Overview
The Colca Canyon is located in the northeast of Arequipa. The second deepest canyon of the world is located on approximately 5 hours by bus from Arequipa. Because of that, day visitors have to leave very early Arequipa to have the best impression of the Canyon as the best time to visit is around 08:00 am to spot the condors. In addition, the 2-day hike into the valley starts at 03:00 am! The highest point of the top is the snowy Ampato at 6300 meters high while the lowest point of the valley is 970 meters high. This is where 2 rivers: the Colca and the Andamayo come together. The Colca Canyon includes a green valley with terraced agriculture that predates before the Inca’s. Due to its terraces, the Colca Valley represents one of the most impressive cultural landscapes of the continent. The valley has a great diversity of flora and fauna, highlighting of course the condor. For all visitors to Peru, this is a must see! No matter if you do the 1 or 2 day guided tour to the Cruz del Condor or if you would like to hike down into the valley until the oasis.
