Arequipa-Colca Canyon (Cañon del Colca-Arequipa) Guide

At a depth of more than 3400m (11,333ft), the Arequipa-Colca Canyon is one of the deepest in the world and almost twice the depth of the Grand Canyon (1829m/6000ft). The Rio Colca winds its way through the gorge, with the impressive Sabancaya and Ampato volcanoes looming high in the background. The canyon, which is named after the Colcas (warehouses) where the Incas used to store grain in sealed vaults in the canyon walls, is dotted with flora and fauna. A highlight of any trip to the region is a chance to see the giant Andean Condor that inhabits the canyon; visitors can view these great birds soaring into the wind from the Cruz del Condor observation point. The valley towns, such as Yanque and Chivay, which have maintained their original appearance for almost 400 years, and the many pre-Inca tombs and ruins in the area, are also of interest.

Contact Addresses

Dirección Regional de Industria y Turismo, Jacinto Ibanez 456, Parque Industrial, Arequipa, Peru
Tel: (054) 213 044 or 235 660
Website: www.promperu.gob.pe

Transportation

Air: Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport, Cusco Airport (domestic flights). Rail: Train: Services to Arequipa. Road: Car: Arequipa-Lima road then road from Arequipa to the canyon.

Tourist Information

PromPerú (Commission for the Promotion of Peru)
Calle 1 Oeste 50, Edificio Mitinci, 13th Floor, Urb. Córpac, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru
Tel: (01) 224 3271. Fax: (01) 224 3323. E-mail: postmaster@promperu.gob.pe
Website: www.peru.org.pe
Embassy of the Republic of Peru
52 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SP, UK
Tel: (020) 7235 1917 or 7235 2545. Fax: (020) 7235 4463. E-mail: consulate@peruembassy-uk.com
Website: www.peruembassy-uk.com