ft). In 1995 at the crater of this dormant volcano was found the mummy of a young girl of about 14 years old, dating back to approximately 1450 AD. She had been killed as sacrifice for the gods. Originally named as “Juanita”, she is nowadays known as “The Lady of Ampato“. She can be seen at the Museo de Santuarios Andinos in the city of Arequipa.
4. Chivay
This small town of about 5000 inhabitants is located at 11,926 ft. The main attractions in Chivay are:
La Calera Thermal Waters
In this complex you can enjoy natural hot springs reaching 98 F in a beautiful mountain setting.
The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
This is an 18th century colonial church. It holds a barroque altar and precious mural paintings.
5. Yanque
Yanque is four miles from Chivay. Every morning dancers offer a show to the tourists at their Main Square. You will appreciate the beauty of their intricate embroidered dresses and the complicated coreography of their dance. They dance the ancient Wititi which origin goes back to Pre-Inca times.
6. Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross)
This watchtower located at 12,470 ft offers a privileged view of the majestic flight of the Peruvian condor, the biggest flying bird in the world. The wingspan of a condor reaches 10 ft. The best time to watch them in action is between 8:00 and 10:00 am.
When to go to Colca
Although you can visit Colca any time of the year, the best season is between March and June. The rainy season is over. The valley is fully covered with a very attractive gren color. This is also the best time to appreciate the flight of the condor.
Trekking in Colca
The starting spot for trekkings is the town of Cabanaconde, twenty minutes by car from the Condor Cross. From Arequipa it takes three hours to Chivay and from there two more hours to Cabanaconde.
The most recommendable routes for trekking are:
Oasis – Tapay: 3 days
Llahuar – Catarata de Huaruro: 4 days
Other adventure sports
There are companies offering Mountain Biking tours and Bike Downhill tours.
For adventurers and nature lovers another recommendable option is Rafting. Best time is between March and December.
It is also a great destination for birdwatchers. Not only the Peruvian Condor can be sighted here, but also a great variety of other birds. Hundreds of thousands of the three types of Flamingos in the world can be observed at the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca. A big variety of Andean birds inhabit the vast lands of the Colca Valley.
Some tips to be considered
Every visitor to the Colca Canyon has to purchase a Boleto Turístico (Touristic Ticket). You can purchase it in Chivay or in Cabanaconde it you intend to go trekking. The cost is S/ 70 (about U$ 23). Price for Southamerican visitors is S/. 40.
Although you can go on your own, it is highly recommendable that an agency organizes the trip for you. If you take public transportation it may not be easy to coordinate the timetables between one place and the other.
Separate at least three days for your trip, including a first day in Arequipa. This is with the purpose to get yourself acclimatized to the altitude.
The rainy season is between December and April. During this time, the minimum temperatures fluctuate between 39 and 41 degrees F. And maximum, between 64 and 75 degrees F. Not only heavy rain but also a very dense fog covers the valley at dawn and in the late afternoon.
Between March and October the minimum average temperature early in the morning is -50 degrees F. During the day it can reach up to 68 F.
We hope that this information is useful for you.
And for your stay in Lima don´t forget to check our Full Day Private Tours.