Colca Canyon Facts - Why to visit?
The name Colca refers to small holes in the cliffs in the valley and canyon. These holes were used in Inca and pre-Inca times to store food, such as potatoes and other Andean crops. They were also used as tombs for important people.
The canyon is home to the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), a species that has been the focus of worldwide conservation efforts. The condors can be seen at close range as they fly past the canyon walls, and are a popular attraction.
The Andean Condor typically lives about 60-70 years, and has a wingspan of about 2.1–2.7 metres. It is commonly referred to as the “Eternity Bird,” as the bird is a symbol of long life and eternity. ‘Cruz del Condor’ is a popular tourist stop to view the condors.
The town of Chivay is located in the valley. Above Chivay, at an elevation of 3500 metres, agriculture gives way to livestock raising, principally alpacas and llamas. Below Chivay the valley presents terraced landscapes. Within the deepening valley, small villages is spread out over 56 kilometres between Chivay and Cabanaconde village.
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Colca Canyon Worth Visiting For Sure!
Colca is home of the majestic Condor. Tourists can see the big condors at fairly close range as they fly through the canyon.
‘Cruz del Condor’ is a popular tourist stop to view the condors, the pass where condors soar gracefully on the rising thermals occurring as the air warms.
Colca is also ideal for Adventure Sports. In addition, La Calera natural hot springs is a wonderful way to relax after a day’s touring. The thermal waters are located at Chivay, the biggest town.
Discover one of the most beautiful areas in Peru; where you will find andean terraces built by the Collaguas and Cabanas, the two distinct ethnic groups in the Colca Valley.
This zone presents 16 villages, these are: Sibayo, Callalli, Tuti, Canocota, Chivay, Coporaque, Yanque, Ichupampa, Achoma, Lari, Maca, Madrigal, Cabanaconde, Pinchollo, Tapay and Huambo towns; in all this area you will find colonial churches and gently people.
In Chivay you will find “La Calera, hot springs, with recognized medicinal properties of importance. Also It’s possible to enjoy them in the villages of: Sibayo, Yanque and Llahuar.
Best Colca Canyon Tours and Trekkings 2019
Colca Canyon Full Day Tour
Enjoy the Colca Canyon in a one day tour, visit to Cruz del Condor viewpoint and the main villages
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One Day Trek Colca Canyon
Explore the magic of the Colca Canyon in a one day tour with hiking activities included
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Colca Canyon Trek 2 Days
Live the adventure in 2 days Trekking inside the Colca Canyon, the second deepest
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Colca Mixed Tour
Enjoy the Colca Canyon with this amazing tour wich includes Hiking in the Colca Canyon
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Special 2 Day Colca Canyon Tour
Discover both sides of the Colca Canyon, this alternative tour takes you to Chimpa Fortress
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Colca Canyon 2 Day Tour From Puno
Explore the Colca Canyon in 2 days leaving from Puno and ending in Arequipa city
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Cabanaconde 2 Day Tour
Cabanaconde and Achachihua viewpoint offers the option to explore the Colca Canyon
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Colca 2 Days Long Route
Explore the long route to the Colca Canyon: Mollepunko caves, La Ventana del Colca and Sibayo
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3 Day Tour Colca Canyon
This alternative Colca Tour includes the night in Cabanaconde and Canocota
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3 Days Colca Canyon Trek
Explore the bottom of the Colca Canyon in 3 days trekking, spend nights in family lodges
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Llahuar Trek 3 Days
Enjoy a tranquil environment with nice views and relaxing time in Llahuar Lodge
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Colca Canyon Trek 4 Days
The best trek for adventure travelers, this hike takes you to enjoy Huaruro waterfalls
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Activities
A journey to the Valley usually takes about 3-1/2 hours via public bus, across the high Andean plateau, reaching a high point of 4950 meters at the “Mirador de los Volcanes” in Patapampa, which offers fine views of several volcanoes that soar to more than 6,000 meters, so considered the altitude sickness.
Animals spotted in the valley include vicuñas, lamas and alpacas and a variety of birds, of particular interest the giant hummingbird, eagles, Andean geese, flamingos (September through March), and of course th Andean Condors, which can usually be spotted at Cruz del Condor.
Archeological sites include the caves of Mollepunko above Callalli where rock art (said to be 6,000 years old) depicts the domestication of the alpaca; the mummy of Paraqra, above Sibayo; the Fortaleza de Chimpa, a reconstructed mountaintop citadel that looks down on Madrigal; ruins of pre-Hispanic settlements throughout the valley; and many others.
Cultural attractions include the Wititi festival in Chivay, named as a “cultural heritage” of Peru. The Colca is also well known for crafts: goods knitted from baby alpaca fiber and a unique form of embroidery that adorns skirts (polleras), hats, vests, and other items of daily wear and use.
Other attractions include the Infiernillo Geyser, on the flanks of the volcano Hualca Hualca, which is accessible on foot, horseback, or mountain bicycle, and a number of casas vivenciales where tourists can stay with a local family in their home and share in their daily activities.
We have the perfect tailor made holiday to Arequipa, Colca, Cotahuasi and Toro Muerto Petroglyphs.