Canon del Colca and the terraced walls above Chivay
Published on 09/08/2026 at 14:37 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Canon del Colca, better known in English as Colca Canyon, cuts through the highlands of southern Peru north of Arequipa, dropping from cultivated slopes to the Colca River far below. The gorge begins near the town of Chivay in the province of Caylloma and forms a long corridor of Andean villages, terraces and volcanic rock.
An Andean canyon carved deep into volcanic rock
Canon del Colca follows the course of the Colca River through the Arequipa region, running for around 70 km between the upper valley near Chivay and the lower stretches near Cabanaconde.Colca River canyon The gorge lies roughly 160 km north of Arequipa and forms one of the most dramatic landforms in southern Peru, with villages and viewpoints strung along the rim.northwest of Arequipa
The canyon reaches a depth in the order of 3,200 to over 3,400 m (around 10,500 to 11,150 ft) between the highest peaks and the riverbed, depending on where it is measured.approximate depth range This makes Canon del Colca roughly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States and places it among the deepest canyons on Earth.one of the deepest canyons The walls expose layers of volcanic rock and sediment cut by the river along a major fault zone, giving the gorge its steep profile and varied colours.
Terraced slopes, highland villages and condor viewpoints
Above the river, the upper slopes of Canon del Colca are lined with agricultural terraces that date back to pre-Inca cultures such as the Collagua and Cabana, and many are still in use for crops like potatoes and maize.pre-Inca farming terraces Villages including Chivay and Cabanaconde sit on gentler ground along the valley, linked by the road that follows the canyon rim and crosses high passes in the surrounding Andes.villages along the canyon
One of the best-known viewpoints is Cruz del Cóndor, a lookout on the rim between Chivay and Cabanaconde where Andean condors pass close to the edge of the gorge.Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint The birds have some of the widest wingspans of any flying bird, reaching around 3.2 m (10.5 ft), and can be seen gliding above the canyon walls and over the river far below.Andean condor wingspan From the rim, trails drop down towards the valley floor, where small hamlets, suspension bridges and riverside planting mark the transition from the high puna to the lower canyon.
Canon del Colca in southern Peru’s wider landscape
Canon del Colca lies within the province of Caylloma in southern Peru, with its upper entrance close to Chivay and the deeper sections stretching towards districts such as Cabanaconde and Huambo.location near Chivay The gorge forms part of a wider volcanic landscape that includes high plateaus, scattered volcanoes and the protected areas of the Andean region. In this setting, Canon del Colca links high passes, hot springs near Chivay and viewpoints across the valley, creating a route that combines geology, agriculture and high-altitude settlements.
The canyon has attracted sustained attention from travellers and researchers for its depth and the continuity of terrace farming on its slopes, as well as the presence of Andean condors that use the thermals rising from the gorge.second-deepest canyon claim Canon del Colca is also linked to other highland attractions in the Arequipa region, including viewpoints over volcanic chains and wetlands where camelids and other Andean species graze. Together, these landscapes frame the canyon as one of the major natural sites of southern Peru.
Visiting Canon del Colca: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Canon del Colca begins near Chivay in the Caylloma province of southern Peru, reached overland from Arequipa by the road that climbs into the highlands.
- Many viewpoints, including those near Cruz del Cóndor, sit on high ground above the river, so visits involve altitude, exposed canyon edges and paths that can be steep in places.
- The canyon lies in a high Andean environment, where the upper valley around Chivay can see strong sun by day and cool temperatures after dark.
- The official language is Spanish and the currency is the Peruvian sol.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Canon del Colca on social platforms
These links open searches for Canon del Colca on each platform.Frequently asked questions about Canon del Colca
Where is Canon del Colca located?
Canon del Colca is in the Arequipa region of southern Peru, beginning near the town of Chivay in the province of Caylloma and running towards Cabanaconde.
What can visitors expect on a visit to Canon del Colca?
Visitors encounter high-altitude scenery with deep canyon views, pre-Inca terraces, small Andean villages and viewpoints where Andean condors can be seen gliding above the gorge.
What makes Canon del Colca distinctive among Peru’s landscapes?
Canon del Colca combines one of the greatest canyon depths in the Andes with long stretches of terraced agriculture and regular condor activity along the rim.
